great teachers!!!
Jacob has ADD, but you wouldn't necessarily know it to meet him or have him in class. We work REALLY hard on behavioral modification techniques, and he takes NO medication. It's been very difficult, but SO worth it. We could not have made it this far medicine-free without great teachers.
I am very grateful that we had a PHENOMENAL kindergarten teacher who was so willing to work with us. When I first approached her about not medicating him, she was receptive. And despite telling me how difficult it was going to be, she never once made me feel as though I was wrong for doing it or that I was inconveniencing her. She informed the 1st grade teacher of methods she used that work, and we were able to continue working together with the school to keep him focused and learning. His current teacher is also great with keeping him occupied and focused, and he's doing GREAT in school.
I'll admit--some nights I feel like pulling my hair out. But when I see him learning and loving school, I'm so glad we chose this route. His teachers are very open about any issues we've had along the way, but I'm happy to say that he does NOT disrupt class and is reading way above the rest of his class, despite our choice not to medicate. I'm so proud of him and so thankful to his teachers and school for the help they've given us so far.
Here is Jacob on the first day of school this year. He LOVES his teacher this year. 
This is Jacob and his teacher from last year (1st grade). 
I wish I had a picture of his kindergarten teacher to post, but I don't have one on this computer. She was the BEST teacher ever, and we will be forever grateful to her!!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Today I am Thankful for...
Monday, November 24, 2008
Today I am Thankful for...
the cleaning bug I caught this weekend. I'm sure that sounds very silly, but I was inspired by Susan's cleaning spree last week and got SO much done at my house this weekend. I initially thought I'd follow her lead and clean my basement, but I started upstairs and never even made it down there. I'll have to start that next week.
But for now, I am so grateful for my clean and organized house. It was so great to go to bed last night knowing that everything was in its place. And I could still smell the pinesol and see the vacuum lines! MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM....what a great feeling. Thanks for passing me the bug, Susan!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Getting to Know Me: Christmas Edition
I stole this from Beth's blog.
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper all the way!!! One of the things I love about Christmas morning is watching the paper fly.
2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial. I'm allergic to pine, so we can't have a real tree in the house. Ron was devastated when he found out and jokes that he never would have asked me to marry him if he knew that.
3. When do you put up the tree? It used to be the Saturday after December 10, because Ron didn't want it up before his birthday. But, we put it up after Thanksgiving last year since Ron isn't around to help much and because we had a long weekend to do it. It was nice and relaxing to have three days to pull it all out and get everything set up, so we're doing that this year too.
4. When do you take the tree down? Sometime the week between Christmas and New Years--it just depends on how busy we are that week.
5. Do you like eggnog? Blech. No.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Cabbage Patch Doll
7. Hardest person to buy for? Our parents -- all three of them!
8. Easiest person to buy for? CJ
9. Do you have a nativity scene? We have a Little People one that the kids love. Someday, I'd like to have a nice set, but we need more room first.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? I'm SO embarrassed to say that I'm e-mailing my letter with a picture attached to as many people as I can this year. I know it's bad form, and it's humiliating. But I don't have the funds to buy cards for our normal list, so I'm only mailing a few this year. :(
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? A thermometer/barometer thing I got a couple years ago.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Santa Claus with Tim Allen
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I normally shop throughout the year. Not to harp on financials, but it's been a rough year, so not much has been purchased. It will be a VERY small Christmas this year. I just need to make sure Santa makes a visit!!!!
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Not that I recall.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Mom's cinnamon candy
16. Lights on the tree? Lots of them! And they have to be white. I HATE colored lights - especially the BIG colored bulbs.
17. Favorite Christmas song? Let it Snow
18. Travel at Christmas or stay at home? Stay at Home!!!
19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeers? Nope
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? When we got married, I wanted an Angel and DH wanted a star. We compromised and bought a beautiful lighted cross. When it broke two years ago (sniff, sniff), I bought a star. It's what we'll use this year, but I want to get another cross some day.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Greed. While I love Christmas, I see a lot of people who complain about what they got, didn't get, etc. And I'm not talking about your random bad gift. I mean people complaining that they didn't get ENOUGH. I don't like greed.
23. What theme or color are you using? I don't have a theme, per say, though most of my decorations are juvenile since my kids are so young.
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? We normally have ham, cheesy potatoes, corn, lima beans and rolls for dinner.
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? I want my children to get a visit from Santa and to be thrilled on Christmas morning.
Today I am Thankful for...
my mother. She is a wonderful mom, and an even better grandmother. It's fun for me to spend time with her, and my kids LOVE to spend time with her, too. She's generous and kind, funny and spunky. I am very grateful for her in my life.
And I'm not just saying that because she's babysitting tonight!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Today I am Thankful for...
my faith. I won't bore you with the details. Those of you that read my blog know that I've been struggling A LOT the last year -- physically, emotionally, financially, etc. I am thankful that during this time, I've had my faith to lean on. At times, my desperation caused me to question that faith -- and I think that only made it stronger. I am thankful for God, the faith He gives me, my church and all that I am because of these things.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Microsoft Vs. Auto Industry
I saw this on SS and shamelessly stole it for my blog. This is FUNNY!!!
At a recent computer expo (COMDEX), Bill Gates reportedly compared the computer industry with the auto industry and stated,
'If GM had kept up with technology like the computer industry has, we would all be driving $25.00 cars that got 1,000 miles to the gallon.'
In response to Bill's comments, General Motors issued a press release stating:
If GM had developed technology like Microsoft, we would all be driving cars with the following characteristics (and I just love this part):
1. For no reason whatsoever, your car would crash........
Twice a day.
2. Every time they repainted the lines in the road, you would have to buy a new car.
3. Occasionally your car would die on the freeway for no reason. You would have to pull to the side of the road, close all of the windows, shut off the car, restart it, and reopen the windows before you could continue. For some reason you would simply accept this.
4. Occasionally, executing a maneuver such as a left turn would cause your car to shut down and refuse to restart, in which case you would have to reinstall the engine.
5. Macintosh would make a car that was powered by the sun, was reliable, five times as fast and twice as easy to drive - but would run on only five percent of the roads.
6. The oil, water temperature, and alternator warning lights would all be replaced by a single 'This Car Has Performed An Illegal Operation' warning light.
7. The airbag system would ask 'Are you sure?' before deploying.
8. Occasionally, for no reason whatsoever, your car would lock you out and refuse to let you in until you simultaneously lifted the door handle, turned the key and grabbed hold of the radio antenna.
9. Every time a new car was introduced car buyers would have to learn how to drive all over again because none of the controls would operate in the same manner as the old car.
10. You 'd have to press the 'Start' button to turn the engine off.
Today I am Thankful for...
my house. Even though it has some flaws, it provides us with warm shelter from the frigid temperatures.
On our way to school yesterday morning, there was an accident with A LOT of emergency personnel. The kids saw the smashed vehicles and an injured man being put in the ambulance while his family looked on. It turns out that a homeless family was crossing the street, and the father was hit by a truck, who hit a car when he was swerving to miss the man. I feel just awful for that family, not just because of the father's accident, but because they don't have anywhere to go. No place to call home.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Today I am Thankful for...
my family's health. We've had a long few days of a stomach bug at our house, and if I never have to clean vomit up again, it will be too soon. BLECH! I am very thankful that the bug has passed and we're all healthy now. I just hope it stays that way.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Random things about me...
A friend sent this to me via e-mail, so I said I'd do it. It's long, and it seems repetitive, but what the heck...
Hi my name is:
Brandi
When I'm nervous:
I laugh a lot
By this time next year:
I hope to be out of Michigan
PART 1: YOU
Were you a planned baby?
Yes
Were you the first?
Nope - I was the last
Are your parents still married?
Yes - 41 years
PART 2: YOUR PERSONALITY
Do you have low self esteem?
No
Do you get depressed about things easily?
Lately yes - but normally no.
Are you happy right now?
I try to be, but I miss living with my husband. I'm very happy that I have healthy and happy kids, a home to live in, food to eat, etc.
PART 3: APPEARANCE
Are you comfortable with the way you look?
No. I hate being fat. Ironically, I must not hate it enough to stay on the wagon.
Describe your hair:
Short, spikey, highlighted
Where do you buy most of your clothes?
Kohls
PART 4: RANDOM
Ever been kicked out of a bar?
Sadly yes--but only because of someone I was with.
Ever drunk dialed an ex?
Nope.
Can you tie a cherry stem using your tongue?
Nope
PART 5: THE OUTDOORS
Do you prefer indoors or outdoors?
Outdoor
Do you like walking in the rain?
Yes. Some people feel the rain, others just get wet. :)
Do you like thunderstorms?
LOVE them!!!
PART 6: FOOD
Are you a vegetarian?
No - I could NEVER give up meat!
Anything you absolutely could eat forever?
Mashed potatoes and gravy
What is your favorite dessert?
Lemon Meringue pie
PART 7: RELATIONSHIPS AND LOVE
Do you want to get married?
I already am married.
Have you ever been in love?
Yes
Are you in a relationship now?
Yes
Are you happy with where you are?
I'm happy to be married and to be a mom, but I wish I lived in the same state as my husband!
When you meet the right person, do you fall fast?
Well, I met my husband in August, was engaged in November and married in July. I'd say yes.
Have you ever had your heart broken?
Sure, hasn't everyone?
Would you ever take someone back if they cheated on you?
I don't know. I say once a cheater, always a cheater, but after seeing a friend go through this, I really can't say. I don't think I could, but I just can't say no definitively.
Do you want kids?
I have two healthy and beautiful children.
How many?
Two and through.
Would you consider adoption?
We did consider it, but then we were blessed with our own.
Do you believe love at first sight exists?
attraction...yes, love...no
Do you believe in celebrating anniversaries?
Yep!
Do you believe that you can change someone?
No
Do you have feelings for someone right now?
of course, my hubby
Do you still have feelings for an ex?
No
How old do you want to be when you get married?
I got married when I was 20
What do you do when your mad?
I like to be alone when I'm mad.
What are the color of your eyes?
Green
Last night you felt?
Happy that the furnace guy came and fixed our heat!
Were you happy when you woke up today?
Yes - I had heat!! :)
What are you listening to right now?
The dogs playing
If you could pack up and leave your life now to move away, would you?
Leave my life here in MI? Yes. Leave my family? NO WAY!
How's your room looking?
Messy, as usual.
What are you doing tomorrow?
Working
What were you most looking forward to today?
Bedtime. I'm almost there!
How is your hair?
It's O.K. I'm trying to adjust to the highlights.
Do you like your first name?
It's O.K., but everyone either sings to me or tells me that it doesn't fit.
Do you like to cuddle?
Yes
Baseball or football?
I prefer to play baseball but watch football.
Married?
Yep - 11 years
What's your biggest fear(s)?
Being stuck in Michigan forever!!
Name something great that happened today:
I found out that I can save big on my prescriptions through a new mail program at work.
Who was that last person you had a phone call with longer than 7 minutes?
My mom
How often do you hold back from saying what you are thinking?
Every week day
Last hug?
Five minutes ago. CJ gives the best hugs!!
Is something bothering you?
Yes - I want to live with my husband.
Has anyone ever told you that you have pretty eyes?
Not that I recall.
What woke you up this morning?
The alarm and then my dog.
Will you be in a relationship in four months?
I hope so.
When was the last time you had butterflies?
Yesterday
What are you excited for?
the weekend
Who was your last missed call?
Ron
At the moment are you more warm or cold?
WARM!!
What was the last thing you spent your money on?
Gasoline - and hey...it was pretty cheap!
Who do you trust the most in your life?
My immediate family
Is there one song that reminds you of the whole summer?
Nope
Would you change who you are?
Nope. I like myself.
Do you have a great friend of opposite sex?
yes, my husband
Are you in a relationship?
yes
Are you happy about that?
yes
What were you doing an hour ago?
watching TV
Do you have a best friend?
Not really :(
What kind of pets do you have?
2 dogs
Are you a happy person?
for the most part
Do you hold a grudge?
no, not really
Do you have aim?
Yes, but I am rarely on there.
Favorite color?
green
Do you get along with your parents?
Yes most certainly
Last person at your house?
The furnace guy.
Do you like your food touching on your plate?
I dont care with most things
Do you sleep with one leg out from under the covers?
I sleep with BOTH legs out of the covers!!
Do you like to hold or be held?
Be held
Is there something thats bothering you?
Yes - that Ron lives in another state.
Is there something you want to tell someone but cant?
I dont think so
When was the last time you cried?
Yesterday
Today I am Thankful for...
HEAT!!!! The furnace company came out around 6:00pm last night and was able to fix the furnace with no issues. He was gone by 7:00pm, and the heat was blowing like crazy. It probably ran all night to recover the temperature since it was off for a couple days, but it was nice and cozy this morning when I woke up. Well, as cozy as it can be at 68 degrees. LOL! But it was nice to wake up to the normal temperature rather than having it in the 50s!!!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Today I am thankful for...
my house. I'm glad I have a roof over our heads - even though there is no heat in there right now!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Today I am thankful for...
my family.
I'm in Ohio visiting my parents, and I'm very grateful to have parents within driving distance. They both have minor health ailments, but nothing that prevents them for living pretty normal lives, so the kids LOVE to visit here and play with them.
It's so fun to see the joy on their faces -- the kids' AND the grandparents'!!!!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Today I am Thankful for...
MY CAR!!! I'm sure that's another shocker to some of you because I have complained a lot since August that my car keeps breaking down. And it does. But for right now, it runs. And since my neighbor had a car stolen, I'm just grateful to HAVE a car today!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Today I am Thankful for....
my children. I have been through so many ups and downs this year, and through it all, I've found hope and comfort in my family...particularly my kids. They have no idea what I've been through this year, but they make me smile and laugh when I need it most. They give me the strength to fight, even when I feel like giving up. They truly give me a reason to wake up every morning, especially when I want to pull the covers over my head and go back to sleep. It took four LONG years of infertility treatments to get these kids, and I think that probably makes me even that much more grateful to have them in my life. 
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Today I am thankful...
for the end of our election process this year! As I have known for sometime, my choice for President did not win. But this isn't why I'm happy that the election is over. I'm thankful that the process is complete, and that it went off without any major issues. I'm HOPEFUL this means that we, as a nation, can move forward TOGETHER to improve our country and get things back on track.
I'm thankful that the election is over so that the character bashing of both candidates will end. Today is a new day. Let's move forward and make it a good one.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Today I am thankful for...
our democratic process. I'm sure this is on the mind of many today, but I am truly grateful to live in a land where we have a democracy.
I went to the polls this morning and voted before going to work. And even though I'm quite certain my candidate is not going to win, it felt good to cast my vote anyways! We also had some important local races and two issues I wanted to vote on, so it was a very important year to vote.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Today, I am Thankful...
for my health. I'm sure some of you are wondering how I can say that with all the whining I do about my tumor and the pain it causes me. But you know what? I am thankful that I'm not suffering with anything fatal or that would cause me to be completely incapacitated.
I am thankful that God gives me the strength to step out of bed each and every morning--ESPECIALLY the mornings when my pain is so great that I'm not sure I could roll out of bed without Him by my side.
I am thankful for wonderful doctors that are working tirelessly to help me manage my pain and move forward with my life.
November?!
Today is November 3rd. How in the world can it be November already?! I just can't get over how quickly the years go by anymore. When I was young, it seemed that I was always complaining that the time was going too slow. I remember my mom telling me to stop wishing my life away--live in the now and enjoy life. Boy, do I wish I would have listened to that advice!!
Now I'm 31 years old, and I feel like every week flies by. I try to take time to stop and smell the roses, but I haven't done a very good job. My goodness---it seems like we just did the kids' birthday parties!! Where in the world have the months gone?!
Tomorrow is the election, and I'll be so glad when it's over because I'm sick of the ads. Thanksgiving is in 3½ weeks, and then Christmas is only 4 weeks after that. I'm not ready for another year to come to an end. I need time to slow down so that I can enjoy my kids and have memories of this winter. PLEASE SLOW DOWN, TIME!!!
