School Is In Session...

As some of you know, we've had many problems with the princess's school this year. Yes, I know it's ony been four months. Four months too long if you ask us. She has special needs and IEP; something some of you are familiar with in your own families. In the princess's case, she's what we call our "Hat Trick" and yes, that's said with love given her father's passion for hockey.
The princess you see has what is called,but not always known as a Non-Verbal Learning Disability/Disorder, Bipolar Disorder and she is Hearing Impaired due to a condition called Otosclerosis. Now one or perhaps even two of these "special needs" may be understood and dealt with appropriately by some teachers and school staff. Not here, not now and who knows when. Folks, this school that the princess has been attending for 7th grade "claims" that they've never had a student like her, that they don't understand her disabilities, they she is in G/T classes so she should just know things and deal with things like all the other kids her classes. Sorry, no-go, doesn't work that way. I could sit here until November 2008 trying to explain all the frustrations and humiliations that we and she has experienced these last four months,but I won't. Suffice to say, that after numerous calls (often more an once a week) and meetings with her teachers, principals and school psychologist, we have decided to take the princess out of school and I will teach her at home. Ohhhhhhh how they scoffed at THAT idea when I told them!! Suddenly, they could do SO much more for her, SO much better for her than I can. As I told the staff at the last meeting, I may not have an education beyond my high school diploma,but I have raised my daughter for nearly 13yrs. I have been a mom to her older sister for 15yrs and I'm about to have my 6th child. I don't need a college degree to tell me how to raise my children and teach them in the ways that they need to learn. I have more knowledge of my daughter and her disabilities than that whole room full of college educated staff will ever have and THAT is what she needs right now. I was very polite as is my way,but also to the point. My statement was not met with acceptance I assure you. Instead they talked me into signging a 30 day trial period after which we would review and modify her IEP as necessary. I signed, knowing in my heart that we would not last the 30 days. Kudos to the school psychologist who spoke with me privately after the meeting and told me that she sees what I see and agrees 100% that their school is NOT the best place for my daughter. And she and I agreed that the 30 day trial was bull and would not work. It lasted a week.
As of a week ago last Friday (just before Thanksgiving) we submitted our letter to the district informing them that I will be homeschooling from this point forward. Because of Thanksgiving break, her school has no doubt not been given formal notice as yet so it won't surprise me to hear from them tomorrow. Besides which, we have to go back to return text books and clear out her locker.
Given that it's been Thanksgiving break and my oldest son is out of school for that, I did not begin school yet,but we will start fresh tomorrow and the princess is so excited! She may have difficulties, but she is incredibly bright and loves to learn! It will be a big change for both of us and for her toddler brothers who aren't used to having her here all day. She and I are like oil and water most of the time so we'll be working on that, like it or not. Some days will be smoother sailing than others, I know. Despite my anger towards her some days over her haughty pre-teen attitude (and just barely pre- at that), I know in my heart that I'm doing the right thing for her. I don't plan to homeschool her forever, I don't know that I can challenge her enough,but we'll take it a day at a time and see how things go. Her dad is more than willing to teach where I find my weaknesses and he's got a brilliant mind that she fairly inherited. He assures me that we will succeed in bringing out the best in her, challenging her and showing her the heights she can truly achieve if given the right tools and encouragement. And isn't that what we all want for our children?
Tomorrow morning, the princess will begin school. Unfortunately, I will not be with her due to a medical appointment,but she will go to work with her dad and have plenty of worksheets and review sheets to bring along and keep her busy. I'm looking forward to tomorrow afternoon when they come home and I can read more about her interests, what she's already learned and what she wants to learn together. Looks like it will be school for BOTH of us.
Let the school bells ring!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Hello to one and all who come to visit here. I just want to take a moment to wish a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving to all of you. I know for my family, the past year has brought us many trials and tribulations,but I'm a believer in silver linings so I know it has brought us blessings as well. We will have many things to give thanks for tomorrow as we gather with our loved ones. I hope you will do the same.

GOOOOOOOOOOO RED SOX!!!!!!!
One more quiz I couldn't resist....

Are You a True Dedicated RED SOX Fan?

TRUE Red Sox Fan, PLAY BALL! Yeah you are a true and dedicated Red Sox fan, ya wicked sweet ma--hole! Kick those Yanks back to New Yawk where they belong! Go Red Sox! Yankees suck, Yankees suck

What American accent do you have?

Geez, after that last one, could it be any MORE obvious where I'm from???

Your Result: Boston
You definitely have a Boston accent, even if you think you don't.
Of course, that doesn't mean you are from the Boston area, you may also be from New Hampshire or Maine

How Massachusetts are you?

A fun quiz especially for us natives! I did get one wrong :::::::gasp::::::::
and they don't tell you which one. Hmmmm.... Must have been about the Quabbin Rez. LOL
Here's my result...

Dude! You're 97% from Massachusetts
Dude! Me and Sully and Fitzie and Sean are gonna hit Landsdowne tonight after the game, hang out at the Beerworks. I'll pick you up at the Coop at 6

Let's Play TriBond

Ok what do these sets of things have in common???

1. Barbie Ballet Barrettes
2. Cinderella Snow White Sleeping Beauty
3. Tea Parties Dress Up Dolls

Answers:
1. things GIRLS like
2. famous GIRLS from Disney movies
3. games that GIRLS like to play

Yes Sirree folks, we're having a ......puppy!! LOL Just kidding. Yes we are pleased as punch to be having a baby girl. Lord only knows how it happened; first a totally shocking pregnancy out of the blue and now a girl after three boys, but we couldn't be happier. Even my sons are thrilled and were so relieved to know this isn't another baby brother! Too funny. This little girl will be such a little princess and will either love or hate having three big brothers looking out for her.
Watch out world, and bring on the PINK!

Anticipation...is making me wait!

I can't believe I've made it this far and I'm still pregnant! LOL I mean I just started actually feeling discernable movements the last couple of days and it's a relief. Funny how something so shocking now has me happy.
Tomorrow is the B-I-G ultrasound to check everything out and make sure all is well and find out just WHO I'm growing in here! I CAN'T WAIT! Hear me world? I wonder if I'll get any sleep tonight. At my last checkup the nurses couldn't find the baby's heartbeat which naturally worried me sick. I've had 4 kids prior to this and it was the first time that's ever happened to me. They sent me right over to ultrasound and instantly the tech (who is wonderful btw) found the baby's heartbeat clear and strong. We took a peek for the gender and she wrote on my chart what she thinks it is; it was my guess as well. I'm told from other people who know her that she's excellent with OB ultrasound since this is all she does. I hope she's right and we'll know for sure tomorrow; that is if this little one isn't shy. Heaven knows this little one's sibs weren't! LOL So tonight I'm saying prayers that this is one happy, healthy baby and eager to buy something in one color tomorrow night to celebrate!
And I'm remembering two other April moms who have lost their precious babies this week. May they rest in peace and may their loving parents find peace knowing that though their sweet angels grew their wings too soon, they watch over them from Heaven's Playground.

Like Mother....Like Daughter?

After braiding the princess's hair before bed tonight, I had an instant flashback to an image of myself at about her age. I pulled out the old photo album (and I do mean O-L-D!) and snapped a quick shot of the photo of myself. It's grainy,but do you see what I see??? So far, 1-4 looks like me (thankfully, the princess is ALOT cuter!!!). Hmm...I wonder who the baby will favor.