Drum Roll Pleeeaaase......

Duh Dah!!! Wha'-do-ya-think?!?


I repainted the dresser black and added some brown and antique white glaze.




I found this silver dish at the Goodwill and shined it up to use for keys, coins, etc.



A calendar for- special days, holidays, work schedules, volunteer times and games. In the space to the left I noted month long celebrations. This month happens to be Hispanic Heritage Month! I added some sparkle to special events and holidays by adding a star. The events that require action are highlighted in pink. (Sorry Dad but that's what you get with a house full of girls)




I also added Big Sis' Lunch Menu from school along with her Student Events Calendar and Soccer schedule.



The bonus is our beautiful art work that will probably make its' guest appearance from time to time along with anything we're proud of and want to share!



Now off to that closet.......

IEPs and Such

We finally got Big Sis' Study Group meeting scheduled for next month. I've been researching IEPs and some of the 'To Dos' and 'To Knows' about the IEP process and being my child's advocate etc. As much as I want to believe in my heart that the school and the district have my child's best interest in mind, I have a voice in my head telling me that may not be the case.

Schools have no money, therefore they will avoid spending it if at all possible. She is on an inter-district transfer. They like transfers because that brings their school additional funds, unless you have special needs like IEP, modified curriculum or Resource, then you cost them money. It is very clear that any transfer can be revoked at any time. I understand that completely, but if it comes down to that I will not be leaving quietly. And- what I mean by that is I will do everything in my power to make sure I know my rights as a Parent, but more importantly, I will know what rights my daughter has to an education. One that will be taught in a way that allows her to learn.

After all, isn't it their JOB to teach children? Or is it only their job if the child learns in the way they say they should?!!! Ahhhh, this is so frustrating!

But I can tell you this... Sometimes I wonder what God's plans are for me. How will God use me to make this world a better place? I think God is answering me... Things can get tough and the situation forces me to use the skills God has given me..and sometimes it forces me to be still and listen.

Things are happening. I'm not sure what yet, but I trust God knows what he is doing and he blessed me with this for a reason. Yes I said blessed. Blessed because I am growing- in spirit and in strength. I have everything I need. He gave it to me a long time ago, I just didn't know what I was supposed to do with it....Now I know.

I am happy to say that with the exception of a few minor bumps Big Sis is doing very well adjusting to the 4th grade and her new Teacher. We are very excited for what this school year has for us and can't wait to share it with you.

Family Staging Area

I've been working on getting a 'Family Board' and a staging area like the one mentioned here.

So far I picked up a dresser from Goodwill for $25 and a bulletin board from Walmart for $8. I bought some chair rail to make a more substantial frame.
(I guess I didn't take a picture of it, you can kind of see it on the side there.)




And some goodies like post-its, star stickers, labels, tacks, paper clips and clamps! How fun! I'm always excited when I find a good idea that I think will help our family function better.



I'm hoping to get this done today so I can post the 'After' pictures tonight.

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My next project will be transforming this junk closet into my craft closet. Wish me luck!

When too much...is too much!

Kids need structure. How many times have I heard that? A billion...at least. Well, this is especially true for kids with ADD. They need clear choices and clear rules and boundaries, so I am learning. Big Sis is no exception to this rule. When school started I bought her a pack of mechanical pencils and made the mistake of not explaining that once they were gone, that was it. This conversation never occurred to me until I realized within two weeks there were no more pencils! Where they went, I have no idea. (And neither did she!)

I have found that our clan functions more efficiently, in fact, flourishes when we have tighter more structured boundaries. It all boils down to minimizing choices or options. We're not robots and we don't expect our kids to be either. But too many choices can be overwhelming. For us, it's best to give the kids what I call the 'this or that' option. 'Do you want pink or purple?' Not 'Here's the box of 150 crayons you choose.' That's kind of a silly example, but you get the idea.

Being an ADD/ADHD Parent

Neither my husband nor I have ever been diagnosed with ADD, but I would definitely say we exhibit all of the symptoms...finding it difficult to get organized and stay that way. We're always late. Procrastinators. Tasks that have a lot of steps or details are overwhelming and difficult for us to start much less follow through and finish. We are both go-getters and quick starters, but quickly run out of steam. Impulsive...We'll do things and worry about the details later. We call it spontaneous!

My husband says he remembers being this way all of his life. But back then you got a smack on the back of the head and were told to 'Straighten up! Stop daydreaming! Don't be lazy!'

I didn't necessarily have issues growing up, that I can remember anyway. I think I managed them out of necessity. My parents worked long hours like many parents do to give us the best they could. I didn't have a choice but to overcome my issues because there were no other options. Through our journey to understand our daughter's disorder, I have become more aware of my own symptoms and am beginning to see where I struggled harder than others to succeed. I just thought they were smarter.

At work I struggle on a regular basis to meet deadlines on administrative tasks. I literally dread doing them. Once I start, it's usually not a problem but getting there takes more effort than you know.

Where we're at now:

We are acknowledging our weaknesses and embracing our strengths.


We are finding ways to function that work for us- We aren't going to do things like other families. We may not be able to do as much. But we focus on the quality of what we do together, not how much we do. There were times when we packed our day with events, outings, crafts, paint, cleaning, cooking, biking, hiking, shopping. You name it! By the end we were all frazzled and our heads were spinning. It just doesn't work for Us.


We are simplifying- I cannot tell you how many unfinished projects, piles of laundry, half knitted scarves, etc. we have around the house. That item you just couldn't resist buying impulsively 'just in case'. Clutter makes us crazy, whether we realize it or not. It's draining! We actually started this out of necessity not choice. We were broke! Things were tight so we had a yard sale. Why not? There was no tellin' we had a lot of stored up STUFF!


We are working as a Team- I think this is the hardest one for us because when you have trouble with the thoughts in your head, you're sure to have trouble communicating them to someone else. Let alone another ADDer! :) Teamwork takes communication and lots of it!

For the sake of our kids (we have a three year old too) and our own sanity, we continue on our journey....come along with us. We have no idea where we're going..do you? ;)