Erik, Johnny and the Zoo

Last week Erik was asked to shaperone the Kindergarteners on a field trip to the zoo. This isn't the first time we have done this sort of thing. Although the first time for Johnny. With Kimmie and all her seizure trouble we drive up and met the bus at the zoo and when she gets tired or too hot then we put her in the car and leave. We got up and got ready for the day. I was going to work and Kimmie was headed to school while the boys ventured to the zoo. Erik wasn't too happy that I signed him up but he was going along with it for Johnny. Up until I told him he was going to ride the bus to the zoo. I have to laugh at the response I got. I love my husband but I thought I was dealing with one of the kids on a bad day. The short of the long story is Erik survived the zoo trip. Johnny had a great time.

Field Trip with Kimmie

I took the day off last Wednesday and went with Kimmie's school class to Chuck e Cheese and Bowling. I had so much fun. It didn't matter if I got a gutter ball or a strike these kids were just excited! Plus I pulled it out in the last frame with a stike and a spare and ended up getting the best score I have had since my bowling class in college! We ended the day at Chuck e cheese. I bought extra tokens. So when Erik came to pick me up Erik, Johnny and I stayed after Kimmie's class left and finished off the tokens! It was a long day but really fun!

Johnny's School Again

Okay this has not been the greatest thing in the world. All the drama associated with Johnny's decision to stay at the same school all down the drain. The principal wouldn't sign the papers to keep Johnny at MS until the end of the year. I was so frustrated. He had already said he would then he wouldn't. We apparently there is a new law. So he couldn't. With some major HELP I got Johnny's new school to put him in AM kindergarten! I got his old school to agree to keep him there until Christmas. It has been a total nightmare and a half. But the short of the whole long thing is thank you to those who helped me figure this one out and get Johnny's school taken care of.

Festival of Trees

Every year Kimmie's school class attends that Festival of Trees. The kids really have a great time. Erik and I seem to be taking turns every year and going with their class. So here are photos of Kimmie at the Festival of Trees!!!

Johnny's School

The decision has been made to keep Johnny at the same Elementary this year that he started at. I am really glad and rather relieved that things have worked out this way. I know a few people aren't happy with me about it but we went with what was best over all for our family. He is doing so well there. His teacher is incredibly good and he has been working really well with the speech therapists there. I went to register him at the new school. We had nothing but road blocks. I decided that maybe that was our sign that he is suppose to stay where he was. The minute Erik and I went over the pros and cons of keeping him where he is, verses taking him to his new school and decided that he would stay this burden lifted. The new school couldn't put him on AM which messed with the babysitting schedule which was okay. He needed to be picked up from school at the same time Kimmie was getting home and I couldn't leave her alone at home either. I talked with the busing departments and they could move Kimmie to last on the list but that would put her home way too late when the weather gets warm to keep her from having seizures. Plus a few other things. So keeping him where he is has turned out to be a great decision for him right now, we will move for first grade to his new school. Plus he was having stress moving away from the three girls that he likes.

HEE HAW farms

Every year Kimmie's school goes to a pumpkin patch. This year it was HeeHaw farms. Erik went with Kimmie. They had a great time and Kimmie is ready to go back. From the photos I wish I would have gone with them.

Fun Run

Sorry that it has taken me a little bit to put up a new post. Things have been a little crazy. Two weeks ago on the same day no less both Johnny and Kimmie brought home school fund-raisers. You would think with them going to different schools they would at least be on different days. Usually I just order something from my kids, I may ask my Mom but that is about the extent of our fund-raising school skills. But this year was a little different. We couldn't afford to do both fund-raisers and Kimmie's was so cute that I asked both Grandma's to donate one for each child and I bought one thing from Johnny and donated to Kimmie. Kimmie's was so fun that I had to blog about it. Her school is really big on physical fitness. I lot it! They do a great job! So they did a Fun Run and each child got sponsors to donate for them running around the outside of the school boundaries. Kimmie did great! They gave each child that participated a tee-shirt! I was so excited to see them out doing something rather than selling cookie dough or wrapping paper or something. Congratulations Kimmie for going around twice and raising $23.04!

Before and After photos

Dating Advice from my kids

It has been a very interesting week this past week. Last Tuesday I went to the 100 celebration of Bingham High. Which I am very proud to say I attended and graduated from in 1993! Anyway it was amazing thing and I will have to write more about it later because this post isn't about that. Erik graduated from Brighton in 1989. So he is coming up on his 20 year reunion. So he wanted to go to homecoming. He took Johnny and his Dad and went to the football game. He arranged a babysitter and asked me to the dance. So I agreed mainly in disbelief that my husband arranged the whole thing and wanted to take me dancing. I love to dance although he is not the most graceful person in the world and hates it. So I agreed thinking he would never actually go. Low and behold he really planned on taking me to Brighton's homecoming. We got all dressed up and went! I had a great time although many young people kept looking at us old people on the dance floor and pointing. I couldn't decide if I had something in my teeth or hanging from me or it was just cuz I am old. Anyway, as I went to pick up Erik from work and get ready for the dance my kids started asking me questions. The conversation went a little like this...

Kimmie: "Mom are you going to kiss Daddy while you are dancing tonight?"

Johnny: "No that is gross, she wouldn't do that."

Kimmie: "Mom so are you? The price always kisses Cinderella while they are dancing. (I don't know which Cinderella she is watching, but I liked the reference to Cinderella).

Me: "I don't know we will have to see." (thinking I really don't want to discuss this with my children)

Johnny: "Good cuz kissing is yucky."

Kimmie: "I think I like it and I will kiss my prince charming some day."

Me: "yes Kimmie." (thinking I hope this conversation is now over)

Kimmie: "Mom"

Me: "What?"

Kimmie: "If you plan on kissing Daddy tonight please make sure he doesn't eat jalapenos with his dinner. It makes his breath stink, and that is really icky."

Me: (trying not to laugh because she was so servious) "You will have to tell Daddy I don't think he will like that very much from me."

Johnny: "Yeah, don't tell Daddy what to eat, that is Mommy's job. (thinking) but it does stink."

Kimmie: "I will because he can't be a prince charming with stinky breath."

Erik gets in the car. I start laughing.
Erik: "What is so funny?"

Me: "Kimmie why don't you tell Daddy your advice for kissing Mommy tonight?"
Erik puzzled

Kimmie: "He won't be prince charming if I have to tell him everything. "

So my evening was fun and we had a great time. I got wonderful advice from my kids. My kids had a great time at KFC and bowling with Grandpa and Grandma!

Kindergarten Teacher

I went to drop off Johnny at school today. I was running a little late. I walked into a mess going on the playground. Apparently one parent caused a huge thing on the playground. Johnny's teacher was standing outside talking with some parents. She looked a little upset. One of the other teachers was holding the door open and told Johnny just to go sit down quietly and his teacher would be in soon. I walked with Johnny in the room and here is a room full of kids with no teacher. The kids were being good only a few of them were up running around but for the most part the kids were sitting on the floor waiting for the teacher and her story. So I asked the other teacher if he wanted me to start reading them a story. He was really grateful and said yeah go ahead. So I started reading this story about elephants. Their teacher walked in and asked if I was okay and said she needed to go to the office. So I told her I was fine and we kept reading. She sent down someone from the office to check on me. We did show and tell and told two stories. Johnny thought it was pretty cool that his mom was in the class. One kid even turned to Johnny and said, "your mom reads really good." I think it is because I commented on the photos to tried and make things longer until the teacher got back. I was really grateful to just be in the right place at the right time. Johnny was thrilled to have his mom in the class. I know that kind of excitement about Mom being in class doesn't last long. He has told everyone that his mom came to his class! So I am feeling like a pretty good mom today! I know that won't last either. So today for about 20 minutes I was a Kindergarten teacher!!!

Dr. Seuss IEP's

For those of you that have ever written, heard, had, or spent time working on IEP's

(Rhythm from Green Eggs & Ham)
Do you like these IEPs?I do not like these IEPs
I do not like them, Geez Louise
We test, we check
We plan, we meet
But nothing ever seems complete

Would you, could you like the form?I do not like the form I see
Not page 1, not 2, not 3
Another change
A brand new boxI think we all
Have lost our rocks

Could you all meet here or there?
We could not all meet here or there
We cannot all fit anywhere!
Not in a room, Not in the hall
There seems to be no space at all

Would you, could you meet again?
I cannot meet again next week
No lunch, no prep
Please hear me speak
No not at dusk. No not at dawn
At 4 p.m. I should be gone
Could you hear while all speak out?

Would you write the words they spout?
I could not hear, I would not write
This does not need to be a fight

Sign here, date there
Mark this, check that
Beware the student's ad-vo-cat(e)
You do not like them
So you say
Try again, try again!
And you may, If you will let me be
I will try again
You'll seeSay!

I almost like these IEPs!
I think I'll write six thousand three
And I will practice day and night
Until they say"You've got it right!"

Johnny Kindergarten

Johnny had his first day of Kindergarten today. He cried as we left home. Once we got to school he did fine. He had a great day! The photo of Johnny is after school coming out of the class. He had a great time and really loves his teacher. He made some new friends! I am really looking forward to a fun year of school!

Back to School

I am so very grateful that it is that time of year again! Kimmie started school today. Johnny will go in for Kindergarten testing tomorrow and then start next Monday. I am really grateful that my kids love school as much as they do. Here is photos from Kimmie getting on the bus!

Last Day of School

Kimmie had her last day of school today. I am so proud of all of the things that she has accomplished in the last year. One of the things I am most proud of is that she accomplished her goals in physical fitness this year and got the "Presidential Participation Physical Fitness Award." I am really proud of her! Way to go Kimmie!!!

D Track

I know nothing about "normal school year plans". With Kimmie in a special needs program she is always on D track and always has her teacher assignment way ahead of time. I didn't know that getting D track was a rare thing. When I went to Kindergarten Orientation they stessed over and over again that you can not plan on getting D or A tracks. When we got our track assignment this last weekend and we actually got D track I was rather amazed. I put on his sheet that his sister was on D track at another school. So the secretary said they maybe able to put him on D track with it only affecting one child but they couldn't promise anything. So to come back if I didn't get D track and she would see what she could do. I didn't plan on D track just like I was told. But I have had so many people question how I got both of my kids on D track. I never knew this was as hard of a thing as people say it is. I guess I just don't understand. I love having Kimmie in school until the end of June! It gives us six weeks to have time together and she is ready to be back in school and I am ready for her to go back. So I am really excited to have both my kids on the same schedule. Not that I don't love my kids but it is really good they go to school, I could never do the home school thing I don't have the patience. Johnny is excited for Kindergarten and just can't wait. I can't believe he is this old already. And yes we got D track!

Tyler The Smart

I just have to brag for a minute. I know that he doesn't brag so Aunt Kris is going to. Erik's (and my) nephew Tyler just graduated the other day from high school. Not that he should be old enough to graduate. But that is besides the point. I am not just proud of him for graduating and being so great to me and to my kids but he is Valedictorian! He was so not showy at graduation he acted like being the top in the class was no big deal. I am so proud of him and all that he has accomplished. He was 5 when I first came into the family. I fell in love with him and Cody the first time I met them. At five years old he was the biggest Jazz fan I had ever met. I don't think I ever learned as much about dinosaurs in my life as I did within that first year of knowing the boys. I am so overly proud of him. Congrats Tyler and best of luck at Utah State.

Johnny's Graduation

I am so very proud of my son. He has now officially graduated from Pre-school! He can't wait for Kindergarten to start. He will miss his pre-school. They did a fifteen minute graduation thing for the kids, I loved it! He looks so stylin' in his suit coat and jeans. I am proud of you my big boy!

Sports Day

Every year Jordan School District does a sports day for the special ed elementary classes. It is like a mini special olympics. Kimmie did really well. I am so proud of her. I got sunburned but she had a great time. Thank you to Daddy and Aunt Jeanette for coming to see her in her events.
The photos are of her jumping, the ribbon for running, and the opening ceremonies. She received two 3rd place ribbons and a 4th place.

We are so proud of you Kimmie!!!

Fire Station

Despite me being on overload yesterday. Johnny had a great time on his field trip. I didn't get very good photos so I hope that Bethany got some but I had to share this one of Johnny and his friend Trevin looking at each other. They look so cute and grown up!

Field Trip Overload

Do you ever wonder what kids do at the end of the school year. I will tell you they go on field trips. I really appreciate and love the programs that my kids are in so this is in no way a complaint against them. Although Johnny has two field trips this month and had one last month. Kimmie has three field trips this month and two last month. I am just getting a little overwhelmed with the field trip thing. I am aware that they have a good time and need to get out of the class room. But could we spread them over the year a little bit more. Johnny's isn't as bad but five in 60 days for Kimmie's class is a little much. I am just wondering why??? Couldn't we pick a few field trips and spread it throught the year and buy more books or something. I am just starting to loose track of when each one is going where, and I only have two kids. I couldn't imagine any more kids and any more field trips.

With all this being said Johnny's went to the fire station today. He had a great time and learned a lot I will post fun fire station photos soon.

I love my kids classes and teachers so PLEASE do not take this as I don't like them they are wonderful! I am just feeling Field Trip Overload!!!

Personal Talk

Yesterday I did a scary thing. I was asked to speak to a group of researchers at the University of Utah. I thought okay I can handle a talk about epilepsy. I have done them before. Although I have a few board members that take care of that for the most part but I can handle talking about epilepsy. The doctor/professor that asked me said he was interested in sharing personal stories of epilepsy to show the researchers that what they do makes a difference in the life of real people. I first thought, personal story I have a lot of those about seizures. I can handle telling a story or two. The doctor sent me the format of the class and how long he wanted me to talk 15 minutes. That is a talk not just a few stories. So I started on my journey to write a talk about me and my experiences as a wife and mother of individuals with epilepsy. Someone once told me I needed to write a book about epilepsy. After my experience in the last three weeks preparing for this I don't think I could do that. I put together some photos and put it in a PowerPoint presentation. I wrote everything down and shared my speech with Erik. I had a total of nine minutes. I thought I am going to be scared and talk too fast I will be done with this in 5 minutes tops. So I add things to my talk hopeful to make my talk about 10 minutes. I had trouble putting everything together in the first place because it was all personal. Seeing the bad days Kimmie has had and putting them on the big screen is scary and emotionally hard.

I walked into work yesterday I thought I was already to leave for my speech. I though I can handle this. I went into Mom's office and she said, "do you know you have a stain on your jacket?" I thought no I look cute! I tried fixing it although to no success. It was only about penny size so I thought I don't care no one will see it any ways. I figured that I must not have looked cute or the stain must have been worse that I thought, because Mom handed me her JcPenney's card and coupons and she told me to go buy something to wear. The condition was that I threw away the outfit I was in (it was a hand me down from her). So now I have a complex, I thought I had it all together and now I look retarded and need to buy new clothes because I don't have time to go home and change. Great this is starting out really well.

With my new shopping trip I arrived a few minutes late (as usual) I had agreed to met another gal from my board 45 minutes before we spoke. I was glad for the extra few minutes. We still ended up sitting for 20 or so minutes before the class started. It was only the perfect amount of extra time I needed to completely freak myself out. I learned that not only researchers, but staff and neurologists attend this class. So there went a class from 20 max to 45, plus people that are a lot smarter than I am. The doctor that asked me to help told me not to speak on anything like our bill or need for research or anything like that because these people know that they just need a personal story behind it. So I scratched through my extra stuff. I am grateful that Margo went first. I really appreciated the extra time to calm down. I thought as I stood up to talk well at least I have a new outfit and I look really cute.

I started and something fun happened. I ended up not really using my notes I just talked. I ended up talking for 20 minutes. Then students started asking me questions. I didn't know my life was interesting. I have a bunch of new volunteers and people that are really interested in what we are doing! I can't believe I have survived. I think I did okay. I started to get teary when I talked about Kimmie's six hour seizure. I saw three ladies in the room crying. I think that is a good sign that things went well. I have been asked back for other speaking things. I didn't plan on this being a thing although I think it was good for me to tell my story I think it also helped me emotionally deal with some of the things that have happened over the years.

Regardless I survived my first major public speaking event!