HUGE VICTORY!!!

Today was a big meeting at the Learning Coop regarding Matthew's Individual Education Plan (IEP). We started at 8:30 this morning, and didnt end until 4:30 this afternoon. There were 20 or so people there on his team. One of the main things we accomplished was:
1. The type of discipline-has to be immediate, age appropriate (for him is 3-4 years old even though he is 10)
2. He now has a full time para installed JUST FOR HIM-no more part time shared para! This is HUGE!!!
3. Plenty of inscentives and reinforcers
4. Sensory breaks and transition breaks
5. NO MORE ART-he hates art class, instead he will be doing other things more worthy of his time (social stories, sensory issues, he will have a job in the 5th grade, either working in the library or office helping).

There are more things this day produced but these are the basics.

I have to say that I am SO THANKFUL for Leah who is acting as Matthew's IEP Advocate. She has accomplished so much for Matthew! I am so excited for this Ziggurate Model that has been implemented for him!!! WAHOO, what an accomplishment!!!

I'm Baaack!!!

I think I am finally coming out of my funk. Just over a month ago, my anxiety problems became quite severe in reaction to dealing with a situation with one of our children. It all hit me very hard, and it was so strange, my reaction. It nearly debilitated me, emotionally. It was very hard to see the end, and things were so unsure at that time. Slowly things have been falling back into place and we are moving past it. I *think* I now have a handle on my anxiety problem (with the help of Celexa).

Yesterday I had to do a lot of convincing myself to get back into an exercise routine. I know that I ALWAYS feel better after I do a good work out. So I planned on going today after my first class. I planned on staying and working out for 20-30 minutes, ignoring the bike because it really aggravates my knee.

I woke up this morning and had to do a LOT of positive self talk because I was really trying to talk myself out of going. I know better, too because the more I *think* about things, the harder it is to get past it. So, I try to NOT *think* about it and just *do* it. So, I just *did* it (with the help of my IPOD). I went, got all stinky and sweaty and worked out for 20 minutes on the tread mill, 10 in that weird elliptical machine, 10 minutes ON THE BIKE (I will pay for that later, for sure) and then another 10 minutes on the elliptical machine. All in all, I did a hefty 50 minute work out.

My legs are numb, my endorphins are high and wild, and I don't regret the work out. I feel fantastic.....tomorrow I might be telling you a different story when I cant raise my legs off the bed....

Now, where is my book? I am on the third book of *Twilight* (Eclipse). I am so into these books...

More little GiRLiEs...

Bethanie and Madison had two little girl friends over today. (Madison a.k.a. Big Madison (L), Bethanie, Kaylee and Madison a.k.a. Little Madison (R), are all here pictured as they are playing dress up! These two little girls are moving today to New Mexico. They have had a lot of struggles since Christmas. Their house burned to the ground and they lost everything, Christmas gifts included. So, for today, their last day here, while their family is packing up for the drive, they are here with us, having fun. I sure will miss these two sweet little girls. I have grown very fond of them. I know my girls have as well. It doesn't help the move that it snowed some last night. We were lucky though, we only got a skiff, when an hour south of us had a foot.

SpRiNg In KaNsAs...

I think we have been royally spoiled! The weather has been very mild, and we have had little moisture. Today it turned BITTERLY cold outside! No one wants to be out there. The wind is blowing, it is barely above freezing and I am sure there must be a windchill! The GOOD news is everything outside is getting GREEN again! I love seeing the color come back into everything. Bethanie wanted to wear a skirt to school today. Nope! Too cold! Madison made sure she put her gloves on with her heavy coat. Cant say I blame her! I have to go back out in it. I am just about to head off to my last class for the week and then pick up the kidlets from school. OY! I don't want to. I want to stay all cuddled up to my chair and blanket. I am reading the Stephanie Meyer books again (tWiLiGhT sErIes) again. I am just as addicted to them as I was the first time. This week I have read book one, watched the movie and am half way through NEW MOON. **sigh** it is good to enjoy a good book...series...

Little Girlie...

FINALLY, I have waited a long time to be able to french braid or do SOMETHING with Madison's hair! Lookie! YAY!!!! She LOVES it! I think she is as excited as I am by it! Mind you, I did this with NO comb, and a very wiggly two year old. Next time I will be prepared better.

I tHiNk It'S lOvE...

My dad came over today and I was working on his computer, showing him how to use one of his programs. Madison (a.k.a. Butter Bean) was totally a grandpa's girl. She is shown here in the process of giving "Pappa" a kiss. She just sat on his lap and wanted nothing more of the day, except to be with him. She CRIED when he had to leave for his class.