A Little Bit of Sugar Goes a Long Way

I took Jacob and Elijah to see The Lego Movie this morning. I was surprised that Jacob decided to join us and we had a good time. We snuck in some candy and of course bought popcorn and some drinks. Sugar has always affected Elijah. It makes him moody and argumentative most of the time. I knew this when I let him have Sprite and M&Ms, but he has the right to be a kid on some days. I knew this going in, but boy did it really affect him today.

At first he was argumentative, which didn't make for an easy hair cut after the movie. We managed to get through that and arrived home. He didn't argue much the rest of the day, but his tics were off the chain. He was constantly making noise and chewing on anything he could put in his mouth. His tics have not been this bad in a while. He was full of energy, from the sugar I am sure, and basically drove me nuts. Well, he drove me nuts after several HOURS of listening to him. At some point, it does wear on my nerves.

He finally calmed down some time after dinner and his tics even seemed to subside a bit. It may be a while before I take him to another movie, but we did have a good time while we were there!

Sometimes the Old Way is the Better Way

As I posted earlier, Jacob has been accepted to the Texas State Technical College in Waco, TX. We completed his FASFA information and then TSTC contacted us yesterday. We need to send in a copy of both of our IRS Income Tax Transcripts for 2013. I called the school to find out exactly how to do this, and the gentleman explained it to me.

Last night, I got on the IRS website and found what I needed. I completed the request online and was able to print a copy of my transcript. I actually was able to save it right onto my computer and then send it by email to TSTC. Before doing this, I wanted to get Jacob's transcript. Well, I completed the form online just as I had done mine, but the webpage said the information didn't match what was on the return. I tried again, thinking I had made a typo and got the same information. Jacob then sat down and did it, and again we got an ERROR message and we were then locked out.

I tried again tonight and the same thing happened. I then searched the web for "irs transcript" problem and found a FORM that you can complete and mail in to get a copy. The form then had a phone number you can call to request a copy. I called the number and it took all of three minutes to complete the request. I was NOT told that the information didn't match what was filed(there was information I had to answer to prove Jacob was Jacob) and we should get a copy in 5-10 business days. I will then scan the form in and send it to TSTC. I still don't know what the original problem was when we tried to request it online, but I am glad I could get it done over the PHONE!

ICED in AGAIN!

School was cancelled again today due to icy roads and unsafe driving conditions. The sleet started yesterday afternoon and didn't let up. Elijah was SO excited to have the day off. He spent the day watching TV and playing with Legos. I did get him to complete a few chores with me that we didn't finish yesterday. Jacob slept in and did his chores late in the morning, but has been on his laptop since then. I even ordered us a PIZZA for lunch to be delivered! I haven't left the house all day.

I walked 10,000 steps while watching the Oscars--OK not all 10,000 at once, but I met 10,000 for the day and will add a few more before bed. I completed one quiz last night and one quiz today in each of my classes. I even watched THE WALKING DEAD today! It was nice to get this extra day off and play catch up with my TV. I am also way ahead in my grad school classes, but I'll keep working. I would prefer to stay ahead then have to start playing catch up.

We are off for Spring Break next week, and then in a few weeks we will take Elijah to a Tourette's camp. He is very excited about that!

Jacob Has Been Accepted into College

Jacob applied to Texas State Technical College back in November. He received his acceptance letter a few weeks ago. I have been so busy, that I forgot to blog about this! He is very excited about going to school there. He wants to get his associate's degree in computer maintenance. The school is in Waco, TX, which is about 90 minutes from Wylie, maybe 2 hours on a bad day!

We discussed his living arrangements, and decided on an apartment complex that is on campus. It is not managed by the school, but the complex will assign him three roommates. It is four bedrooms and he will share a bathroom with one of these roommates. They share a common living area, but he will be able to lock up his room. He will have to buy a meal plan for the first two semesters, but I think he will use it! He has learned to do some cooking, but I am sure he won't want to cook every day. We sent in all of the paperwork and a deposit.

I sent his TAKS scores to the school, so they could look over them. I am thinking he scored well enough that he won't have to take any of the exams to test his language and math skills. He completed his FASFA and I completed mine for grad school. Things are moving along. He has to get his final high school transcript sent to the school and he needs a meningitis shot!

I am excited that he has a plan and he is so very happy. I can't believe he is all grown up!

The Flu!

Elijah has the flu! He told me he didn't feel good last night and even wanted me to feel his forehead. He didn't feel warm, but boy he sure acted like he didn't feel good. He has had a cough for a few days, but it didn't seem serious. Well, he woke up feeling warm this morning and still not looking good. I did the web check in with CareNow and we got in around 9:30. The flu test came back positive and they did a lung X-ray based on his respirations and heart rate. There is one spot on one of his lungs that is questionable and could be pneumonia. I'll get up tomorrow morning and call his pediatrician and get him in to see her. The clinic wanted to see him again, but said we could follow up with his regular doctor if we wanted, so that is what we will do. He has also had several breathing treatments today.

Poor kid took off his processors two different times to nap. The doctor put him on Tamiflu, an antibiotic and a cough syrup. He is now asleep in his bed, but I'll be listening for him tonight!

TV Show--Parenthood IEPs

I watched last nights Parenthood episode tonight on my DVR. The subject of IEP (Individualized Education Plan) meetings was the story line for the family with Max, who has Aspergers. The writers did a decent job of portraying an IEP meeting and how overwhelming it can be for a family. I really wanted to jump in there and advocate for the two families involved. Max's mom went to an IEP meeting to assist another mom, and felt that she could have done more to help. Max's mom then finds out that Max is being sent to the library to do independent work because his teacher can't teach when Max is in the room. Max's parents are frustrated and don't know what to do or how to advocate for him. I think this part was something the writer's got correct.

Parents do have to educate themselves on the law and what the school needs to provide under IDEA (Individual's with Disabilities Education Act). I am a deaf education teacher I was used to being in an IEP meetings(ARD meeting here in Texas) in that role. As a parent, I find it difficult to know how to handle all of the situations I find myself in with him. I have learned to use the acronym FAPE(Free and Appropriate Education) as well as LRE (Least Restrictive Environment) to my advantage. I have also learned to say things like, "You are making my son fit into a program instead of making the program fit him." This phrase been a good one.

Elijah's next ARD meeting is in April! He is being re-evaluated this year and we will discuss those scores as well as the plan for next year. He has had a good year so far, but has just recently been having some issues. Of course, we just went to the doctor on Monday and NOW he is having problems with touching others. ARGH....I know this is probably a tic, but how to handle it. I am going to email his teacher again and ask for the behavior specialist to come in and see what is going on.

I am glad to see a TV program take on real life issues of families of children with special needs.

TV Show--Parenthood

I just finished watching the Parenthood episode that aired last night (1/9/2014) on NBC. I have been watching those show since it first aired. One of the characters, Max, has Asperger's Syndrome. It has been interesting to see how the writers have handled his character. I believe they have done a very good job portraying him and his family. The parents who first must deal with the diagnosis, working with teachers and administrators and figuring out how to deal with Max and his Asperger's.

Last nights episode was difficult to watch. Max doesn't have any friends in high school and doesn't really fit in with the anyone at school. I sometimes wonder how Elijah REALLY does at school with friends and such. He has been in classes to work on his social skills. He says he sits with his friends at lunch. However, I really wonder HOW does he do in school in the social arena. Elijah is hearing impaired and has Tourette Syndrome, and even with ONLY one of these disabilities he would have social issues, but Elijah has them BOTH.

Elijah wants to be in ROTC when he goes to high school in the Fall of 2015. I know that is 18 months away, but it will be here sooner than I know. I have no doubt that he can join ROTC, but can he really handle the discipline of being in the ROTC. Jacob was in the ROTC for three years in high school. ROTC could be great for Elijah or it could be disastrous, but I will have to let him try.

I am glad that there are shows on TV like Parenthood, so that others can get a glimpse into a family with a child with special needs.