Musings

So many things flitting in and out of my heard. Mark and I went to parent/teacher conferences for Patrick last night. We found out some valuable information, and I made some decisions about what teachers I don't like dealing with. I must say that most of them were very nice and helpful. After years of these things, I took my binder of information; the only thing that was really helpful was the addendum to his IEP. Teacher meetings are always valuable. Absorbing the information provided and deciding which pieces to use are really helpful. I certainly need to blog about these communications. I am very lucky to have been on both sides of the table -- as a teacher and a parent. Very useful 2 1/2 hours.

Next -- Jacob has taken to chewing on things. Much like a teething baby. I am sure it helps him with his OCD and Asperger's, but he chews on things a lot -- and sometimes inappropriate things. He has chewed on electrical cords, tv remotes, cups, plates, toys, paper, his clothes, his book bag, his hands ... you name it, if it is in our house, it has probably been in his mouth. I try to correct when I see him chewing, but I don't seem to be making any headway with him. His face is all broken out -- I am sure to his hands and heaven knows what else always being on his face while chewing. Any ideas on how to curb this?

Michael Jackson -- Jacob and I have tickets reserved for the This Is It movie. We are really looking forward to it. At the same time, I am very sad about how everyone seems to be trying to make a buck off his death.I know that I am saying this while admitting at the same time I am furthering this madness with my movie ticket purchase. I hate that Sony Records, is making so much money off of MJ, when they were so nasty to him while he was alive. I am also unhappy about the people who would not and did not support him while he was alive, but are quick to jump on the bandwagon to dish dirt and hand out posthumous awards. I am thinking the only redeeming thing may be that his children learn how much their father was loved, and although some of the adoration seems false -- they are young enough to believe what they see, and all they will know was that their father was adored by many. I am a fan, and will always be a fan. I am just sad that he died at such a young age.

As for fibromyalgia, it is really bothering me. I am in a big hurt, but nothing seems to help. I surely don't have a clue as to what to do about this. I have gone to therapists, doctors, rhuematologists, neurologists, chiropractors. I seem to be really at a standstill right now -- neither progressing or moving backward. Just being.

Jacob, Shut Up

We hear Jacob, shut up a lot in our house. Jacob is our noise maker. He likes toys that make noise, and, quite often, he likes the sound of his own voice. If things get quite in the house, Jacob starts talking. Sometimes it is just endless and mindless vocalizations. Often, it frustrates his brother. Hence, Jacob, shut up.

We discourage Patrick from using those words with his brother, but I do remember what it was like to be 14. I didn't have a younger sister nagging me, but I had older sibs, and a lot of them. I don't always agree with them, and, quite frankly, wish I had the courage to say shut up sometimes.

My attitude of gratitude today is that I have wonderful hearing, and the boys that make me cringe when I hear unnesessary things fly out of their mouths. I am also gratful for my own siblings, even when unnecessary things fly out of their mouths too.

Warrior Mothers

My son was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome quite some time ago. For those who don't know, it falls under the high end of the Autism Spectrum. As a mom, it is difficult for me to be so gung ho about the disabilities of my children.


Take, for example, warrior Mom, Jenny McCarthy. She has faught for her children, wrote a book about it, and is even opening a school for other children like hers. I admire her. I just don't know where she gets all of that energy to build a whole world for her child.


I do try, I talk to other professionals about diagnosis and labeling. I talk to them about education and try to do what it is best. I have professional help for both of my boys. I read a lot of literature about it. I even obtained educational certification for special education in order for me to better understand the challenges that we, as a family were facing in that arena. But I am a far cry from a Jenny McCarthy. She, to me, is a true super-mom. I don't know if I can have aspirations that high.


I have been told by some very wise people that you work with what you know, and as long as you feel you are doing your best, then you are. I try to agree with that sometimes, but the bar is set so high. If anyone has insight into either Asperger's or Bi-Polar, please share with me. I am always open to new experiences and knowledge.