Pictures of Molly

Molly - 2001

Duncan and Molly with their treatball - 2001

Where ever the kids were, so was Molly. She would keep close to the kids. This picture is right after Jacob and Emily came home in 2001. In this picture, it is Molly and Emily (9 months old)

Am I Going Crazy?

Today, May 5, 2009. While I was in our small laundry room early this morning, I heard a set of dog tags jiggle and thought to myself that I had to watch for Molly, so I don't step on her. Then I realized that Molly wasn't on this Earth any longer! I looked and our Kenny (5 year old scottie) was sleeping on the couch and the kids were in their bedroom. When Scott got home from work, he also said he heard the same tag jiggle twice since Molly's passing. Could this be Molly's way of saying..."I'm OK and I am here". I sure hope so! If not, I am losing my mind!!! The house still feels so empty without her. Kenny finally ate tonight after I made him ground hamburger and rice. I know...time heals all wounds! But, since Duncan died in November 2007 until now, my life has sucked!! Duncan's passing; Jacob's autism diagnosis; the majority of a small LDS Branch (congregation) that doesn't give a flip about your family and now Molly's passing -life just SUCKS!! I sure hope it starts improving!!

What A Week: Trip to Dentist and Molly's Passing

This last past week is something I don't want to re-live anytime soon. It was a very tiring, straining week in so many ways.

Monday - Tuesday: Nothing I can remember, but yet again - my brain is in a fog today.

Wednesday: Had to go over Jacob's IEP at school. I don't know why I push for "services" since they can only offer him around 30 minutes (if that) per week! After the meeting, I was getting ready to leave for work. That is when Jacob's teacher brought him to me to show me he broke his front tooth, almost in half. Jacob claims he was running in the gym, racing a friend, and ran into the wall. Doesn't that kid know that there are "walls" inside?!?!?! I had to cancel work and take him to the dentist. The dentist was able to reconstruct his front tooth and it looks good.

Thursday: I don't remember what I did in the morning, but in the afternoon was Jacob's neurofeedback at noon and then later it was Austin's golf lesson and Emily had to be dressed and in make-up for her ballet pictures. Ok, it was raining and I had to transport three kids and making sure Emily's still looked good from school (yep, that is where I got her ready) to the dance studio in the rain. I think we managed it - her photos turned out nice.

Friday: Not a good day. We noticed Thursday night that Molly was just not feeling her feisty self. I called in the morning to make an appointment to get her in. Molly's breathing was labored, she threw up a couple of times and wasn't eating. The only time I could get her in was at 4pm - I took the appointment. I kept an eye on Molly thru-out the day. She would walk outside, occasionally, and even would follow me to the bedroom when I headed back there to fold laundry. Anyway, at 4pm I took her to the vet.

Molly was examined. The vet said she wasn't in good shape, although the first x-ray looked good. She suggested they keep her to put her on fluids and keep a closer eye on her. I was hesitate, because the last time I left my pup at the vet (Duncan in November 2007), he never came home. I didn't want to, but finally agreed to allow her to stay for the night.

Saturday: I dropped Emily off at the "A Beautiful Me" meeting (to build self-esteem) at the library. On my way home, I received a phone call from the vet. Molly wasn't improving and the second set of x-rays showed a shadow around her liver. Her blood work looked good, except for a couple elevated liver enzymes. The vet said she strongly felt it was cancer (if I remember right, she said 98% sure) and we needed to do exploratory surgery. After I got home, we took Jacob and Austin up to the vet to see Molly. Molly wanted to go home SO bad - she lead Austin to the door for him to open it. We stayed about 20 minutes and then had to leave to pick up Emily.

That afternoon I had to take Austin to his first golf tournament. He played awesome, I played not so good. I haven't played golf in YEARS and my mind was so heavy with worry with Molly. After the tournament, we headed to my parents home for a couple of hours so Austin could visit with his "Amah".

Sunday: Not a good day. I pushed myself to get up and get going, instead of wallowing in self pity. It was Church day, but between it being Stake Conference (Jacob doesn't do well with schedule change) and with Molly going in for surgery at 11am, I just could go anywhere. I did have to go to the dance studio to buy tickets for Emily's recitial this month and order Emily's birthday cake (cause I didn't do that on Friday or Saturday). Right after I left the dance studio, I received the dreaded phone call from the vet.

The vet was right, Molly did have cancer. She had cancer thru her entire stomach lining (stomach cancer) and then it spread to her liver, lymph nodes and spleen. Molly's stomach was rock hard from the cancer and in great pain. The saddest news is, there is nothing that could be done to save my precious baby! I requested to the vet that I wanted Molly awake, so we could say our good-byes. Debbie came up and we took all the kids, Kenny included, to say goodbye to Molly. Molly was still trying to be the brave, feisty girl and refused to lay down - and this was after she had major surgery!!!

We took our time saying good-bye to Molly. Even though Molly was deaf, I think she knew that we loved her, will greatly miss her and we did NOT want to do this. Everyone left the room, except for Molly, the vet and me. The injection was given and my sweet girl left this Earth while laying in my arms.

Monday: Today is Emily's 9th birthday and I am trying to get thru it. I am going to cancel work and try to make this a good birthday for my daughter, despite our pain.

Molly: Molly will be missed. I have no one to follow me around the house; dig up moles; dig holes in the yard; protecting the kids; laying on the rug in the kitchen while I cook dinner - and the list goes on. She came into our lives right after Scott and I were married. She was with us at the condo, then onto the Sterling Heights house and now to our current home. For the last 11-1/2 years, Molly was part of our daily life and now she is gone. I don't know how I am going to get thru today.

Another Post From EMILY!!

By now, Jacob is 10 years old. I'm now finally taking ballet again!!! My recital is coming up soon.

I am so excited and can't wait! We are still thinking about the vacation coming up. I have know clue where we are going for vacation. Anyways, I've been taking ballet for almost 4 years. This is my 4th year of ballet already! I have been doing it since this February I think.

By now it is almost my birthday. At May 4th. Oh, last Sunday was Easter. I got a hula hoop for
Easter! I also got a lot of other stuff too like crayons and some pencils. Plus a note pad. It is pink
colored with little Easter eggs on it. Jacob and Austin got some too. But either Jacob or Austin
had an Easter bunny on his? Plenty of stuff happened since last time I posted. Valentines day was laughable, a warm spring week, and a lot of other things.

This week is very warm. By now we go outside every day. I have been playing on my hula hoop,
Jacob was playing Badminton,...oh! Austin through the birdie up on the porch!!! ( Funny!!!) Well
I just noticed it on the porch while in the kitchen. Austin already knew he threw it up there. The
birdie is the thing you use in Badminton.

Well that is for all mates! Good bye!

Jacob and his Neurofeedback

With the help of a few friends, we started to take Jacob to the Autism Support Center for neurofeedback. Neurofeedback is the process that helps retrain the brain to do wrong things right - for example - MELTDOWNS!! Jacob has had three neurofeedback sessions, thus far, and I am seeing fewer meltdowns. I don't know if he is having less meltdowns because he is on Spring break this week or if the neurofeedback is really working. Of course, I am hoping that the sessions are working!!! If you want to know more about this, go here: http://www.mpccares.com/autism-neurofeedback-treatment.htm

We will keep you posted!! :)

Happy Easter

Here Comes The Snow! :*(

Apparently Michigan is about to get a major snowstorm tomorrow night and into Monday. Can I just tell you that I am OVER winter and want Spring!!

**

Issued by The National Weather Service
Detroit, MI
4:03 pm EDT, Sat., Apr. 4, 2009

... WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY EVENING THROUGH MONDAY AFTERNOON...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN DETROIT/PONTIAC HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WATCH... WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY EVENING THROUGH MONDAY AFTERNOON.

RAIN WILL SPREAD INTO THE AREA LATE SUNDAY AND THEN CHANGE TO SNOW SUNDAY EVENING AS A LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM TRACKS INTO THE AREA. THIS SNOW MAY BECOME HEAVY AT TIMES SUNDAY NIGHT... AND THEN PERSIST INTO MONDAY BEFORE TAPER OFF TO SNOW SHOWERS. TOTAL ACCUMULATIONS OF 6 TO 10 INCHES WILL BE POSSIBLE. NORTH TO NORTHWEST WINDS WILL ALSO GUST TO NEAR 30 MPH BY MONDAY.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT SNOW... SLEET... OR ICE ACCUMULATIONS THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL. CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS.

Senator Stabenow's (D-MI) Office is Useless

I have been trying to gather support with the politicians to help someone with their financing of their business. This is an existing business, where the owners have great credit, pay their bills on time and the building has equity. The bummer part is that the balloon on the mortgage came at a bad time - March 2009.

The business is my kids school. My children have attended this school for the last five years and have excelled beyond what they would have done in public school. Jacob, my little guy with Aspergers Syndrome, may have some rough days, but at least he is learning. Emily is reading at 6th grade level (she is only 8) and baby Austin is doing 1st grade math and reading. The staff and the administration have been wonderful and my kids have flourished.

When I heard that the JP Morgan Chase (remember the bank with 250 Billion in TARP money) decided not to renew the mortgage, I became angry. Me, being the go-to-it person that I am, decided to write all the Congress people from Michigan (and yes, I even wrote to Obama and Biden) asking them for help in this matter. Our first call came from our US Representative, Candice Miller (R-MI), on Tuesday. Their office was understanding and told the owner she would be receiving a phone call from Chase in the next few days. Great news!! Today, Thursday, Stabenows (D-MI) and basically told the owner that it was "too bad", "sell the building" and "we can't do anthing for you". WHAT??? Doesn't this idiot (aka Stabenow) work for us - the Michigan residents? Isn't Chase using OUR money from TARP funds to purchase new jets (2) and a new hanger for their new toys?

If the owner had done something wrong, I would be the first to tell them, but they have not. The only thing they are guilty of is the bad timing of their balloon on their mortgage for their business building. They are hard working, dedicated people who love what they do and love the children. They pay their bills, have great credit and never were late with the mortgage payments, along with the building having some major equity.

Tomorrow I will write letters to the CEO and all the Board members of JP Morgan Chase telling them of our issue. I will not give up!

And yes, I will keep you posted!

By the way, if anyone has any ideas on how we can get this thing to work, drop me an email.

World Autism Awareness Day

Today is "World Autism Awareness Day". Below is from their website. Not only do we need to become "aware", but we need to do more about autism. Hey, getting Michigan to pay for autism treatment would be a step in the right direction!!

"On December 18, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 62/139, tabled by the State of Qatar, which declares April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in perpetuity. Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned, Consort of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, supported the campaign for a World Autism Awareness Day through the current 62nd UN General Assembly Session, garnering consensus support from all United Nations Member States.

This UN resolution is one of only three official disease-specific United Nations Days and will bring the world's attention to autism, a pervasive disorder that affects tens of millions. The World Autism Awareness Day resolution encourages all Member States to take measures to raise awareness about autism throughout society and to encourage early diagnosis and early intervention. It further expresses deep concern at the prevalence and high rate of autism in children in all regions of the world and the consequent developmental challenges.

World Autism Awareness Day shines a bright light on autism as a growing global health crisis. WAAD activities help to increase and develop world knowledge of the autism epidemic and impart information regarding the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention. Additionally, WAAD celebrates the unique talents and skills of persons with autism and is a day when individuals with autism are warmly welcomed and embraced in community events around the globe.

By bringing together autism organizations all around the world, we will give a voice to the millions of individuals worldwide who are undiagnosed, misunderstood and looking for help. Please join us in our effort to inspire compassion, inclusion and hope."

Source: www.worldautismawarenessday.org

Jacob Updates

In February, Jacob celebrated his 10th birthday. I love this picture because he looks so happy with this "cake with fruit and Sponge Bob". Do you know how hard it is to find a cake with fruit and the ignorant yellow sponge from Nick?


This picture is NOT my favorite - Jacob in a middle of a meltdown. Can I tell you that I am over the yelling and screaming with these meltdowns?!?!?! I know it comes with the territory of autism, but I so tired of having to deal with them. Just tonight he had another meltdown, along with having a bad day at school. :(


At his Cub Scout den meeting he did a presentation on the state of Illinois. Ok, Illinois is upside down in the picture, but he did a great job at explaining what he did when he goes to Illinois. He also showed pictures, one with him at his great-grandparents cemetery (Great Grandma Dorothy and Great Grandpa). He was talking like he knew them. It was too cute.

Emily Updates

Emily at their Writers Night at school. She is such an incredible writer - she just amazes me beyond words. Several weeks ago she wrote the following about her Mom:

"My mom is a very nice person. She can be either fun or serious. Mom has blond hair and green eyes. Her favorite things are computers, her children, her husband and pretty much the whole family. Mom usually wears anything from capris to sweaters to t-shirts. I liker her anyway she looks. She is lovely. Mom walks like any other person would, but doesn't usually swing her arms. She isn't very unsteady like me. My mom is special because she is my mom. She is like my best friend."

BTW...I am saving the above paper, which I am going to laminate, and show it to her when she becomes an obnoxious teenager! HA!



Emily with her Korean dance fan while wearing her hanbok (Korean dress). I just hope and pray that she continues to love and embrace the Korean culture.

Austin Updates

Austin has been taking golf lessons at school. He loves golf and can not wait to play a round with Papa when he gets back from Florida.



Austin after he read his story at Writers Night. He wrote a story about himself, along with illustrations. I would have posted one of him actually reading, but he held the book up which covered his face.

Valentines Day Party At School

I know these posts aren't in order - SORRY!

This picture cracks me up. Here are Austin and his classmate, Emma. Emma loves to chase the boys and kiss them. The reason I love this photo because it sums it up - Austin wants the food and Emma wants Austin. HA!

8th Gotcha Day

On February 2nd, Jacob and Emily have been home 8 years. We did our usual thing - going out to eat Korean food. Very yummy!

Austin's Driving Experience

Austin was invited to a birthday party in January. They had race cars and he loved it! See the smile!

Jacob's Birthday

Jacob turned 10 on the 20th of February. As you can see, he was very happy to get a DS.

Home Safe and Sound

I made it home safe and sound from Illinois. It was good to see family, but a bummer to attend a funeral (memorial) for my Uncle Gary. I will post more later!

Uncle Gary Passes Away

I just found out today that one of my Uncles has died. I will be leaving for Illinois tomorrow for his funeral. This is one of my favorite photos of him and I together. In this photo I was 1 year old and Gary was 17 taken while visiting family in Jacksonville, Illinois. He will be greatly missed by his children and grandchildren. He was a great guy who was always happy.

Jacob is a Webelo!

Sunday was "Scout Sunday" at Church. Here is Jacob in his uniform with all his badges sewed on!! We are very proud of him!!

Some Time To Blog!

This has been a very busy two weeks. I have been working alot of hours for work (work) and at the school. This week alone I was at work three days; school one full day and today I was at the gym. Yes, you heard me right - I finally decided to do something for myself and join a gym and to get into shape.

Monday was a rough day - I was called at work to come and get Jacob from school. Jacob had a meltdown (can I tell you that I am so over the meltdown drama!?!?!). Jacob was angry because his teacher told him to rewrite his cursive. School work after the kids were in bed.

Tuesday was busy. I was at work most of the day then off to pick the kids up at 4pm. We then had to go to the Blue and Gold Banquet where Jacob became a Webelo. School work after the kids were in bed.

Wednesday I was at work; to my parents to check out the house; then bowling for the kids. Of course, Jacob did NOT want to go so he went to latch-key after school. I don't know what I am going to do with that boy. Came home, made dinner (KFC) and Emily was off to Achievement Day. After the kids were in bed, I taught school.

Thursday I was at school all day helping out for Austin's Valentines Party and working in the office. Dropped Emily off at ballet and then dinner. I decided I needed a break from teaching, so I took a night off.

Friday (today) I went to the gym this morning. The gym has a nice child care area for the kids and they love going. We then were off to Costco; gas and post office. Emily went to stay the weekend with Aunt Debbie. After dinner, I did my teaching and now blogging.

See, my week was busy and now see why I am so exhausted this week. Jacob has been trying my patience and I have no idea what to do with him. Maybe I need more prayer or some good drugs (Prozac, maybe?).

That about does it for this week.

Happy Gotcha Day

Today, February 2nd, is Emily and Jacob's "Gotcha Day". They arrived home 8 years ago today from South Korea. We are going to dinner at the local Korean restaurant for the celebration!!

Jacob Earns Bear Badge in Scouts - he is a Webelow

I am so proud of Jacob. He has finished his Bear requirements in Cub Scout and will now be a Webelow! He will get his award and scarf at the next Blue and Gold Banquet on the 10th of February!! Pictures will be coming!!

February 2, 2009

This coming Monday, February 2nd, will be Jacob and Emily's "Gotcha Day". That is the day they arrived home from South Korea. I can not believe it has been 8 years since they came home - where has the time gone?!?!?! The pictures above was the day were taken at Metro Airport. Yes, for the longest time my kids thought that when a new baby came home, you went to the airport NOT the hospital!!!

새해에 복많이 받으십시오!!!!

새해에 복많이 받으십시오 - It means Happy New Year in Korean. Today is Lunar New Year in the Asian countries - it is the year of the OX.

So, everyone have a safe and happy New Year!

Bolt Comes To Visit the West Home

In Jacob and Emily's class, their class mascot is "Bolt" from the Disney movie. Each weekend one child is allowed to take Bolt home and then journal what they did together. This last weekend was Emily's turn to take Bolt home. I had to laugh, because she wrote that Bolt and Austin were scared of a daddy-longed leg spider; slept; and watched "The Clone Wars". Too funny!!

Mr. Hanks Apologizes For His Idiot Remarks

It appears that Mr. Hanks has finally come to his senses and has apologized. His remarks appear below:

**

Tom Hanks Apologizes for Calling Mormon Supporters of Proposition 8 'Un-American'

Friday , January 23, 2009

Tom Hanks says he's sorry he told FOXNews.com that Mormons who supported California's constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage were "un-American."

"Last week, I labeled members of the Mormon church who supported California's Proposition 8 as 'un-American,'" the actor said in a statement through his publicist. "I believe Proposition 8 is counter to the promise of our Constitution; it is codified discrimination."

"But everyone has a right to vote their conscience; nothing could be more American," the statement continues. "To say members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints who contributed to Proposition 8 are 'un-American' creates more division when the time calls for respectful disagreement. No one should use 'un- American' lightly or in haste. I did. I should not have."

The "Big Love" producer made his original remarks at the Los Angeles premiere of the HBO series last week.

“The truth is a lot of Mormons gave a lot of money to the church to make Prop-8 happen,” he told FOXNews.com. “There are a lot of people who feel that is un-American, and I am one of them. I do not like to see any discrimination codified on any piece of paper, any of the 50 states in America, but here's what happens now.”

Read Tom Hanks' original statement in full.

Kim Farah, a spokeswoman for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, responded that "expressing an opinion in a free and democratic society is as American as it gets."

Bill McKeever, a rep for the Mormonism Research Ministry, added, "Personally, I find it un-American to tell people that they shouldn’t vote their conscience."

**

Source: http://www.foxnews.com/printer_friendly_story/0,3566,482266,00.html

"Love and Logic"

Well, I have been using "Love and Logic" on the kids for a week now. For those of you that don't know, "Love and Logic" (www.loveandlogic.com) is an positive approach for parenting children. No yelling or screaming - just empathy, having the child think for themselves and natural consequences. The first two days were tough with Jacob, but he is coming around slowly. On the first day, Austin said..."Oh, I get it. You are being a nice Mom now!" Hmmm, I guess I wasn't a nice Mom before?!?!? I am hoping this continues to work, cause my blood pressure was off the charts with the old method - yelling and grounding! :/ I will keep you all posted!

My Blood is Boiling!

Tonight I found out that Tom Hanks made some off-handed comment last week about how "Mormons were Un-American" because the Church supported Prop. 8. So tonight I spent a few minutes typing a little rebuttal to Mr. Hanks and posted it on the "Variety" website. I am sure he will never see it, but at least I felt better! And to let everyone know, not one person that left comments were in support of Mr. Hanks comments! :) Ok, I am getting off my milk-crate for now!!

**

Mr. Hanks:

My family has lived in this country before it was a country. I have had at least one of my ancestors, and now cousins, fight in every war this country has been engaged in - all the way from the Revolutionary War to the current war happening in Iraq. I am American - yes, a flag waving American!! I am also LDS (aka Mormon). I think you would be better off making movies than spouting your idiot comments to the press about how "Mormons are Un-American". You have no clue. There were plenty of Catholics, Baptists, and other folks who do not want to see the California Constitution be changed because women want to marry women and men want to marry men. I would strongly suggest you keep to memorized scripts, because when you speak and think for yourself it is making you look like a fool!!!! I for one will not be seeing any films that you are involved with (in front or behind the camera) and the ones that I do own will be in the trash by the time I go to bed tonight.

More Snow!

Yes, believe it or not there is more snow falling. We are under a Winter Storm Warning, which means we could get up to 7 more inches. Oh well - good excuse to stay indoors today.

Emily's Personal Blog Post

Emily wants her own website, so I told her she could have the blog entry for today.

***

Hi, my name is Emily! I have a lot of talents. Dancing, especially ballet, hmmm...playing the piano and the guitar. I like drawing and singing and reading. I really LIKE school! My favorite subjects are math, literature, reading, writing, art and music. My teacher's name is Miss Hill. She is nice. There is also Mr. Kram. He is nice too. We did a race to see which scabs heals first. It has been weeks and maybe a few months. Anyways, my best friends are Rachael and Lauren. My new friends are Ava and Ashley. My boyfriend is Matt, but he doesn't know it yet. Kidding - he does know it. My little brother Austin tells him that. I then chase my little brother for telling Matt that. Austin doesn't like that I chase him and then he chases me.

I have one more brother named Jacob who is almost 10 years old. He likes computers. Sometimes he plays Star Wars with Austin on the Wii. Sometimes NOT on the Wii. Austin, who is 5 years old, loves Star Wars, especially the Clone Troopers like Captain Cody.

I have two dogs and five fish. Do you want me to tell you their names? Their names are Kenny and Molly (dogs) and I don't want to tell you the fish names. But one is a school of fish.

That about does it from me, Emily. I will try to get Mom to let me post again.

Love,

Emily
The Family Princess and Diva

Happy New Year!

Just wishing everyone a very Happy New Year!

The Weather Outside "Was" Frightful!

Just on Christmas day, we still had about 15 inches of snow on the ground - today it is almost gone. During one of the kids snow days, Emily and Austin went outside to play. Here are a few photos of their romp in the backyard.

Christmas Morning!

The boys playing the game Lego Star Wars on the Wii

Emily and Jacob checking out their stocking

Austin and his Star War ship

Emily has been talking about this guitar for WEEKS!

Jacob wanted almost all science things this year. Here he is with his microscope

Santa (along with Grandma and Grandpa) gave the kids almost everything they wanted. Emily was disappointed that she didn't get that HORSE, but she will get over it. HA!

Christmas Eve!

It has been a tradition since the kids came home that I make matching Christmas jammies. Of course, they really didn't like them this year, since there were scotties on the fabric. But hey, it was the only fabric that I could find that had enough for the three kids! And yes, those are gloves on Emily's hands. She refuses to stop picking at her boo-boo's, so I resorted to taping gloves on. Anyway, they still look adorable!

Merry Christmas!

Hoping everyone is having a very Merry Christmas!

Christmas Concert Pictures

Jacob and Emily

Austin

The school Christmas concert was on Tuesday night. Emily and Austin loved going, Jacob was not so happy. Even though he did sing, a little, he was not a happy camper.

Let It Snow!

We are getting a ton of snow today - over 10 inches. The kids are happy because they have a snow day.

School Christmas Concert and Snow!

Tonight was the kids school Christmas concert. All three did a great job and they looked so cute dressed up in their Christmas outfits. While at the concert, it started to snow. The snow looks so beautiful - fluffy and glistening. As soon as the get the pictures off the camera, I will get some posted!

Update!

Sorry folks - it has been crazy here. Hey, haven't I said that before? Anyway, I will give you the Cliff Notes on what has been going on!

1) Jacob! We have been having a hard time with him lately. I took him to doctor again last Monday and they put him on a different kind of medication for ADHD. I don't know if he really has ADHD, but the doctor feels that the medication could help him with this complications from his Aspergers Syndrome. The first med, that was prescribed in October, did not work!!! His meltdowns were awful. One day we had three in one day! ARG! Talk about being tired and drained - me too! No serious meltdowns since these last meds were prescribed - thank goodness!

2) Emily! Emily was back to the doctor last week to have her boo-boo's checked. From all the stress with Jacob's screaming meltdowns, we feel she has been suffering from stress (haven't we all) and won't allow her boo-boo's to heal. The doctor put her on two different antibotics which she takes three times a day. They are looking good and should be completely healed by Thanksgiving. WOOHOO!

3) Austin (aka..Bubba)! He has been doing great. Austin always has a smile on his face and he loves his Momma. He is doing great in 1st grade math and finally starting to read books. Star Wars still occupies all of his waking thoughts . In fact tonight, for his homework, he decorated a paper turkey as a Clone Trooper. Last Wednesday Austin went with Scott to his first Detroit Piston basketball game. He loved it!! If you have a Facebook account, send me a friend request and then you can see a cute picture of Austin at the game.

4) Scott! Working hard and trying to keep sane in this house!

5) Molly and Kenny! They continue to sleep and eat, along barking at the squirrels. They are doing great - fat and happy.

6) Me! I am doing alright. Jacob has been keeping me busy (frazzled; frustrated and brain dead) with his endless meltdowns. Work has increased and I have been teaching computer programming at night. We did pick up our new vehicle last Thursday - a brand new Toyota Sienna. Yes, a foreign car!!! After hearing the US automakers WHINE; their stock dropping like a brick; the quality of their vehicles down compared to Toyota and Honda; their future unknown - I bought foreign. This was a hard decision for me, since I was born and raised in Michigan. It was pounded into my head that we only drive US auto's, because they are better than the "rice burners"! Wrong. After countless hours of researching (Consumer Reports; Edmunds) and compiled Excel spreadsheets, I found that brainwashing to be wrong. The new car is saving me over $100 per a year because the insurance company feels it is "safer" than my two year old Chrysler mini-van. I am so glad that I am not only saving money, but in a safer vehicle for my family. I do hope one day the US automakers come around and start making a product that matches that of Honda and Toyota and when that day happens, I will buy "American" again. Oh, by the way, my van is compiled of 85% of US materials plus assembled in Indiana. Last time I look, Indiana was in America!! :)

That about does it here. We are getting thru life and hoping and praying that the meltdowns continue to be lessened with the new medication.

If I don't log on before Thursday, I hope everyone has a very happy Turkey Day!

Rough, Rough, Day

It was a rough day today with Jacob. For some reason(s), he had a long meltdown at school today. He also had a rough night - several meltdowns. I don't know about him, but they wear me down - I am exhausted tonight!

Please Vote On November 4, 2008

Please EVERYONE, go out and vote tomorrow.

The Story of Emily's Chin!

Several people have asked about Emmy's chin. For whatever reason, Emily will not allow her skinned chin and lip to heal. I think when it starts to heal and start to itch, she picks at it until it bleeds (and stops itching). I have been putting anti-itch cream and band-aids on her chin to discourage her from picking at it and making it worse but it hasn't stopped her yet!

So, if anyone has any suggestions on how to remedy this please let me know.

Thanks!

Trick'or'Treating At Amah and Papa's House

It is a tradition to go Trick'or'Treating at Grandpa and Grandma's house (aka...Amah and Papa).

Pumpkin Time

Every year the kids design their own faces on the pumpkins and this year was no exception.

The Star Wars Crew

Austin, Emily and Jacob

Before Trunk'n'Treat at the Lake Orion Ward

Sunday!

Well, it is Sunday and it has been nice and quiet. The kids and I stayed home from Church. I had a major migraine yesterday, which means I am "fuzzy headed" today (and no, it is NOT a blond thing).

Jacob is hopefully calming down from his meltdowns. I took him about 10 days ago to the doctor and they put him on medication for ADHD. I really think he needs anti-anxiety medication, not ADHD meds, but I am willing to try anything to help him calm down.

I was going to post Halloween pictures, but I have yet to get them off my camera. Will work on that this week.

Very Long Week!

There has been alot going on here, but not very exciting. I have been working too many hours, along with helping out at school. Along with working and helping out at school, I have also started to teach college at night. Jacob is back to his meltdowns (yelling, screaming, throwing, crying) at school and at home. Very tiring for everyone, to say the least. Emily has been doing wonderful in school. She is ready to move to the 6th grade reading - something that she loves to do. Austin is doing great in school, especially going to 1st grade math! ;) Scott is working many hours - this is his busy time. Molly and Kenny have been doing what they do best - eating and sleeping! HA!

I am dead tired tonight, so this is going to be a quick post. Will try to write more later.

Austin and Molly Taking A Nap!

Austin likes to fall asleep where his Mom is located. This night he fell asleep on the floor of the family room. Molly loves it when this happens, because she loves to curl up with the kids while they sleep. Ole Mol has been doing this since Emily was a baby. Whenever Emily was on the floor, Molly would be be on guard close by. And YES, both of them have their own bed and Molly needs a bath and haircut!!

Emily's Eye Patch

Emily has to wear an eye patch to help strengthen the left eye. If the patches don't work, she will need surgery during Christmas break. At least she only has to wear them 3 hours per day.

Krambrooke Wear

More pictures!

Here is a picture of the kids wearing their new shirts from Land's End.

Things Are Quiet

Things here have been pretty quiet. The kids are doing well in school. My Mom was released from the hospital yesterday and feeling much better.

Mom Back In Hospital!!

Well my Mom is back in the hospital. She has been feeling great, but yesterday she started to cough up blood. I went to visit her tonight. She ate a little food, but is very tired. We will keep you posted.

Call Me "Professor Dawn"

Yes, it is official. I will be teaching college classes - computer programming languages. :) Will start teaching in a few weeks.

Kids Did Great Last Week In School - WOOHOO!

Yes, this accomplishment merits an entry in the family blog. Last week all three of my children did great - good behavior and all A's. Although today (remember new week), Jacob decided he did not want to work in school, which means he is now doing his homework at the kitchen table!

First Day of School

Don't they look cute?!?!

All Is Well!

The kids are doing great in school. They moved Austin up to 1st grade math, which he loves being there with his friends Nicholas and Braeden. Jacob and Emily are doing great "academically", but not at behavior. Emily has had three notes home already - ARG!!

I just found out a local family had quads on the 9th of September. Their URL to their blog is

http://jennmike-kingquads.blogspot.com/

The school's entry in the Romeo Peach Festival won us 2nd place in the commercial category.

Above is a picture of the kids before the parade with their t-shirts on. I was proud of them during the parade route. It took over three hours to walk (ok, most of that time was WAITING), but no one complained - not even Jacob. The only snafu was Austin had to "pee", so him and Scott made a quick stop at Brother and Sister Robertson's house to use the bathroom.

The Kids Are Back In School!

Yes, the kids are back in school. Not only was I ready for the new school year to start, they were too! All three were up and dressed by 7:30am and ready to go.

I can not believe Jacob is in 5th grade; Emmy in 4th and Austin in kindergarten. As soon as I get the pictures off my camera, I will upload a couple pics of the kids at their first day of school.