What was good for my goose did not work for my gander.

September 27, 2011

We are still on the right track with Jorja’s after school yoga program. She had another great day following the deep breathing, yoga, positive intentions, etc…Jake, on the other hand, showed little positive response to the program today. It’s a good thing individualized instruction is encouraged in my household because what that boy needed was a good wrestle!! I sent him outside and beat the crap out of him…not in the child-abuse kind of way, but the Hulk Hogan vs. Macho Man Randy Savage kind of way (boy, did I age myself just now!). Whatever you want to call it, it worked!! And shortly after each kid got their sensory needs met, they talked me into playing “Annie” with them. As if I didn’t get enough of that darn musical last week…now I have to relive it at home, too! Jorja wanted to play Annie, Jake had several roles including the Dog Catcher, Police Officer, Drake and of course, Warbucks. I had to be pretty much everyone else in the play. It makes me so happy that they are interested in something that I enjoy. And I will admit, I giggle every time Jorja calls me “Mrs. Pugh” while I am passing out meals : )

On another note, today was the first day that Jagger and Jemma were watched by people other than family for longer than an hour. It did not go well for them at all despite the positive reports from staff. I served as a “paraprofessional” of sorts for a little boy at the school for two hours, then as OT for a 1/2 hours session and approximately 2 minutes after I dropped Jagger off in the “Terrific Two’s” classroom, I heard that heart-breaking cry. And there was nothing I could do. I convinced myself it will be good for him because it will be just like those play groups I used to sign us up for…but this time, minus me : ( And it’s only for 2 1/2 hours, twice a week. I wish there was another way, but the alternative is home care in the evenings and/or Friday…so, do I keep a job where I love what I do, but the kids have to be away from me for that time or do I go back to a job that’s just “eh”, but then the kids can stay with family and feel more relaxed? I invite any feedback on this topic, please!

Project Yoga Mommy

September 26, 2011

Ever since the start of Kindergarten, Jorja has turned into what might best be described as is a Tazmanian Devil with Bipolar Disorder…yet, only on school days and usually immediately following the hug I receive after she gets of the bus in the afternoon. Her behaviors include taunting her little brother, harassing her big brother, saying “NO” emphatically and with attitude to simple requests like “put your book-bag where it belongs”. Then, God forbid you put her in time out! That’s when the party would begin (and when I say party, I mean more like the hangover you get AFTER the party on your 21st birthday). We have had ear-piercing, glass shattering screams that might have made the neighbors thing I was making her walk across h0t coals as after-school entertainment. There were a couple of times where she physically lashed out at me in the midst of one of her out-of-body experiences where her brain shuts down and her body lurches and flings like the girl from the Exorcist (and trust me, at one point I did actually consider an exorcism). The unfortunate part of this whole situation was that I was so involved with my new job and having play practice 3 times/week and recently every day, that I didn’t have time to come up with a solution…until today!!

The minute Jake and Jorja got off the bus, they received enormous bear hugs (the first step in reducing her overstimulated little body was an emotional connection combined with proprioceptive input that has a calming effect on the nervous system…in case you were wondering). Then, immediately after removing her backpack, I sent her downstairs where I kept the lights low, and we began our “chill-out” routine. First, I had her pick some sounds she found soothing from one of my relaxation apps. After the sounds started playing, we set our intentions for the evening. I started with “I will be very patient with all of my children for the rest of the evening!”. Jorja’s was “I will be nice to my mom and then I will clean the whole basement”–well, it was a start : ) Then, we started with deep-breathing and followed with the kid-friendly version of progressive-muscle-relaxation. Next, I led her through a routine of yoga with poses that provide lots of deep-pressure for calming (down-ward dog, cat/cow, fish, table and plank). We ended with “peace be with you” (because “Namaste” would have been a little too hard to explain to a 5 year old!) and then another big hug.

Results of the evening: absolutely NO “meltdowns”, Jorja followed ALL directions without a single resistance, she initiated helping with her younger siblings (helping Jagger with his dinner while I fed Jemma, changing Jemma’s diaper while I helped Jagger use the toilet, getting Jagger’s PJ’s on while I did Jemma’s–notice that Jagger and Jemma’s needs seem to occur simultaneously). The night ended fabulously with her going to bed with a smile on her face vs. the usual getting sent to bed before I lose my mind!

Of course, this is just the first day…and of course, I have to keep this routine consistent or it will NEVER work. But regardless, I’m excited about the results I got today and hope for continued success. Wish me luck!

I got a message for yoooooooooooooooo

June 16, 2011

We are making the most of our rainy day.  That is, if making the most of a day includes getting dressed late, watching lots of Cat in the Hat on PBS and talking about our fantasy road trip.  We have been talking a lot about just getting in the car and driving Route 66 until we get to Arizona.  Don’t ask me why I have been so obsessed with Arizona.  It all started when I got so sick while being pregnant with Jemma.  I believe it was during one of the “chill” stages of my fever when I really wished I could be in the hot sun without any humidity or rain or clouds.  I haven’t been able to stop thinking about Arizona ever since and I thought I could replace my desire for dry heat with an infrared sauna, but it just hasn’t happened.  While sitting at the kitchen table this morning, Jake and Jorja started talking about Arizona and the animals they might see there.  Jake said “there are scorpions there that can kill you, but I don’t care, I’ll have fun anyway!”.  I almost fell out of my chair.  What an optimist he is turning out to be!!

Oh great! How do explain to your two-year old that it is not ok to throw his socks in the garbage?  Jorja mentioned that her sock had a hole in it so I told her to throw them in the garbage right away. Of course everything Jorja does, Jagger has to do, so while I wasn’t paying attention, Jagger threw his perfectly good socks away. Then he comes prancing over to me, ever so proudly, declaring “I frow socks in gardage!” (that’s exactly how he pronounced it!).  When I tried to explain that his socks are just fine and dug them back out, he threw himself to the floor crying “NO, sock in gardage…now, mommy do it!”.  I am sorry Jagger, but my socks are just fine! Luckily, Jorja was able to distract him with his favorite rendition of the Oompa Loompa song from “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” that is supposed to go “Oompa Loompa doompadee doo I’ve got another puzzle for you Oompa Loompa doompadah dee
If you are wise you’ll listen to me”.  Jagger’s version goes something like this “dupa, dupa dupa dee do, I got meshsage foh yooooooooo” (obvious emphasis on the “you”).

The time of our lives!

June 15, 2011

It started off as the perfect day for taking the kids to the park…sun was shining, everyone was behaving, Jemma slept 5 hours in a row again last night…what could go wrong? Oh, let me tell you!  By the time we got to the park is when I realized “oh, crap I have four kids and one of them is only  6 weeks old!”.  But, I persisted…I had Jemma in the jogging stroller, which was perfect because I literally had to run around to keep up with Jagger!  Jake and Jorja, luckily, very independent and I didn’t have to worry about them.  In fact, all was going well until it was time to eat our Little Caesar’s picnic lunch.  That’s when the wind picked up.  We had paper plates flying all over the place, pizza sauce on faces, clothes, hair and get this…I later found some in Jagger’s belly button!  Of course, that’s about the time that Jemma decides she is no longer happy and apparently forgot about the five hours she slept and started wailing! I picked her up, realizing I didn’t have the Baby Bjorn or the wrap with me.  Still, I persisted…managing the kids’ lunch with one hand and carrying her on the other arm. Finally, lunch was over…Jake and Jorja went back on their merry ways, but Jagger decides he wants to go down the fireman’s pole that is about 15 feet above the ground!  So, Jemma goes back in the stroller and is hollering while Jagger is screaming “I DO IT” when I try to get him down.  Deep breath, count to five (usually it’s 10, but there is no time!).  Ok, I finally convince Jagger to move away from the pole and I get him to go over to the toddler sized playscape. Pick up Jemma who will not stop crying…at this point, I give the 5 minute warning that it’s time to go home!  Five minutes later, Jemma has stopped crying, but I had the kids wrangled together so we leave anyway.  When I apologize to Jake, Jorja and Jagger about the short time at the park, Jake says “it’s ok mom, I still had the time of my life”.  And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why people like me chose to stay at home with their kids!

Prayers please

June 12, 2010

This blog started out due to my desire to use the power of attraction to my benefit, but now I need it for another reason.  A very dear family member of mine is extremely sick and I need everyone’s help.  I have read several studies about prayer and healing and I am convinced in the power of concentrated thoughts to change situations.  In one study, the test group consisted of individuals in a hospital with various illnesses with people that were asked to pray for them (unbeknownst to the patient’s, their families, friends or doctors). The control group received no additional prayer from strangers and the prayer from families, friends or doctors were not controlled and neither group knew what was going on.  Ultimately, the patient’s who received the extra prayer from strangers were healthier than those who did not.  My point for this story is to request the help of anyone reading this blog right now.  To protect the privacy of my family member, I will not state names.  In fact, even in the studies, the people praying didn’t even know the names of the people they were praying for.  If you are reading this, PLEASE say a prayer for my family member.  Just pray for this person’s well-being or peace or just send positive thoughts.  Ask God, or whoever you pray to for help for my family member. This person has a kind soul and is loved by so many, but even as these studies show, every extra bit helps.  I thank you so much for your support and send much love to all who are helping. May God bless you!

Fire Truck Parade

May 29, 2011

Despite the weird housing market in my neighborhood with people moving in and out, we have been fortunate to have some pretty cool neighbors.  Our next door neighbors invited us to a fire truck parade and festival in Rochester today.  They rebuild fire trucks and participate in events where they can show the fruit of their labor. We accepted their invitation because I knew for sure the boys would be excited about riding in a fire truck AND being in a parade. Jorja and I just went along for the ride!  We all had a great time and can’t wait for the next event in Frankenmuth.  I will let everyone know the exact date and I encourage anyone with children to attend, especially since my neighbors said that the Frankenmuth show will be even better than Rochester!

Jake, Jorja and Jagger hang out inside the fire truck.

Jagger got to ring the bell on an old fire truck with the help of a retired fire fighter

Jake gets a special spot to sit in during the parade.

The kids were pooped when we got home.  We had planned on seeing a free “Strength Team” show in Lapeer in the evening, but the kids were nervous about going out in the storm, so we hung out at home.  I love those times when we can just sit around and relax without having to plan anything or run around.

These are the kind of moments I cherish the most!

After dinner, I had a surprise for the kids.  You know how every kid is alway curious about what beer tastes like and wants to try some?  I know my mom always let me have some of the foam, but I decided to give the kids more than they bargained for!  Earlier, I bought some cream soda that was in brown bottles and collaborated with Jamie to play a great prank on my little rugrats.  Jamie had his beer for the evening and, of course, the kids noticed.  So, I gathered them together and told them I had a surprise for them.  I brought out the cream soda and told them they had my permission to drink as much beer as they wanted!  Ok, I DEFINITELY do not sound like any kind of supermommy right now, but when you have four kids, you have to find your own way to have fun! And, anyone who knows me well knows that this kind of stunt is right up my alley! Jake was the first to respond with an emphatic “NOOOOOO!!”.  Jorja just kept looking at me like “at what point will she say she is kidding” (she knows her mommy pretty well!). And Jagger…well, he just grabbed the bottle and slammed it! (why am I not surprised). Once Jagger paved the way, Jorja did not hesitate to gulp hers, but Jake firmly denied the offer to drink the “beer”. Eventually, he figured out the trick and drank it.  I made sure to tell Jorja and Jagger that this is definitely NOT what beer tastes like and we reviewed the legal drinking age!

This was their initial reaction to being offered "beer".

 

Jake and Jorja giggle nervously as their little brother chugs the "beer"

 

At this point, they all know it's cream soda...it's STILL funny to watch them drink what looks like beer!

 

Jagger drinks Jorja under the table!

 

Jemma's reaction when we told her that her siblings were drinking beer!

Gettin’ my garden on.

May 28, 2011

Today, Jamie offered to give me a “mommy’s day out” given that I’ve been cooped up with four little monsters…um, I meant to say precious darlings : ) I took the opportunity to go to the spa, get my hair done, went clubbing with the girls, got an online degree in Italian and started my own ice cream shoppe in town.  Or, maybe I’m just kidding and I really spent my one day off to go to the new Menard’s in Davison, bought garden supplies, went grocery shopping at the exotic Meijer in Lapeer and then came home to clean out the fridge and then outside to work on the front yard!  So the latter is not as exciting to most people, but when your goal is to be a full-time stay-at-home mom and super wife, prancing around in mulch that smells like cow dung can be quite refreshing! It really felt good to get my hands dirty and do things with my body that I haven’t been able to do for the last 10 months. Sadly, it’s taken six years of us living here to finally get our front yard looking decent.  I suppose having the neighbors across the street build a pond with a fountain in their front yard within their first year living here kind of lit the fire under our hostas!!

“Before” Photos of the Front:

“After” Photo of the Front:

Just a lazy day.

May 27, 2011

So, I am pretty sure that one of the chapters in the mommy handbook says we all deserve a lazy day. I chose today!  It wasn’t dry enough to send the kids outside, and too gloomy to organize a project of the day. So, I did what actually turned out to be one of the funnest things ever…I just hung out with the kids.  I watched them play and tried to involve them in the mundane things in my life.

 

Jorja picked out Jemma's outfit and helped me get her dressed.

 

Jake and Jagger played Legos together.

 

Jake feeds Jemma while I get afternoon snack ready.

 

Around lunchtime, we decided to call Grandma Marcie to ask if her refrigerator was running (kidding).  We actually called to setup a play date for 2 pm with Grandma, the kids and me!  Right after getting off the phone with her, I heard Jagger opening the front door. When I asked what he was doing he replied “Grandma Ma-cee coming”. Poor guy didn’t get that she wouldn’t be here for another 2 hours, but that didn’t stop him from waiting for her like a little puppy dog. Grandma Marcie, this little boy sure does love you!!

Jagger waits patiently for his Grandma Marcie.

 

 

Sensory issues? Hardly.

May 26, 2011

During my years working with children who have autism, I had to learn a tremendous amount of information on sensory processing.  I  suppose that is why  I assumed  sensory issues were the reason Jagger wouldn’t eat new foods…I thought the poor boy had a sensitivity when it came to oral sensory processing. So, I did what any good occupational therapist would do.  I never forced him to eat foods that he didn’t like, I tried to decrease his sensitivity by brushing his lips, tongue and cheeks with the toothbrush (with more pressure than with plain old toothbrushing because deep pressure calms the nervous system)…we also played little games at the dinner table to help build his tolerance to certain foods at his mouth.  First phase was “Jagger, just touch the broccoli with your finger”, then it was “Jagger, just give the broccoli a kiss”, then “Jagger, just lick the broccoli”…we never got past licking the broccoli…UNTIL…mommy and daddy figured out that little Jagger was smarter than the both of us!!  He had been manipulating us all these years (well, technically months since the kid is only 2 and hasn’t really been eating for years).  The day we had dinner at Culver’s, Jagger wouldn’t eat his chicken tender.  This was just annoying to us because he’ll eat chicken nuggets and fish sticks…and for heaven’s sake, Jagger…the chicken tender was breaded so what do you care?  Well, I had to put my foot down.  Absolutely no dessert until that chicken tender was chewed up and digesting in his stomach!!  Oh, but little Jagger’s Polish stubbornness emerged and he turned his little body away from the table, averted his eye contact and I’m sure if he knew how to fold his arms across his chest, he would have done so!  That continued until the custard hit the table.  I made sure to exaggerate how delicious (or “wishous” as Jagger would say) the custard was.  Next thing we knew, the chicken tender had disappeared from the plate…and there it was in his dimpled little fingers, actually making it past the licking phase and into the biting, chewing and swallowing phase.  It was funny how the eye contact hadn’t resumed, almost as if he was trying to tell us he was still in control.  But, that chicken tender was gone in a flash and Jagger earned his custard (ahh, the power of that custard!).  That was the day I realized that my sweet, baby Jagger had been playing me. Either that or I am a miracle-working occupational therapist!.

Well, I used the momentum of trading an empty dinner plate for dessert, and today Jagger ate salmon, mashed potatoes and broccoli!!  You may have won the battles Jagger, but mommy won the war!!

The first empty dinner plate Jagger has ever had!

In other news…

Daddy is finally getting over his strep throat and ear infection and was able to snuggle with our little angel!  Hooray for antibiotics!

Jemma stares lovingly at her Dada

1 cent per load…really!!

May 23, 2011

Today I made homemade laundry soap.  It’s something I started doing a while ago after I realized how much crap there is in regular laundry soap and after I got sick of paying so much for “eco friendly” or 100% natural laundry soap.  This recipe has 4 basic ingredients (one of which is plain old water).  It is easy to do, but it’s not something the kids can help with because you have to use hot water.

Homemade Laundry Soap Recipe

Equipment Needed

I bought a starter kit at the Amish Store around the corner from my house, but most of this stuff is easy to find.

Ingredients:

1/3 bar of Fels Naptha Soap

1/2 cup washing soda

1/2 cup Borax

Grate the soap and put it in a sauce pan.  Add 6 cups water and heat it until the soap melts.  Add the washing soda and the borax and stir until it is dissolved.  Remove from heat.  Pour 4 cups hot water into the bucket.   Now add your soap mixture and stir.  Now add 1 gallon plus 6 cups of water and stir.  Let the soap sit for about 24 hours and it will gel.  You use ½ cup per load.

After the soap cooled down, Jagger helped put the caps on the containers!

Meanwhile, Jorja spent some quality time with Jemma!

Project of the Day

This one was a no-brainer.  Jorja and Jagger worked on these little kits I found at the Dollar Store.  I got them so that Jorja could decorate her new “butterfly” themed room and I didn’t think Jagger would be interested but he did a great job.  The craft consisted of putting circular glue dots onto a designated spot on the picture.  Then the kids had to attach sequins to the glue dots.  This was a spectacular task for fine motor, visual motor and cognitive skills.  We talked about colors and patterns and even threw in a conversation about bumble bees and butterflies (the themes of the pictures).  I just realized how lucky I am one of the pictures wasn’t of a bird…I’m not ready for the “birds and the bees” conversation quite yet : ) !! I will be honest, I was a little amazed at Jagger’s attention span and perseverance on this project.  Those sequins were very hard to pick up (even for me).  He also did a great job placing the sequins on the glue dots and following the color patterns.  I suppose we are all amazed at our children!!

Such focus!

The finished project...great addition to Jorja's newly decorated room.

From camping theme to garden room.

I’ll be honest…I was too lazy to even think about painting over those darn trees!  I figured we could just tie in some flowers and butterflies and Jorja would be happy.  I haven’t decorated the other side yet because Jagger is still sleeping in the crib.  Oh, and if anybody sees a green “A” in the craft section of Meijer’s, please let me know…I have been to two Meijer stores and called 3 others and they are all out of green “A”s!!