So, a lot has happened and I have been MIA. We moved from Salem to Winnemucca last August for work. It wasnt what I really wanted, but it allowed us to be a family full time. Michael no more would be working away from home 4-5 days a week.
Michael now works for Hycroft Gold Mine. He likes it and loves that he is no longer forced to work overtime and has a lot more time with me and the boys. He started as a haul truck driver and now does support work opperating the rubber tire dozer or loader. He would like to operate the grader on the county road, but is still waiting for that bid.
The boys are doing pretty good in school and are now enjoying summer. Peyton is going into 1st grade and Jordan 4th. I have a hard time believeing I have a 6, almost 7, year old and a 9 year old. .
Peyton is a funny guy. He says the most hilareaous things. Just a couple of weeks ago we were out by the fire and I thought it was chilly. I asked if he wanted to get some pants or if he was tough. Without skipping a beat he replied with, "I'm tough like an unshaven man!" Just one of the many little comments he makes. He's so happy and so loving. He admire his big brother and wants to do what he is doing. I love the relationship between them. I'm so blessed to have two boys who love each other so much and get along so well.
Jordan is still obbessed with trains. He struggles in school because he has dyslexia, but it is not anything we cant work with and we are. We discovered that assistive writing technology is a wonderful aid for him. For the first time in a long time he came home from school excited because he was finally able to get his thoughts out on paper and his handwriting was not an issue for him.
I am now working as a substitue aide for the Humboldt
County School District. I love it! It allows me to work during school
hours and be home with them before and after school. I hope to get on
full time this next year.
Next week we go to Yellowstone National Park with my sister and her family. We are excited to go. It is always fun to spend time with them. I will post on our trip when we get back.
The story of our lives.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Visual Training
A few years ago when my mother-in-law mentioned she saw things in Jordan that made her think of Michael when he was little I took it with a grain of salt. After all, Jordan had a Mom who was an avid reader, had no problem writing, and was at a 4th grade reading level in 2nd grade. Just because his Dad has dyslexia didnt mean that my son would have it too. I finally consented to having Dr Treasure Wheeler test Jordan and we would take it from there.
Because Jordan was 4 years old they could not determine whether or not he would be dyslexic, that presents itself at around 1st grade and 7 years old. However, Treasure did determine that my son had tracking issues and was colorblind. I was not surprised to find out he was colorblind. He never liked I was confused and completely uneducated. She recommended tutoring sessions to help his eyes work correctly. Michael and I decided to pass. After all, I was still in denial and felt my child was fine.
Reality hit me this year when Jordan started 1st grade. Watching my son struggle with his letters, shapes, sounds, and some colors still I knew something had to change. And because of my wonderful in-laws Jordan was able to begin Visual Therapy.
Jordan started visual training this year with a vision specialist in Silverton. I'm sure that you, like me, do not understand or even know what visual training or therapy is. I have copied a link for you to go to to help you understand. I hope that by posting about this that maybe I will understand more, too.
http://www.visiontherapy.org/
Jordan has been in therapy for 11 weeks now, he has 4 left in this session. Some changes we have noticed in Jordan since the beginning of his therapy is that he is able to sit and concentrate much better. His eyes are working together to track movements. Tracking was what was noticed when we had him tested at 4. He was very easily distracted while being tested. He is now reading more frequently on his own.
Some things Jordan and I had to work with during his therapy have been prisms, marsden balls, patches (so not his favorite one), a tracking computer program, letter and number sacades, reading glasses, and more. Now we are toward the end of his therapy and Jordan gets to play more games. This helps make it more fun for him so he is more willing to do the work with me.
This week Jordan will be ordering his glasses. He has to have bifocals, which will take some for him to get used to, but will make it so he does not have to take off his reading glasses 100 times a day to see the board and then to read up close.
Jordan has not been diagnosed with dyslexia, yet. He does however, constantly flip his letters and numbers. We will have more testing done over the next few weeks so we can look over his progress and see how far my son has come.
I can tell you this, watching my son be able to read a complete story makes my heart melt in no way I thought possible. He is an amazing child and is so bright. I love seeing his confidence grow and through that seeing him succeed in school.
Because Jordan was 4 years old they could not determine whether or not he would be dyslexic, that presents itself at around 1st grade and 7 years old. However, Treasure did determine that my son had tracking issues and was colorblind. I was not surprised to find out he was colorblind. He never liked I was confused and completely uneducated. She recommended tutoring sessions to help his eyes work correctly. Michael and I decided to pass. After all, I was still in denial and felt my child was fine.
Reality hit me this year when Jordan started 1st grade. Watching my son struggle with his letters, shapes, sounds, and some colors still I knew something had to change. And because of my wonderful in-laws Jordan was able to begin Visual Therapy.
Jordan started visual training this year with a vision specialist in Silverton. I'm sure that you, like me, do not understand or even know what visual training or therapy is. I have copied a link for you to go to to help you understand. I hope that by posting about this that maybe I will understand more, too.
http://www.visiontherapy.org/
Jordan has been in therapy for 11 weeks now, he has 4 left in this session. Some changes we have noticed in Jordan since the beginning of his therapy is that he is able to sit and concentrate much better. His eyes are working together to track movements. Tracking was what was noticed when we had him tested at 4. He was very easily distracted while being tested. He is now reading more frequently on his own.
Some things Jordan and I had to work with during his therapy have been prisms, marsden balls, patches (so not his favorite one), a tracking computer program, letter and number sacades, reading glasses, and more. Now we are toward the end of his therapy and Jordan gets to play more games. This helps make it more fun for him so he is more willing to do the work with me.
This week Jordan will be ordering his glasses. He has to have bifocals, which will take some for him to get used to, but will make it so he does not have to take off his reading glasses 100 times a day to see the board and then to read up close.
Jordan has not been diagnosed with dyslexia, yet. He does however, constantly flip his letters and numbers. We will have more testing done over the next few weeks so we can look over his progress and see how far my son has come.
I can tell you this, watching my son be able to read a complete story makes my heart melt in no way I thought possible. He is an amazing child and is so bright. I love seeing his confidence grow and through that seeing him succeed in school.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Wow, it's been a while!
Looks like I have been so busy with life I completely forgot all about the family blog.
So, a little update on us. First, Michael has been working in the Portland area for 2 years now. Just this past October 2010 we made the decision to leave my comfort zone in Eagle Point and move to Salem. Have to say that it was a great decision for the whole family. Biggest plus, being with Dad.
The boys really missed their dad during our 18 months living less than part time together. Boys really need their father in their lives and moving up here to be together more often has been great for their relationship.
The Boys: Jordan
Jordan was not doing well at Little Butte in Eagle Point before we left. Either he did not want to bond with his teacher knowing we were moving or they just did not click at all. But at his new school he has Mrs. Henneke. Lets say she has got to be one of the most wonderful teachers ever. Jordan really responds well to her and is very happy, most days, to go to school. He is now playing basketball and really starting to enjoy it. I love watching him play and seeing how much he has learned from the beginning of their short season. It is good for him to learn that you win some and you loose some. He has a hard time with this one, he is only six after all.
Peyton
Peyton is a ball of energy and goofball, just like his dad. He loves to be in the garage working on whatever project dad has going on and is even there when he is needed for clean up. And just like his dad he loves to give everyone a hard time. Even has gone as far as calling his teacher, "Old Teacher". Peyton also loves school. He has a great preschool teacher, Mrs. McCain. She has helped Peyton become a much more independent child. He is also trying to learn how to write his name. He has the 'to' in Peyton down. His speech has also come bounds this year. It is wonderful to find who my son is. His thoughts and his opinions, granted I might not like some of them.
Jordan and Peyton are the best of friends. It is wonderful to hear how great it is to see them get along so well from other people. They, just like other siblings, have their moments. But all in all they play well together, laugh together, and even snuggle together. I look forward to their friendship and bond grow as they get older. I am lucky to have them in every way.
So, that's a bit of an update on us and hopefully I will keep up with it.
So, a little update on us. First, Michael has been working in the Portland area for 2 years now. Just this past October 2010 we made the decision to leave my comfort zone in Eagle Point and move to Salem. Have to say that it was a great decision for the whole family. Biggest plus, being with Dad.
The boys really missed their dad during our 18 months living less than part time together. Boys really need their father in their lives and moving up here to be together more often has been great for their relationship.
The Boys: Jordan
Jordan was not doing well at Little Butte in Eagle Point before we left. Either he did not want to bond with his teacher knowing we were moving or they just did not click at all. But at his new school he has Mrs. Henneke. Lets say she has got to be one of the most wonderful teachers ever. Jordan really responds well to her and is very happy, most days, to go to school. He is now playing basketball and really starting to enjoy it. I love watching him play and seeing how much he has learned from the beginning of their short season. It is good for him to learn that you win some and you loose some. He has a hard time with this one, he is only six after all.
Peyton
Peyton is a ball of energy and goofball, just like his dad. He loves to be in the garage working on whatever project dad has going on and is even there when he is needed for clean up. And just like his dad he loves to give everyone a hard time. Even has gone as far as calling his teacher, "Old Teacher". Peyton also loves school. He has a great preschool teacher, Mrs. McCain. She has helped Peyton become a much more independent child. He is also trying to learn how to write his name. He has the 'to' in Peyton down. His speech has also come bounds this year. It is wonderful to find who my son is. His thoughts and his opinions, granted I might not like some of them.
Jordan and Peyton are the best of friends. It is wonderful to hear how great it is to see them get along so well from other people. They, just like other siblings, have their moments. But all in all they play well together, laugh together, and even snuggle together. I look forward to their friendship and bond grow as they get older. I am lucky to have them in every way.
So, that's a bit of an update on us and hopefully I will keep up with it.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
It's a good thing we adapt.
That is my motto these days with Michael going out of town for work.
We have to adapt in so many ways. Me, caring for two children by myself. Granted I have the help of family and friends, in which I am eternally grateful, but it is not the same as the help I recieve from thier father. He is there not only for physicial support but emotionally. Now at this new job he does not have cell recieption so I cant not get that emotional support when I need.
We also have to adapt because I am working in the evenings and have to find childcare from family and friends for the boys. I want to not disrupt thier schedules as much as possible. That means finding someone who can watch them here at my home to get them dinner, baths, stories, and bed on time in thier own beds. Oh, and this all must be done by family and friends because for 1, I dont trust just anyone with thier care. 2, they are cheap! Yes, I said it! LOL I dont make a whole lot of $$ and if I have to pay for childcare then there is no reason for me to work.
The boys have to adapt because over the past four months they have become very close with thier Dad. They have learned that Dad can help them in more ways than just fixing thier toys. He has been there to sooth hurt feelings or wounds. He has been there for bath time, bed time, meals, and for fun and play. Now he is not. Last week was harder than this week. The really miss their dad and do not understand why he is not home. Why they have to go to Uncle Johnny and Michelle's or to Meredith's. Or Karrie comes here to sit. But this week, it's easier as Grandma and Grandpa are home and able to watch them here. This is a special treat. They adore Michael's parents. And I am ever greatful to all who have helped us out.
Michael has to learn how to adapt as well. He has to learn how to live life in a small trailer alone during the week while he works. He has to fend for himself and be by himself. He really misses us, too.
But with all these changes and learning to adapt we have also learned that time spent together is short and not to take it for granted. It is not to be taken for granted. This will make our family stonger, as the unemployment has.
It's a good thing we adapt.
We have to adapt in so many ways. Me, caring for two children by myself. Granted I have the help of family and friends, in which I am eternally grateful, but it is not the same as the help I recieve from thier father. He is there not only for physicial support but emotionally. Now at this new job he does not have cell recieption so I cant not get that emotional support when I need.
We also have to adapt because I am working in the evenings and have to find childcare from family and friends for the boys. I want to not disrupt thier schedules as much as possible. That means finding someone who can watch them here at my home to get them dinner, baths, stories, and bed on time in thier own beds. Oh, and this all must be done by family and friends because for 1, I dont trust just anyone with thier care. 2, they are cheap! Yes, I said it! LOL I dont make a whole lot of $$ and if I have to pay for childcare then there is no reason for me to work.
The boys have to adapt because over the past four months they have become very close with thier Dad. They have learned that Dad can help them in more ways than just fixing thier toys. He has been there to sooth hurt feelings or wounds. He has been there for bath time, bed time, meals, and for fun and play. Now he is not. Last week was harder than this week. The really miss their dad and do not understand why he is not home. Why they have to go to Uncle Johnny and Michelle's or to Meredith's. Or Karrie comes here to sit. But this week, it's easier as Grandma and Grandpa are home and able to watch them here. This is a special treat. They adore Michael's parents. And I am ever greatful to all who have helped us out.
Michael has to learn how to adapt as well. He has to learn how to live life in a small trailer alone during the week while he works. He has to fend for himself and be by himself. He really misses us, too.
But with all these changes and learning to adapt we have also learned that time spent together is short and not to take it for granted. It is not to be taken for granted. This will make our family stonger, as the unemployment has.
It's a good thing we adapt.
Monday, January 26, 2009
How time flies and I havent posted in a while.
Well, well, well. Havent been on here in a while to update ya.
Let's start with the first and foremost important thing! Michael is back to work! Yeah! After four long and agonizing long months of unemployment God has blessed us and he is back to work. We managed to stay afloat, barely, but afloat.
The only bad part about him going back to work is that he will be working out of town. And in order for him to travel with his company we had to purchase a new, well new to us, travel trailer. It is super clean and super nice. Now we just have to calm Jordan down about "not getting to sleep in it". LOL He is so worried. But this weekend he will. We are headed to see Michael, going cold turkey after having him to ourselves for 4 months is hard.
Jordan is doing good. He loves school still, so that is awesome! I think he has developed his first crush. Her nam is Chelsie and he is so kind and gentle with her. I was watching him with her the other day and he was holding her hand and gently stroking it. It is cute, but he is not allowed a girlfriend until he is 16. Michael feels that is a bit drastic, but I dont. I wasnt allowed a bf before then and I find it perfectly okay.
Peyton is growing like a weed. He wasnt eating breakfast and only wanted chocolate milk. So, I started giving him Carnation instant breakfast to get more nutrients in him and boom, he gained 4 pounds in a month. Yeah! Then I started to be concerned about his vocabulary skills, or lack of, so I called the child developement center and I kid you not. The day after he started talking up a storm and saying so many words. Also, Jordan is his own personal speach therapist. LOL I will hear them in the playroom with Jordan telling Peyton, Say, "Thanks, No, Knock, Hello, Train..." and Peyton totally repeats after him. It has been wonderful to hear him talk.
Me, I'm at FTD.COM still and am ready to not be. It has been nice to have that cash to help pay bills but now that it is the slow time I get to work and 10, 20, 30 minutes later they are wanting to send me home. Why bother coming in, really! Cost more in gas to get there than I made. But, I have made a new friend. Her name is Tammy and she is one the kindest and nicest women I have ever met. So, work does have it's benifits. ;)
Took the kids to church the other day for the first time in, oh, 2.5 years. I know, I'm shocked, too! The kids did really well! They sat and played quietly on the floor and colored. Then Peyton went to nursery easily, he was quiet and shy the whole time but never cried. Jordan went into primary and he totally loved it. They sang the Hello song to him and he stood at the front all smiles. Then when I picked him up he had a paper they worked on in class and told me he had to keep it and carried it everywhere with him. I think we will go back every so often.
So, that is our life in a nut shell right now. So, now the moment you all have been waiting for... PICTURES! LOL
Let's start with the first and foremost important thing! Michael is back to work! Yeah! After four long and agonizing long months of unemployment God has blessed us and he is back to work. We managed to stay afloat, barely, but afloat.
The only bad part about him going back to work is that he will be working out of town. And in order for him to travel with his company we had to purchase a new, well new to us, travel trailer. It is super clean and super nice. Now we just have to calm Jordan down about "not getting to sleep in it". LOL He is so worried. But this weekend he will. We are headed to see Michael, going cold turkey after having him to ourselves for 4 months is hard.
Jordan is doing good. He loves school still, so that is awesome! I think he has developed his first crush. Her nam is Chelsie and he is so kind and gentle with her. I was watching him with her the other day and he was holding her hand and gently stroking it. It is cute, but he is not allowed a girlfriend until he is 16. Michael feels that is a bit drastic, but I dont. I wasnt allowed a bf before then and I find it perfectly okay.
Peyton is growing like a weed. He wasnt eating breakfast and only wanted chocolate milk. So, I started giving him Carnation instant breakfast to get more nutrients in him and boom, he gained 4 pounds in a month. Yeah! Then I started to be concerned about his vocabulary skills, or lack of, so I called the child developement center and I kid you not. The day after he started talking up a storm and saying so many words. Also, Jordan is his own personal speach therapist. LOL I will hear them in the playroom with Jordan telling Peyton, Say, "Thanks, No, Knock, Hello, Train..." and Peyton totally repeats after him. It has been wonderful to hear him talk.
Me, I'm at FTD.COM still and am ready to not be. It has been nice to have that cash to help pay bills but now that it is the slow time I get to work and 10, 20, 30 minutes later they are wanting to send me home. Why bother coming in, really! Cost more in gas to get there than I made. But, I have made a new friend. Her name is Tammy and she is one the kindest and nicest women I have ever met. So, work does have it's benifits. ;)
Took the kids to church the other day for the first time in, oh, 2.5 years. I know, I'm shocked, too! The kids did really well! They sat and played quietly on the floor and colored. Then Peyton went to nursery easily, he was quiet and shy the whole time but never cried. Jordan went into primary and he totally loved it. They sang the Hello song to him and he stood at the front all smiles. Then when I picked him up he had a paper they worked on in class and told me he had to keep it and carried it everywhere with him. I think we will go back every so often.
So, that is our life in a nut shell right now. So, now the moment you all have been waiting for... PICTURES! LOL
Monday, December 29, 2008
A Christmas Update.
Sooo, been a while since I posted. Christmas has come and gone and well, I'm glad that part of the year is over. Maybe the new year will bring some much needed good news. Michael is still laid off, we are hitting the 2 month mark tomorrow. I am trying not to stress, just need to keep food on the table and a roof over our heads. I have a new job working for FTD.COM. It was seasonal but I'm still there. Ihope they keep me. Michael's parents work him when they can, so that helps a LOT!
We had a good Christmas and enjoyed our time with family and friends. The Lord has blessed us and this year I think I remembered ther Real Meaning Of Christmas. I think I forgot over the past years and became very commercialized. Jordan, my 4 year old, reminded me of this. We were walking down the holiday isle at the store and what did my son see? It was not the Santa or the snowman or the reindeer. It was the Nativity scene with Baby Jesus in the Manger. It melted my heart. He knows from school that this is the real reason for the season. They even had a birthday party for Baby Jesus at school, complete with cake. He has just melted my heart with his innocence and honesty. I love my sons.
Jordan is doing good, he has had nearly three weeks off of school due to snow, ice, and Christmas break. I'm sure he will be ready to go back next week. He had a great Christmas and LOVES his Geo Tracks and bounce house.
Peyton is loving everything the same as big brother. We got him a vaccum cause the kid loves to play with mine. But he was very dissapointed as there was no suction power and no beater bar. We took it back and got him a big truck. He likes that much better, but would still prefer to play trains with big brother or bounce in the bounce house.
And just for the fun of it some pictures to amuse you.
We had a good Christmas and enjoyed our time with family and friends. The Lord has blessed us and this year I think I remembered ther Real Meaning Of Christmas. I think I forgot over the past years and became very commercialized. Jordan, my 4 year old, reminded me of this. We were walking down the holiday isle at the store and what did my son see? It was not the Santa or the snowman or the reindeer. It was the Nativity scene with Baby Jesus in the Manger. It melted my heart. He knows from school that this is the real reason for the season. They even had a birthday party for Baby Jesus at school, complete with cake. He has just melted my heart with his innocence and honesty. I love my sons.
Jordan is doing good, he has had nearly three weeks off of school due to snow, ice, and Christmas break. I'm sure he will be ready to go back next week. He had a great Christmas and LOVES his Geo Tracks and bounce house.
Peyton is loving everything the same as big brother. We got him a vaccum cause the kid loves to play with mine. But he was very dissapointed as there was no suction power and no beater bar. We took it back and got him a big truck. He likes that much better, but would still prefer to play trains with big brother or bounce in the bounce house.
And just for the fun of it some pictures to amuse you.
Monday, December 15, 2008
It's Time For Christmas Trees!
Last week we went and got our Christmas tree. We had a good time and went with Robert, Michelle (Robert's Mom), Johnny, and Grandpa. IT was a great day to go and it was actually warmer up in the mountains than it was on the valley floor. Here is a slideshow for you to enjoy. There is a pic of Great Grandpa from Tday on here, too.
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