Little Jace has sure come a long way after our trip to Spokane. The little guy now rolls around everywhere, claps his hands, and now plays Peek-a-boo.
For those that can't see the video here in this blog post, click HERE.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
A Splenda Diet
Amber and I have been doing pretty well on our diets. We have both plateaued near our low points, but we are not giving up.
The other day, Amber decided to make some brownies. She had been craving them all day long and so she scoured the internet for a magic recipe that would be sugar free. After about 20 minutes of the fruitless attempt, Amber resigned to going back to a traditional recipe.
However, not to totally wreck her carb-protein balance, Amber decided to halve the sugar requirements for the recipe and replace it with the sugar substitute, Splenda.
We all sat in the kitchen and eagerly awaited the soon to be finished brownies as the smell of the chocolate dish floated through the house.
When the time came to remove them from the oven, there was a gasp and a cry of despair from Amber's lips. The brownies were flat and hard. We tried the crisp oddity, but it just didn't do it for us - the taste just wasn't there.
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Oh, well, I guess Splenda did its job, at the end of the day, we didn't eat any brownies!
The other day, Amber decided to make some brownies. She had been craving them all day long and so she scoured the internet for a magic recipe that would be sugar free. After about 20 minutes of the fruitless attempt, Amber resigned to going back to a traditional recipe.
However, not to totally wreck her carb-protein balance, Amber decided to halve the sugar requirements for the recipe and replace it with the sugar substitute, Splenda.
We all sat in the kitchen and eagerly awaited the soon to be finished brownies as the smell of the chocolate dish floated through the house.
When the time came to remove them from the oven, there was a gasp and a cry of despair from Amber's lips. The brownies were flat and hard. We tried the crisp oddity, but it just didn't do it for us - the taste just wasn't there.
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Oh, well, I guess Splenda did its job, at the end of the day, we didn't eat any brownies!
Del Monte
I won tickets to a Dierks Bentley concert in Salt Lake City for last saturday. So we went to the concert. It was really fun. He has a lot more great songs that I had realized.
Today I got a call from Del Monte. They are going do a conference call with me tomorrow at 10:00 to discuss a future position with them. It looks like I will be graduating in July so it looks like I may end up in California with Del Monte. I will find out more information tomorrow.
Today I got a call from Del Monte. They are going do a conference call with me tomorrow at 10:00 to discuss a future position with them. It looks like I will be graduating in July so it looks like I may end up in California with Del Monte. I will find out more information tomorrow.
Trip to Temple Square
We had stake conference this weekend. Amber, being the true Mother in Israel, suggested that we take advantage of the lack of many Sunday meetings and take the kids up to Temple Square. Our kids have spent their entire lives in Provo, UT and have never visited temple square when there was good weather. We have only managed to take them to the Mormon Mecca during cold, stormy winter nights when they are too cold and tired to really care.
We spent all afternoon doing tours, watching little video clips, etc. The kids really enjoyed themselves.
Here are a few pictures of the activity.
We spent all afternoon doing tours, watching little video clips, etc. The kids really enjoyed themselves.
Here are a few pictures of the activity.
Here are the kids taking a brief break for a quick snack of cheese and crackers.
These last two pictures are of the kids at the Christus statue.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Paranoid?
Over the past few days, Alayna has been sick with the touch of the flu or something. She has become used to carrying around a "throw up bowl" as her best friend. She has used her container friend quite a bit.
Yesterday, Alayna started to perk up by afternoon. She was still very tired and slept most of the day, but her fever was gone and she appeared more normal.
As Amber and I headed off to bed, we thought we would check on her. We found her throw up bowl positioned in an interesting way - is she paranoid that diarrhea will be the next thing to set in? If so, I guess she is prepared!
Yesterday, Alayna started to perk up by afternoon. She was still very tired and slept most of the day, but her fever was gone and she appeared more normal.
As Amber and I headed off to bed, we thought we would check on her. We found her throw up bowl positioned in an interesting way - is she paranoid that diarrhea will be the next thing to set in? If so, I guess she is prepared!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Another update
I guess yesterday or the day before Melinda and Ken Cambell's son Jeff and his wife lost a little boy. I think he was probably a little older than Chloe. I haven't heard many details but he was certainly a cute little boy. Jeff Helps his Dad farm out here in Arbon.
I also heard today that Matt and Vennesa Bird are going to have TWINS. They currently have 3 children. I think the oldest is about 12 and the youngest is about 3 yrs old.
FUN FUN.
mom
I also heard today that Matt and Vennesa Bird are going to have TWINS. They currently have 3 children. I think the oldest is about 12 and the youngest is about 3 yrs old.
FUN FUN.
mom
Jace & Fin
In our weekend jaunt to Spokane, Jace got a lot of face time with his two-month-senior cousin, Fin. Ann and Verne were babysitting Fin while Michelle was off to Singapore to catch a glimpse of her Navy Hero.
Fin and Jace were actually really good together. Fin was not overly aggressive. He and Jace would touch each other's face or hands, but that was about it. They would often play side by side during our visit.
Fin still dominates Jace physically and mobility-wise. But they really seemed to enjoy each other - as much as could be expected for seven and nine month olds.
There was one time that Fin actually sat in Jace's lap for some time while they played. Jace was just fine with that.
It will be interesting to see how these two grow up - if they are very close as two boys that are about the same age. With their upbringing, though, Jace will probably be a computer geek with a love sci-fi action while Fin will be a sports star and all-time school jock. Who knows, maybe they will make a fantastic duo!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
UPDATES
OOPS Didn't mean to send that first blog off.
I decided that I would send a blog giving you some updates of people you know. It seems I somehow forget to tell my children information that they would be interested in. I am trying to do better.
MOM
Kandace & Troy's little boy Chase (3 yrs. old) was very sick with a temp. of 104 1/2 and vomiting and extreme pain, He has strep throat and blood in his urine.
Kandace took him to the doctor and he said that Chase has kidney stones. They also figure that he has the same Kidney Disease that Troy has. It just makes me sick. Being such a little boy they can't give him any med's when he passes the stones, he just has to go through it.
Keep him in your prayers.
Close to 2 weeks ago Challis Stewart was thrown of a 4 wheeler and broke his pelvis in 3 places.
He also cracked his ankle. He is home now and on crutches. The doctors are amazed at how well he is healing. They expected him to heal fast because of his age, but they say they have never yet seen ANYONE heal this fast.
Becky Stewart"s engagement is off but She has something else exciting in her life. She is graduating from BYU Utah in ....Early Childhood Education......April 25th.
Britton & Amber Hayden are expecting their 3rd child. She is abt. 12 weeks pregnant.
She was terrible sick at first but the doc. gave her something interesting to help with that. It worked and is now feeling gine. FYI...! vitamin B-6 pill along with 1/2 of a sleeping pill (like unisom) AT NIGTH before going to bed. Worked wonders.. Interesting huh.
Denice Purdy told us that Dale Purdy and his wife Mandy are expecting a new baby, I think in May.
Kade lusk and his wife Shancey are expecting a baby also.
Levi Knutt (Ken and MelindaCambell's son) is out on a mission. I think he left in March to Florida.
Dustin Larsen received his mission call to Chicago and leaves the first part of July.
Skyler Stewart also mailed in his call the same time as Dustin did, but there has been some mix up and he is still waiting for it. Dustin got his about a month ago & Skyler is going crazy.
Jeff has talked to everyone from his Stk. Pres. and our Stk. Pres. to the Mission office and If everything goes right he should receive it this Wed. or next Wed.
I hope this has caught everyone up to date.
Love ya, MOM
I decided that I would send a blog giving you some updates of people you know. It seems I somehow forget to tell my children information that they would be interested in. I am trying to do better.
MOM
Kandace & Troy's little boy Chase (3 yrs. old) was very sick with a temp. of 104 1/2 and vomiting and extreme pain, He has strep throat and blood in his urine.
Kandace took him to the doctor and he said that Chase has kidney stones. They also figure that he has the same Kidney Disease that Troy has. It just makes me sick. Being such a little boy they can't give him any med's when he passes the stones, he just has to go through it.
Keep him in your prayers.
Close to 2 weeks ago Challis Stewart was thrown of a 4 wheeler and broke his pelvis in 3 places.
He also cracked his ankle. He is home now and on crutches. The doctors are amazed at how well he is healing. They expected him to heal fast because of his age, but they say they have never yet seen ANYONE heal this fast.
Becky Stewart"s engagement is off but She has something else exciting in her life. She is graduating from BYU Utah in ....Early Childhood Education......April 25th.
Britton & Amber Hayden are expecting their 3rd child. She is abt. 12 weeks pregnant.
She was terrible sick at first but the doc. gave her something interesting to help with that. It worked and is now feeling gine. FYI...! vitamin B-6 pill along with 1/2 of a sleeping pill (like unisom) AT NIGTH before going to bed. Worked wonders.. Interesting huh.
Denice Purdy told us that Dale Purdy and his wife Mandy are expecting a new baby, I think in May.
Kade lusk and his wife Shancey are expecting a baby also.
Levi Knutt (Ken and MelindaCambell's son) is out on a mission. I think he left in March to Florida.
Dustin Larsen received his mission call to Chicago and leaves the first part of July.
Skyler Stewart also mailed in his call the same time as Dustin did, but there has been some mix up and he is still waiting for it. Dustin got his about a month ago & Skyler is going crazy.
Jeff has talked to everyone from his Stk. Pres. and our Stk. Pres. to the Mission office and If everything goes right he should receive it this Wed. or next Wed.
I hope this has caught everyone up to date.
Love ya, MOM
Monday, April 21, 2008
My Mother, Dorma Call wrote this down for me.
Dear Jo
Briefly this is the way that I remember this.
My Uncle Fred Housley, (my mothers brother) and his wife Aunt Hazel were retired and they were going home for Christmas.
On their way, they were hit by (I believe) a Semi.
The ambulance came and the paramedics put Uncle Fred on a gurney and checked
him out to see if he was ok. He seemed fine.
He hadn't been told yet that Aunt Hazel had died.
They brought her up on a gurney next to Uncle Fred . Uncle Fred raised up on his elbow
and looked over to see how Aunt Hazel was doing.
They had her face covered up with a sheet and so, he laid back down and was dead.
A couple of weeks prior to this, Uncle Fred and Aunt Hazel were at Aunt Clarissa's and Uncle Fred said to her that they were going to go on a mission soon . They asked him when, where, and how. Did you get your call yet, And he said no, No one had asked them to go yet, but he knew they would be going soon.
After this incident took place They figured that this was the mission they were called on.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
From a woman that I love, and that I would love to be like.
'I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a
shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly
coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails. I want to drive up in
a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp. I
want to be there with grass stains on my shoes from mowing Sister Schenk's
lawn. I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making
sandwiches for a sick neighbor's children. I want to be there with a little
dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden. I want to be
there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on
my shoulder. I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived.'
Marjorie Pay Hinckley
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Quick Birthday Bash
The day before Mom's birthday, our family was heading up to Spokane to visit the Reeds. Amber had the idea that we could leave early enough from Provo in order to grab a meal with Mom to celebrate her birthday on our way through Pocatello.
A few phone calls were made and Joe, Jen, and Chloe were able to join us with Mom and Dad for an IHOP meal. We had a great time visiting around the table and chatting. It was a fun break for us to stop there and share a meal together.
The kids all pitched in for a Bedroom Makeover as Mom's birthday gift. I believe Jen, Amber, and Nae will be showing up soon to paint and redo carpet in Mom and Dad's old bedroom.
I'm excite to see how it is going to look!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Branding
We are planning to brand on May 3. The way things are going , we might have enough calves for one for each of us. If that date doesn't work out let me know.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Two Minute Emergency
On Monday, Amber and I held an emergency preparedness family home evening. We started out by giving the kids two minutes to run around the house and gather all the things that they thought they might need an emergency that would last them three days.
Our kids came up with some very interesting things. Aylee came down with a handful of clothes, scriptures, and a backpack full of school work. She was dropping clothes and other items everywhere as she ran. Aliece came down with only a pillow and her blanket. No, wait, she also brought her poodle purse. Alayna screamed the whole way out of the house. She was so upset that she did not have time to grab all of her church clothes. Johnathan didn't have any shoes or socks but he did have three pairs of underwear.
Aylee realized after everything was said and done that with all those clothes that she was dragging around in her bare arms, she didn't have a single pair of pants, but, she exclaimed, "At least I have my Yankee hat!"
For good measure, Aylee also brought pass along cards just in case they came in handy.
I think the lesson made in impression upon the children. For our activity, Amber helped the kids assemble some 72 hour kits. She and I found some three dollar backpacks several months ago. We bought them up and stored them in the garage until we had enough items to assemble kits.
For our date this weekend, Amber and I went crazy at sportsman's warehouse. We bought up roughly $300 worth of emergency supplies. We only had to pay $100, however, because we had a $200 gift card that I received as a prize from a Novell Christmas activity.
We still have a lot more to do in order for a 72 hour kits to be complete. However, at least we have the bare necessities down.
Our kids came up with some very interesting things. Aylee came down with a handful of clothes, scriptures, and a backpack full of school work. She was dropping clothes and other items everywhere as she ran. Aliece came down with only a pillow and her blanket. No, wait, she also brought her poodle purse. Alayna screamed the whole way out of the house. She was so upset that she did not have time to grab all of her church clothes. Johnathan didn't have any shoes or socks but he did have three pairs of underwear.
Aylee realized after everything was said and done that with all those clothes that she was dragging around in her bare arms, she didn't have a single pair of pants, but, she exclaimed, "At least I have my Yankee hat!"
For good measure, Aylee also brought pass along cards just in case they came in handy.
I think the lesson made in impression upon the children. For our activity, Amber helped the kids assemble some 72 hour kits. She and I found some three dollar backpacks several months ago. We bought them up and stored them in the garage until we had enough items to assemble kits.
For our date this weekend, Amber and I went crazy at sportsman's warehouse. We bought up roughly $300 worth of emergency supplies. We only had to pay $100, however, because we had a $200 gift card that I received as a prize from a Novell Christmas activity.
We still have a lot more to do in order for a 72 hour kits to be complete. However, at least we have the bare necessities down.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Sex Education - Sunbeam Style
After church today, Alayna wanted to cuddle by me on the floor. We grabbed a couple of blankets and nestled ourselves on our big floor pillow. While we got comfortable I started to ask her about her day. The discussion went from her activities and such to what she learned about in class.
As she talked to me, she explained that they learned about the birds and the bees in their Sunbeam primary class at church. I was pretty interested in what they had taught so I asked her some follow up questions. She replied, "I have a picture they gave me, do you want to see?" Intrigued I responded that I did.
She ran over to her Sunday papers and brought back two coloring pages that she had colored. Sure enough, the Sunbeams got a lesson on the Birds and the Bees!
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As she talked to me, she explained that they learned about the birds and the bees in their Sunbeam primary class at church. I was pretty interested in what they had taught so I asked her some follow up questions. She replied, "I have a picture they gave me, do you want to see?" Intrigued I responded that I did.
She ran over to her Sunday papers and brought back two coloring pages that she had colored. Sure enough, the Sunbeams got a lesson on the Birds and the Bees!
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A Violent Family Celebration
Yesterday, Jake and I finished up our second to last class for the MBA program at Utah State. In order to celebrate this new milestone, Amber and the kids took me out to the grade school where we played some family baseball.
It was a beautiful day and we had a great time playing catch and knocking the ball around. The day wasn't without it's injuries, however. Both Johnathan and Aylee got smacked in the head with the base ball during our play time. Johnathan got a nice little bloody nose and Aylee was blessed with a shiner.
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Aylee's shiner didn't show up well in the picture, but it sure looked nice at church today! Johnathan and Aylee took it well and we were able to laugh about the experience on our way home.
It was a beautiful day and we had a great time playing catch and knocking the ball around. The day wasn't without it's injuries, however. Both Johnathan and Aylee got smacked in the head with the base ball during our play time. Johnathan got a nice little bloody nose and Aylee was blessed with a shiner.
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Aylee's shiner didn't show up well in the picture, but it sure looked nice at church today! Johnathan and Aylee took it well and we were able to laugh about the experience on our way home.
My New Friend
We sure had a great time with Jen and Chloe last week. I felt bad that so much was going on with our family when they were down here, but Jen was very flexible and we really enjoyed ourselves.
One of the highlights of the visit was that I finally won over one of my nieces! When Chloe first arrived to our house she was definitely uncertain about the whole thing. I spent some time playing with her on our stairs. She was hesitant and cautious while I played, but then we found something that she thought was funny and I tried putting my hand to my mouth to laugh to throw some dramatics into the game. She caught on to that - after that incident we were best buds for the rest of the week.
The hand-to-mouth laughs were our connection throughout the week. Anytime we did something or saw something that Chloe thought was funny, she would put her hand to her mouth to laugh and I would do the same.
Thanks Jen for bringing Chloe down and letting me have that time with her so that she could get to know her uncle a bit better!
Fire! Fire!! Fire!!!
Our family worked on a rudimentary fire drill plan when we first moved into our house a while back. One of the plans we made was that if we ever had a fire or other emergency, we were all to meet up at the Tucker's house - our next door neighbors.
We haven't really talked about it for some time. The other day, Amber was cooking some fish in the kitchen and for some reason there was some smoke from one of the items she was preparing. All the kids were playing in the family room and kitchen when the smoke alarm when off. As soon as that thing went off Alayna started yelling, "Fire! Everyone run to the Tucker's!!!" She was gone in an instant. We all tried to catch her but she was out the door and on their doorstep before Aylee was able to reach her.
We convinced her that it was a false alarm and that she could come back in the house. The kids started playing again when the alarm went off the second time. Bam! Alayna yelled about the Tucker's house and was gone in an instant!
Man, that girl has the drill down pat!
We haven't really talked about it for some time. The other day, Amber was cooking some fish in the kitchen and for some reason there was some smoke from one of the items she was preparing. All the kids were playing in the family room and kitchen when the smoke alarm when off. As soon as that thing went off Alayna started yelling, "Fire! Everyone run to the Tucker's!!!" She was gone in an instant. We all tried to catch her but she was out the door and on their doorstep before Aylee was able to reach her.
We convinced her that it was a false alarm and that she could come back in the house. The kids started playing again when the alarm went off the second time. Bam! Alayna yelled about the Tucker's house and was gone in an instant!
Man, that girl has the drill down pat!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Medication Turmoil
After many weeks of working with school professionals, doctors, psychologists, and books, Amber and I made a decision this week to try Aliece on some medication that was recommended by a doctor.
While no one has been able to diagnose Aliece with anything in particular, one of the psychologists suggested that we just try some ADHD medication to see if it wouldn't help curb some of Aliece's tendencies that make classroom settings so difficult for teachers and peers.
After consulting with another pediatrician, we decided to start with a new drug called Vyvanse. This morning was the first time we administered the medication.
Amber was volunteering in Aliece's class this morning and was there when Aliece walked in. When the students all entered the class, Aliece did not make a scene and announce herself to everyone as she typically does, she went straight to her desk along with everyone else. When the teacher asked them to put their books away, Aliece went over and did just was instructed. The teacher did not realize Aliece was on medication. She turned to Amber and said, wow, that is impressive.
However, as time progressed, Aliece's behavior started to change. Amber and the teacher watched as in the hour Aliece's countenance fell and got gloomier and gloomier.
Near the end of one of their activities, the teacher told Amber, "I like the old Aliece better than this."
One of the children in the class even asked Amber, "What's wrong with Aliece? She is talking so quietly today."
When it was time for the class to walk to the Music room, Aliece was not found rushing down the hall in front of the class as is the typically experience. Rather, she walked slowly and was soon the last in the line. Her teacher had to hold on to her shoulder and help her continue on her way to class.
Half way through the music period, the teacher brought Aliece out to Amber and said that she was not singing (which is amazing for Aliece who loves to sing - and sing at maximum lung capacity at that). They decided it might be best for Aliece to return home with Amber.
By the time Aliece and Amber got home, Aliece was quite emotional and easily brought to tears.
As I left for work, I could hardly get out the door for all the things that Aliece had to tell me. She would not even pause to let me get a word in. I had to finally kiss her good-bye mid-sentence and leave her at the doorstep still rambling on.
After I had been to work for about an hour, Amber called saying Aliece was still talking non-stop and was very itchy around her mouth and eyes.
About that time, Amber took this video (We have condensed it down - it was ten minutes of straight talking):
For those reading this as an email, you can see the video by clicking this link: http://www.ht4.org/h2Yq857bo.
Due to the demanding nature of Aliece's speech, Amber asked if I could come home and give her a break. Not only was Aliece rambling constantly, she required you to have eye contact with her all the time and be an active listener or she would get very upset.
Aliece really didn't eat anything after breakfast. Hoping to get something down her we broke out some diet pop and some cheetos. She carried around the bag of cheetos everywhere with her - coveting the size of the bag, etc, but still didn't consume them directly.
I finally got her to watch a movie, but she still couldn't stop talking and she talked through the entire flick - asking me to pause it so that she could explain it all to me.
After the movie, I took the following picture:
I was hoping to catch in the picture the raw skin around the eyes and mouth, however, the picture doesn't do it justice. This was her attempt at a happy smile.
By dinner time, Aliece's need for talking was a bit more controllable. Alayna said a prayer to bless the food before we ate. After the prayer Aliece was in tears and said that Alayna should have prayed that she would get better. Aliece knows she is not well today and was very concerned about it. Alayna said another prayer and included Aliece in the blessing.
Aliece did not eat much of her dinner, but she did sit at the table and participate in the conversations.
As bedtime approached, Aliece relapsed into constant talking to some degree. When it was time for bed, Amber said the prayer with all the kids (I had to run to a meeting). She could not say more than a sentence or two without Aliece commenting that she should add this to her prayer or pray for so and so, etc.
It is now 9:30PM and Aliece is still in bed wide awake. She is trying so hard to be quiet and go to sleep. However, Amber was searching on the Internet and read of people saying that their child did not sleep for 30 Hours straight after they took one of the pills. We are hoping that this will not be her experience.
We are not planning on sending Aliece to school tomorrow. We will probably keep her home one more day and make sure everything is trending to normal.
Aliece had been making many improvements at home and at school. Amber and I have always stated that we could do just fine without medicating Aliece. However, we have been concerned about the non-home-structured experiences such as school and church. Thus, we have been meeting so often with specialists in the field to determine what is best.
We know the doctors are going to suggest simply switching to another medication, but frankly, after today, I don't know if we have the stamina to put Aliece through what she has gone through today.
We love Aliece and her personality. We don't want to use any medication that changes who she is - even if it works well in the classroom. She does fine in school, gets good grades; We just want her to have positive relationships with her teachers and peers.
We'll let you know what ever happens along this road. But until then, we're looking forward to getting Aliece back to her true self.
While no one has been able to diagnose Aliece with anything in particular, one of the psychologists suggested that we just try some ADHD medication to see if it wouldn't help curb some of Aliece's tendencies that make classroom settings so difficult for teachers and peers.
After consulting with another pediatrician, we decided to start with a new drug called Vyvanse. This morning was the first time we administered the medication.
Amber was volunteering in Aliece's class this morning and was there when Aliece walked in. When the students all entered the class, Aliece did not make a scene and announce herself to everyone as she typically does, she went straight to her desk along with everyone else. When the teacher asked them to put their books away, Aliece went over and did just was instructed. The teacher did not realize Aliece was on medication. She turned to Amber and said, wow, that is impressive.
However, as time progressed, Aliece's behavior started to change. Amber and the teacher watched as in the hour Aliece's countenance fell and got gloomier and gloomier.
Near the end of one of their activities, the teacher told Amber, "I like the old Aliece better than this."
One of the children in the class even asked Amber, "What's wrong with Aliece? She is talking so quietly today."
When it was time for the class to walk to the Music room, Aliece was not found rushing down the hall in front of the class as is the typically experience. Rather, she walked slowly and was soon the last in the line. Her teacher had to hold on to her shoulder and help her continue on her way to class.
Half way through the music period, the teacher brought Aliece out to Amber and said that she was not singing (which is amazing for Aliece who loves to sing - and sing at maximum lung capacity at that). They decided it might be best for Aliece to return home with Amber.
By the time Aliece and Amber got home, Aliece was quite emotional and easily brought to tears.
As I left for work, I could hardly get out the door for all the things that Aliece had to tell me. She would not even pause to let me get a word in. I had to finally kiss her good-bye mid-sentence and leave her at the doorstep still rambling on.
After I had been to work for about an hour, Amber called saying Aliece was still talking non-stop and was very itchy around her mouth and eyes.
About that time, Amber took this video (We have condensed it down - it was ten minutes of straight talking):
For those reading this as an email, you can see the video by clicking this link: http://www.ht4.org/h2Yq857bo.
Due to the demanding nature of Aliece's speech, Amber asked if I could come home and give her a break. Not only was Aliece rambling constantly, she required you to have eye contact with her all the time and be an active listener or she would get very upset.
Aliece really didn't eat anything after breakfast. Hoping to get something down her we broke out some diet pop and some cheetos. She carried around the bag of cheetos everywhere with her - coveting the size of the bag, etc, but still didn't consume them directly.
I finally got her to watch a movie, but she still couldn't stop talking and she talked through the entire flick - asking me to pause it so that she could explain it all to me.
After the movie, I took the following picture:
I was hoping to catch in the picture the raw skin around the eyes and mouth, however, the picture doesn't do it justice. This was her attempt at a happy smile.
By dinner time, Aliece's need for talking was a bit more controllable. Alayna said a prayer to bless the food before we ate. After the prayer Aliece was in tears and said that Alayna should have prayed that she would get better. Aliece knows she is not well today and was very concerned about it. Alayna said another prayer and included Aliece in the blessing.
Aliece did not eat much of her dinner, but she did sit at the table and participate in the conversations.
As bedtime approached, Aliece relapsed into constant talking to some degree. When it was time for bed, Amber said the prayer with all the kids (I had to run to a meeting). She could not say more than a sentence or two without Aliece commenting that she should add this to her prayer or pray for so and so, etc.
It is now 9:30PM and Aliece is still in bed wide awake. She is trying so hard to be quiet and go to sleep. However, Amber was searching on the Internet and read of people saying that their child did not sleep for 30 Hours straight after they took one of the pills. We are hoping that this will not be her experience.
We are not planning on sending Aliece to school tomorrow. We will probably keep her home one more day and make sure everything is trending to normal.
Aliece had been making many improvements at home and at school. Amber and I have always stated that we could do just fine without medicating Aliece. However, we have been concerned about the non-home-structured experiences such as school and church. Thus, we have been meeting so often with specialists in the field to determine what is best.
We know the doctors are going to suggest simply switching to another medication, but frankly, after today, I don't know if we have the stamina to put Aliece through what she has gone through today.
We love Aliece and her personality. We don't want to use any medication that changes who she is - even if it works well in the classroom. She does fine in school, gets good grades; We just want her to have positive relationships with her teachers and peers.
We'll let you know what ever happens along this road. But until then, we're looking forward to getting Aliece back to her true self.
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Frugality
The other day Amber went shopping at Albertsons because they had some special ad deals. When she got done purchasing her 100+ items for our food storage, the checker was amazed as she pointed out Amber's killer stats:
She spent $161.52. She used $210.11 worth of coupons and took advantage of $5.21 of "Bonus Buy Savings". She saved 30% MORE than what she spent total. That is my kind of woman!
She spent $161.52. She used $210.11 worth of coupons and took advantage of $5.21 of "Bonus Buy Savings". She saved 30% MORE than what she spent total. That is my kind of woman!
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