We have started school this week! Megan is taking 3 AP courses and is working as well. She likes her teachers so far and loves driving to school! She was recently invited to the National English Honor Society--separate from the National Honor Society.
Steven is not loving the school routine so much...but that is pretty typical for the start of the school year! His teacher is the same one from last year and his staff from the home go to school with him so there is consistency there.
My new school is great! Everyone has been so nice and friendly. The demographics at the school are very different from my previous school and I continue to marvel at what a nice campus it is all around. Yesterday I assisted in facilitating two IEP meetings called ARD meetings here in Texas. Today I have to hold an after school training for all staff. Things are definitely hopping and I'm liking it. I'm using more brainpower daily than I used to use in a week! No wonder I can barely stay awake after 6pm!
Troy is loving his freedom during the day! While he misses us at times, I think he's mostly enjoying some quiet time without us girls coming and going so much.
That's all that's going on here.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Monday, August 20, 2012
Last week is a blur
Last week is a blur.....but here is a brief recap.
My first week went great. I'm exhausted from all the brain power I am expending each day. But, I am happy and enjoying it.
Troy is hanging in and letting himself sleep when we needs to. He walked to school on Friday and brought me lunch! Nice treat to see him during the day!
Megan is doing good and working a lot this week. She likes selling concessions the best but they rotate her to various positions as needed.
Steven was supposed to come visit on Saturday but did not due to staffing issues. So, I drove down to Abilene instead to check on things. He is doing great and was happy to see me!
Need more coffee.....
B
My first week went great. I'm exhausted from all the brain power I am expending each day. But, I am happy and enjoying it.
Troy is hanging in and letting himself sleep when we needs to. He walked to school on Friday and brought me lunch! Nice treat to see him during the day!
Megan is doing good and working a lot this week. She likes selling concessions the best but they rotate her to various positions as needed.
Steven was supposed to come visit on Saturday but did not due to staffing issues. So, I drove down to Abilene instead to check on things. He is doing great and was happy to see me!
Need more coffee.....
B
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Troy's turn
It is Troy's turn for an update. :)
It has been 9 weeks since his spinal fusion. Initially he was doing well but things tapered off pretty quickly. He still has pain but it is more manageable since surgery. He walks daily and has followed doctor's orders. But the last x-ray shows minimal bone growth in the lower fusion and none in the uppers. His disability has been extended until 9/22. He sees doctor again on 9/23 and may be able to start physical therapy then. We shall see.
In the meantime, he has enjoyed the company of Megan and I for the summer.....maybe tolerated it? I went back to work yesterday and Megan goes back to school on 8/27. Troy will be lonely but has plans to keep himself busy. He has several models to put together, an office to organize, and some naps to take. Plus, he says he will bring me lunch once in a while since my school is just across the street!
He's doing better about listening to his body and sleeping when he feels like it instead of letting the clock dictate his schedule. We are hoping the restorative properties of sleep will help him recover.
B
It has been 9 weeks since his spinal fusion. Initially he was doing well but things tapered off pretty quickly. He still has pain but it is more manageable since surgery. He walks daily and has followed doctor's orders. But the last x-ray shows minimal bone growth in the lower fusion and none in the uppers. His disability has been extended until 9/22. He sees doctor again on 9/23 and may be able to start physical therapy then. We shall see.
In the meantime, he has enjoyed the company of Megan and I for the summer.....maybe tolerated it? I went back to work yesterday and Megan goes back to school on 8/27. Troy will be lonely but has plans to keep himself busy. He has several models to put together, an office to organize, and some naps to take. Plus, he says he will bring me lunch once in a while since my school is just across the street!
He's doing better about listening to his body and sleeping when he feels like it instead of letting the clock dictate his schedule. We are hoping the restorative properties of sleep will help him recover.
B
Monday, August 13, 2012
First Day Jitters
Today is my first day as an Educational Diagnostician. I'm so excited and nervous that I couldn't sleep. It is now 5:13am. I have showered, dressed, and gotten everything ready for the day. I just have to wait until 7:15 to leave.......
The plan for today is that I go to the Special Ed main office for 3 hours of training. My mentor (who happens to be the lead Diagnostician for the district) will then take me to lunch and to my campus to introduce me. I've been to my campus and seen my office but don't have keys yet. I guess she will leave me there to get settled in?
Speaking of my new school, I think good things are in store. It's located across the street....literally. I will walk to school. They were very welcoming when I went by last week. They are VERY HAPPY to have a new diagnostician.....every staff person I met stated that. I'm sure there is a scoop there but I didn't want to ask! The main secretary sent an email to let everyone know the floors were being waxed on Friday and we couldn't come in. I was surprised to see the distribution list on the email said 'Timber Creek all'; betsy gilchrist. I wonder if that means I am the only new person?
The next few weeks will be very busy as I get settled, develop routines, and get ready for students to start on 8/27. The director sent an email stating that I had a "few transfer ARDs" to conduct before school starts. I'm excited because it sounds like I will hit the ground running!
I will update later this week when my head is spinning....well, spinning even more than usual:)
B
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Update from Steven
As promised, here is the update on Steven! He continues to do great things in Abilene! He is signing more and has started shaving!
His new favorite sign is "finished" which looks like he's shaping an hourglass in front of himself. He has mastered it. Last time I went to visit, we dropped in to say hi to his case manager and behavior coach. I got to say a quick hi. Then, Steven signed "finished". I asked if he was really finished, he answered "yea" verbally, took me by the arm and escorted me out the door!
He is also signing toothbrush, chip, and popcorn. He's been a bit reluctant to sign popcorn until he went to the movies last week. His primary aide, Jeff, keeps Steven busy during his down time. They went to the movies and he gave Steven a little popcorn. Steven tried to grab it back and Jeff said not yet. Steven started signing "popcorn" without prompting! They called us via skype that night and told us all about it!
Speaking of skype, we've been skyping with Steven a few times each week and he's become a master at it. If you are interested in skyping with him, let us know your skype id and we can ask Jeff to skype you one evening!
In addition to growing up, Steven has taken to wearing shades! He steals EVERYONE's shades at the house. If a staff member can't find their sunglasses, they search Steven's room. He doesn't care of they are male or female glasses!
Next month, he will be 15. Troy can't travel down for a birthday party, so Steven and Jeff are coming up here on 9/15 for us to celebrate!
B
His new favorite sign is "finished" which looks like he's shaping an hourglass in front of himself. He has mastered it. Last time I went to visit, we dropped in to say hi to his case manager and behavior coach. I got to say a quick hi. Then, Steven signed "finished". I asked if he was really finished, he answered "yea" verbally, took me by the arm and escorted me out the door!
He is also signing toothbrush, chip, and popcorn. He's been a bit reluctant to sign popcorn until he went to the movies last week. His primary aide, Jeff, keeps Steven busy during his down time. They went to the movies and he gave Steven a little popcorn. Steven tried to grab it back and Jeff said not yet. Steven started signing "popcorn" without prompting! They called us via skype that night and told us all about it!
Speaking of skype, we've been skyping with Steven a few times each week and he's become a master at it. If you are interested in skyping with him, let us know your skype id and we can ask Jeff to skype you one evening!
Next month, he will be 15. Troy can't travel down for a birthday party, so Steven and Jeff are coming up here on 9/15 for us to celebrate!
B
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