The School Does the Right Thing!

Woohoo! I met with the school board president over the break and went over everything that was going on. I wasn't sure that it was a good idea to have met with her, but since we've been back in school, I have gotten a call from a guy that is on the payroll to do the IEPs! It's very exciting. He has some great ideas for Wesley to be implemented throughout his day. For now, all is well. I must post more. That would be a good new year's resolution if I did those.

The Middle Child

I have three children. All boys. They are each my favorite. I tell each of them separately not to tell the others, but "you're my favorite". My middle child has had some real problems at school lately. He has had twenty write-ups, 2 trips to the alternative school and is at the end of his third suspension. He's 7, in first grade. I have been trying to tell the schools since he was 5 that I thought he had some SPD (sensory processing disorders). I also told them that he couldn't handle food dyes. They have on record that he can't have milk products. So... after write up #19, I have a meeting with the school psychologist, his teacher, the vice-principal, the special ed teacher and the 1st grade liaison. I remind them of his issues with food dyes, milk ect. I have an appointment later in the day to get NEW food restriction letters since the cafeteria claims to never have been told by the DOCTOR that he can't have food dyes. First of all, bologna. Second, I am his mother. I decide what he eats or doesn't eat. I should NOT need a doctor's note. My word SHOULD be enough. Nevertheless, I go into his classroom to get him for his appointment, and the principal is subbing. My child is eating trail mix with M&Ms. We have a problem with his behavior and we are going to feed him the things that make him crazy? Artificially colored candy coated MILK chocolate??????

Now, we don't celebrate Christmas. It's not a holiday for our family and yes, it is for religious reasons, and no, we are not JW. I have explained to the school that I don't want my kids doing Santa stuff, christas tree stuff, etc. #2's teacher asked if it was okay if she gave him stuff about Hannakuh. I said I didn't have a problem with it. Now they think we're Jewish. We're not, but whatever.

So I tell #3's teacher the same things. She acts like it is no problem. Maybe because she didn't plan on making any accomodations. #3 comes home with a letter to santa. So, I remind her that we don't celebrate and please don't talk about Santa unless you want him telling everyone that there is no santa. Then I get a packet of "work" that he refused to do at school. Most of it being christmas stuff. So I send her an email this time, letting her know the reason he refused was because we don't celebrate christmas, blah blah blah.

Yesterday, I get a letter home. It is explaing everything about the christmas party. How we need to send a $3 gift wrapped for the exchange. And every child is to bring a supply for the party. My childs supply is..... ready????


A BOX OF FOOD COLORING

I don't even know anymore.

These tough times...

Even though the income I was receiving from my job wasn't huge, it was going to be used to pay off some debt. Well, we were able to get a few extras, like buying books at the book fair, letting the kids have "extras" on their lunches, etc. Now I find myself bartering for things. It seems to be working well.

I have been helping a friend reorganize her house. I hope she thinks what I am doing is worth it, but I find it to be both financially and emotionally rewarding. She pays me in groceries and I work two mornings a week. I am really proud of her for keeping up on what we've done. It makes it all the more fun to go in and bust it out!

The week before last, one of my friends gave me a brand new Buzz Lightyear winter coat for ds#2. I gave her a bunch of AGD outfits for her girls' dolls.

I am thinking of getting a bunch of stuff made and putting it on Etsy again. My mil wants me to make her an apron. Maybe I'll make a bunch of those and put them up. I am planning to make new window treatments for a friend for her kitchen windows.

I am thankful my husband has his job, and I am thankful than I am able to help some, but I always wish I could do more. I am also thankful that I don't have that sweat shop job as I am sick AGAIN and wouldn't be able to handle the work.

I am no longer a "Working" mother...

Since I started working on October 2nd, I have had my car break down on the way to work and was 1/2 hour late, was sick for two days, had to go in late because my juvenile delinquent had morning detention, then he had an asthma attack and had to be picked up at school. Today, I got a call from the school that he is suspended for today and tomorrow. He has had 6 write-ups since I started this new job. That tells me that my family is not ready for me to be back in the workforce. So, I'm home again. What to do...what to do?

I guess I could go back to eating bon-bons, talking on the phone, watching TV and NAPS! Yeah right! I WISH! I guess the laundry will get done, the floors will be swept and beds will be made again.

Practical Application of Redistribution

Today on my way to lunch I passed a homeless guy with a sign that read "Vote Obama, I need the money." I laughed. Once in the restaurant my server had on a "Obama 08" tie, again I laughed as he had given away his political preference -- just imagine the coincidence.

When the bill came I decided not to tip the server and explained to him that I was exploring the Obama redistribution of wealth concept. He stood there in disbelief while I told him that I was going to redistribute his tip to someone who I deemed more in need--the homeless guy outside. The server angrily stormed from my sight.

I went outside, gave the homeless guy $10 and told him to thank the server inside as I've decided he could use the money more. The homeless guy was grateful. At the end of my rather unscientific redistribution experiment I realized the homeless guy was grateful for the money he did not earn, but the waiter was pretty angry that I gave away the money he did earn even though the actual recipient deserved money more.

I guess redistribution of wealth is an easier thing to swallow in concept than in practical application.

Blagh!

I still feel yuck. I think I feel better, and then I do something exhausting, like fold some socks, and I'm ready for bed again. Woah! Time for bed again.

I'm sick :(

I had to call in sick to work today because I have flu-like symptoms. Every time I think I feel better, I get up, move around and feel all nauseous again. UGH! I hope I'm better soon so I can get back to work (WHATEVAH!).