Today was freezer cooking day. We made 18 meals (9 each). We started at 9:00 and were done with the meals and lunch by 1:00. Not too shabby!
We made...
Lemon chicken
Chicken supreme
Pork chops in orange sauce
Chinese chicken
Garlic cheddar chicken
Meatloaf
Texas lasagna (x2)
Meatball sub casserole
I can't wait to dig into them!
Monday, March 31, 2014
Friday, March 28, 2014
Charlie's Speech
We are in the process of starting speech therapy for Charlie. I am so ready, and excited, to get the ball rolling. The frustrating days of not knowing what this boy is saying will be behind us, and that gives everyone in this house reason to celebrate!
Charlie had an evaluation at school with Mrs. Benning, who will do his "intervention." He was very shy and whispered the whole time. He fully cooperated, just in a very quiet voice. We also learned during that time that he has adapted to his major speech impairment by gesturing, pointing, shaking his head yes and no, and avoiding. This is probably due to the fact that his sisters speak for him when he doesn't know what to say, the way that I tell him to "show me," and just being a human being who learns their way to work things out. Mrs. Benning made a lengthy list of sound errors, and got in contact with the next gal who came this morning.
Jenny came to our home this morning and did a very in depth evaluation. There is so much more to speech therapy than just what they say. She looked at the posture of his mouth, they did all sorts of things with his tongue, mouth control, drooling, eating, looked at his adenoids, etc. We will be getting his adenoids/tonsils/ears checked out, as well as hearing, due to what she observed today. While the medical side of things won't be a "cure all," it could be a boost and something that has been hindering his speech development. Who knows!
She was very impressed with his smarts. His vocabulary is excellent, and she was thrilled (and thought it was so cute) how he made connections with different things. He would run up to his room and get something similar to the object she was showing him, or tell her a story about fishing, etc. One really funny interaction that made us all laugh...
Jenny gave him a feather (the word he is to say). "What is this?"
Charlie: "Me don't know."
Me: "Sure you do, Charlie."
Jenny: "What comes from chickens?"
Charlie: looking at feather and feeling it, replies, "Eggs."
Laughter all around, including him.
We found that he drops the first letter or syllable off of most words. He has a lot of very common sound errors (like making a "v" into a "b"). But, he has some really strange things, as well. She said his speech problems (what do you call it?) are severe. We were not surprised of this, and either would anybody be who has talked with him. :)
It is important we do this soon, as she explained he will qualify for not being able to fully get benefit from education without making some progress. Reading will be very hard and frustrating for him at this point, so I am so thankful we have time to make some corrections!
Interestingly, this runs in family, especially from dad to boy. Again, can I say fascinating?! Genetics absolutely amaze me. Dallas had speech problems as a little boy too, and he fully understands the frustration of Charlie. Dallas still struggles with reading (both the ability so to speak and desire because of how hard it was for him) and writing. But, if I must say so myself, he is so incredibly smart and I am amazed how God has used him. I know the same things are true of my boy.
Jenny was so sweet to assure me that there is no real reason as to why some kids struggle with this. She said that there is about 25% drop in language when kids don't get read to and such (aren't in a language rich environment). But, his language is very good and it's strictly his speech. Jenny affirmed me that he is such a good, cooperative little boy, and she can tell we have done a fine job with him. She said that you could tell we read to him a lot, and nothing we did brought this on. Phew.
The other thing we talked about, and I didn't realize how thankful I am, is his desire to "be heard." He gets frustrated, yes, when we don't understand him. But never once has he yelled and yelled the word/s out that he is trying to get across. He doesn't throw fits or get angry when he isn't heard. He has a super mild temperament that lends well for this. He will simply say to me, "You aren't listening to me," but never feels frustrated to the point of tears or screaming.
We were told we will meet weekly for what they call "intervention," for years. So, when she left and told him that we will see Mrs. Benning soon for speech, he told her, "Me already did that two times." Again, we all laughed.
I'm so thankful for the wonderful people and resources to get him help. It's hard when your child isn't "perfect," but when I see all the problems around us, I'm very grateful this is it for us. It's fixable and minor in the grand scheme of life.
(side note...)
Jenny could not believe what a farmer boy Charlie was! He read her the book Big Red Barn, and told her all about the process of farming. He said first it's in the field, then you combine, put it in the wagon, next the semi to the auger, from the auger into the bin, then the semi takes it to the "candy elevator". She asked how old he was again? Three years old, and absolutely, positively, crazy about farming.
Charlie had an evaluation at school with Mrs. Benning, who will do his "intervention." He was very shy and whispered the whole time. He fully cooperated, just in a very quiet voice. We also learned during that time that he has adapted to his major speech impairment by gesturing, pointing, shaking his head yes and no, and avoiding. This is probably due to the fact that his sisters speak for him when he doesn't know what to say, the way that I tell him to "show me," and just being a human being who learns their way to work things out. Mrs. Benning made a lengthy list of sound errors, and got in contact with the next gal who came this morning.
Jenny came to our home this morning and did a very in depth evaluation. There is so much more to speech therapy than just what they say. She looked at the posture of his mouth, they did all sorts of things with his tongue, mouth control, drooling, eating, looked at his adenoids, etc. We will be getting his adenoids/tonsils/ears checked out, as well as hearing, due to what she observed today. While the medical side of things won't be a "cure all," it could be a boost and something that has been hindering his speech development. Who knows!
She was very impressed with his smarts. His vocabulary is excellent, and she was thrilled (and thought it was so cute) how he made connections with different things. He would run up to his room and get something similar to the object she was showing him, or tell her a story about fishing, etc. One really funny interaction that made us all laugh...
Jenny gave him a feather (the word he is to say). "What is this?"
Charlie: "Me don't know."
Me: "Sure you do, Charlie."
Jenny: "What comes from chickens?"
Charlie: looking at feather and feeling it, replies, "Eggs."
Laughter all around, including him.
We found that he drops the first letter or syllable off of most words. He has a lot of very common sound errors (like making a "v" into a "b"). But, he has some really strange things, as well. She said his speech problems (what do you call it?) are severe. We were not surprised of this, and either would anybody be who has talked with him. :)
It is important we do this soon, as she explained he will qualify for not being able to fully get benefit from education without making some progress. Reading will be very hard and frustrating for him at this point, so I am so thankful we have time to make some corrections!
Interestingly, this runs in family, especially from dad to boy. Again, can I say fascinating?! Genetics absolutely amaze me. Dallas had speech problems as a little boy too, and he fully understands the frustration of Charlie. Dallas still struggles with reading (both the ability so to speak and desire because of how hard it was for him) and writing. But, if I must say so myself, he is so incredibly smart and I am amazed how God has used him. I know the same things are true of my boy.
Jenny was so sweet to assure me that there is no real reason as to why some kids struggle with this. She said that there is about 25% drop in language when kids don't get read to and such (aren't in a language rich environment). But, his language is very good and it's strictly his speech. Jenny affirmed me that he is such a good, cooperative little boy, and she can tell we have done a fine job with him. She said that you could tell we read to him a lot, and nothing we did brought this on. Phew.
The other thing we talked about, and I didn't realize how thankful I am, is his desire to "be heard." He gets frustrated, yes, when we don't understand him. But never once has he yelled and yelled the word/s out that he is trying to get across. He doesn't throw fits or get angry when he isn't heard. He has a super mild temperament that lends well for this. He will simply say to me, "You aren't listening to me," but never feels frustrated to the point of tears or screaming.
We were told we will meet weekly for what they call "intervention," for years. So, when she left and told him that we will see Mrs. Benning soon for speech, he told her, "Me already did that two times." Again, we all laughed.
I'm so thankful for the wonderful people and resources to get him help. It's hard when your child isn't "perfect," but when I see all the problems around us, I'm very grateful this is it for us. It's fixable and minor in the grand scheme of life.
(side note...)
Jenny could not believe what a farmer boy Charlie was! He read her the book Big Red Barn, and told her all about the process of farming. He said first it's in the field, then you combine, put it in the wagon, next the semi to the auger, from the auger into the bin, then the semi takes it to the "candy elevator". She asked how old he was again? Three years old, and absolutely, positively, crazy about farming.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Charlie's offering.
It is no secret that Charlie really loves those close to him. He gets great anxiety from being away from us, even the church nursery. They have peeled him off of me for years.
Tonight, I told him to pick out his box since tomorrow's MOPS. Immediately a sad "no." Then, his eyes lit up. "Me bring my money! My offering! Me want to go to church!" I asked him if it was for the people in Africa (our project this month). He replied with a very excited, "Yes! So they can have pizza (his favorite food)!"
Now he can't wait to go to church where he is anxiously awaiting dropping his own money in the red bucket. My precious boy.
Reminds me of the time he decided, after many failed attempts, to smile for pictures. All because, "Me took my vitamin."
Three years old and I'm still learning what makes this boy tick...
Tonight, I told him to pick out his box since tomorrow's MOPS. Immediately a sad "no." Then, his eyes lit up. "Me bring my money! My offering! Me want to go to church!" I asked him if it was for the people in Africa (our project this month). He replied with a very excited, "Yes! So they can have pizza (his favorite food)!"
Now he can't wait to go to church where he is anxiously awaiting dropping his own money in the red bucket. My precious boy.
Reminds me of the time he decided, after many failed attempts, to smile for pictures. All because, "Me took my vitamin."
Three years old and I'm still learning what makes this boy tick...
The Destroyer.
We affectionately call our little Rubes, "The Destroyer."
She is into everything, and may top the list of our most curious. I'm so thankful that along with all the spunk comes the cutest smile.
She adds a lot of zest to our day. What ever would I do if I didn't have her to clean up after all.day.long?
She is into everything, and may top the list of our most curious. I'm so thankful that along with all the spunk comes the cutest smile.
 |
| Hmmm....look at all this I could get into! |
 |
| She loves to empty every book off the shelf, then have a nice read. |
 |
| She is obsessed with diapers. She would rather play with diapers than toys anyday. |
She adds a lot of zest to our day. What ever would I do if I didn't have her to clean up after all.day.long?
Monday, March 24, 2014
My Dilemma...
Every Christmas, our family goes around and says an accomplishment from the year before and a goal for the year ahead. Two Christmases ago, my goal was to be more disciplined; in every area. Last year my accomplishment was that I met my goal!
I feel like I have finally gotten ahead (maybe just caught up?) of the ball on meal planning, housework, good and manageable schedules, getting to places on time, eating well, exercising, and the list goes on. I still have a lot of learning to do, but I can honestly say I am happy with how the hard practices I have put into place helped me meet my goal that year.
My dilemma, however, lies in the mornings.
We very rarely run around like crazies in the morning. I absolutely refuse to start the day like that. We are very prepared the night before with clothes laid out, back pack and/or diaper bag ready, breakfast decided. A smooth start to the day does a lot as far as setting the tone. Thus, the dilemma...
I wish I had the discipline, desire, and drive to get up before the kids. Not like before the kids to wake them up as in most mornings. But, before the kids. I think thirty minutes to myself in the morning could go so far. I've never been a "morning person," but that doesn't really matter when you become a mom.
I've set the alarm at 6:30 before. I turn it off.
I've gone through spurts of waking up and making myself some warm lemon & honey water to sip on in the morning, without having to share it, but the spurt ended.
I've awaken to exercise, but after a couple days fooled myself later is better for me.
There are specific times Dallas and I have woken up early; for our vacations, to go in and be induced for baby, when we had our races, and for Layla's surgery. I specifically remember saying to each other every time that we should do this every morning. It doesn't have to be super early. Just together. And intentionally.
Bottom line is this: when I hear the kids' footsteps in the morning, I want to be waiting, and wanting, to greet them. I want to get ready for my job, like everybody else does, before my little people show up to work. I want to prepare, if only for ten minutes, for my family. I want to start the day just God and I.
Consider this your permission to keep me accountable, I guess? I'm going to give this a shot again. I've never regretted having ten minutes of peace and quiet.
I feel like I have finally gotten ahead (maybe just caught up?) of the ball on meal planning, housework, good and manageable schedules, getting to places on time, eating well, exercising, and the list goes on. I still have a lot of learning to do, but I can honestly say I am happy with how the hard practices I have put into place helped me meet my goal that year.
My dilemma, however, lies in the mornings.
We very rarely run around like crazies in the morning. I absolutely refuse to start the day like that. We are very prepared the night before with clothes laid out, back pack and/or diaper bag ready, breakfast decided. A smooth start to the day does a lot as far as setting the tone. Thus, the dilemma...
I wish I had the discipline, desire, and drive to get up before the kids. Not like before the kids to wake them up as in most mornings. But, before the kids. I think thirty minutes to myself in the morning could go so far. I've never been a "morning person," but that doesn't really matter when you become a mom.
I've set the alarm at 6:30 before. I turn it off.
I've gone through spurts of waking up and making myself some warm lemon & honey water to sip on in the morning, without having to share it, but the spurt ended.
I've awaken to exercise, but after a couple days fooled myself later is better for me.
There are specific times Dallas and I have woken up early; for our vacations, to go in and be induced for baby, when we had our races, and for Layla's surgery. I specifically remember saying to each other every time that we should do this every morning. It doesn't have to be super early. Just together. And intentionally.
Bottom line is this: when I hear the kids' footsteps in the morning, I want to be waiting, and wanting, to greet them. I want to get ready for my job, like everybody else does, before my little people show up to work. I want to prepare, if only for ten minutes, for my family. I want to start the day just God and I.
Consider this your permission to keep me accountable, I guess? I'm going to give this a shot again. I've never regretted having ten minutes of peace and quiet.
Friday, March 21, 2014
Spring!
Yesterday was the first day of Spring. Glorious!!
This has been an exceptionally long winter. I hate to complain, and I really do love all the seasons! However, snow and snow, cold and cold, and ice and ice got old.
It was a beautiful day here yesterday; around 45 degrees with no wind.
We got out the outdoor toys, set up the patio furniture, swept the sidewalks, and Ruby girl sat outside for a long time in her stroller enjoying the warm sunshine.
Welcome Spring! We have been waiting for you!
This has been an exceptionally long winter. I hate to complain, and I really do love all the seasons! However, snow and snow, cold and cold, and ice and ice got old.
It was a beautiful day here yesterday; around 45 degrees with no wind.
(Probably not nearly as nice as my sisters, both "down south." It's amazing what 2 and 5 hours further down will do to the temps. I'm always a wee bit jealous...)
We got out the outdoor toys, set up the patio furniture, swept the sidewalks, and Ruby girl sat outside for a long time in her stroller enjoying the warm sunshine.
Welcome Spring! We have been waiting for you!
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Teaching
I took off on a new endeavor the beginning of 2014. You can now call me Mrs. Wessels, the Timothy Christian music teacher.
Another gal and I are splitting the job so we each only have one afternoon a week. It is fantastic! When the job opening came up, I was very intrigued, but still felt like it would require too much time away from the little ones. (It was only six hours a week. Still, too much.) So, when Wendy suggested splitting the job, it was a done deal!
Honestly, it was hard at first. I stepped in a couple weeks before Christmas, so felt like a substitute teacher. The kids treated me like one too. I was known as Maleah's mom, all the Kindergarteners were whispering that they know my "real name" and have been to my "real house." It was super cute! And very hard.
Now? I am loving it! Once I got into a groove, made my own lesson plans, started planning the program with Wendy, and got to know the precious children, it has all fallen into place.
A few things that have surprised me...
...my preference of ages. Having taught Kindermusik for years (and LOVING it), I thought Kindergarten would be my favorite. They are so stinkin' cute, love to move to music, and tell me the darndest things. But oy, they are squirmy. Turns out the very class I was dreading has become my favorite age to teach. Junior high! Who would of thought.
...5th and 6th grade boys are too cool for school. End of story.
...dressing up in professional clothes once a week is fun! There's nothing better than yoga pants, but every Wednesday Dallas turns his head a little further when I walk by. It's kinda nice.
...I adore these children. I can.not.believe how quickly I came to care a lot about them! One of my students has been really sick, and it has weighed so heavily on my mind. Each one of them is so special to me. I am loving getting to know them, and have taken it as my personal challenge to connect with each of them in a unique way.
...There is a huge difference from Kindergarten to 1st/2nd grade. Kindergarten is a lot more about growing up than it is learning the abc's. It's really neat to see the progression.
I am thrilled to be able to share my love for music. I know not every one of those kids likes to sing or learn about theory, but I guarantee they all like to listen to it. Music is such a huge part of life, and it is my goal to teach them how to enjoy such a gift.
Another gal and I are splitting the job so we each only have one afternoon a week. It is fantastic! When the job opening came up, I was very intrigued, but still felt like it would require too much time away from the little ones. (It was only six hours a week. Still, too much.) So, when Wendy suggested splitting the job, it was a done deal!
Honestly, it was hard at first. I stepped in a couple weeks before Christmas, so felt like a substitute teacher. The kids treated me like one too. I was known as Maleah's mom, all the Kindergarteners were whispering that they know my "real name" and have been to my "real house." It was super cute! And very hard.
Now? I am loving it! Once I got into a groove, made my own lesson plans, started planning the program with Wendy, and got to know the precious children, it has all fallen into place.
A few things that have surprised me...
...my preference of ages. Having taught Kindermusik for years (and LOVING it), I thought Kindergarten would be my favorite. They are so stinkin' cute, love to move to music, and tell me the darndest things. But oy, they are squirmy. Turns out the very class I was dreading has become my favorite age to teach. Junior high! Who would of thought.
...5th and 6th grade boys are too cool for school. End of story.
...dressing up in professional clothes once a week is fun! There's nothing better than yoga pants, but every Wednesday Dallas turns his head a little further when I walk by. It's kinda nice.
...I adore these children. I can.not.believe how quickly I came to care a lot about them! One of my students has been really sick, and it has weighed so heavily on my mind. Each one of them is so special to me. I am loving getting to know them, and have taken it as my personal challenge to connect with each of them in a unique way.
...There is a huge difference from Kindergarten to 1st/2nd grade. Kindergarten is a lot more about growing up than it is learning the abc's. It's really neat to see the progression.
I am thrilled to be able to share my love for music. I know not every one of those kids likes to sing or learn about theory, but I guarantee they all like to listen to it. Music is such a huge part of life, and it is my goal to teach them how to enjoy such a gift.
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