Category Archives: Daniel

7 Quick Takes: Ramblings from Tiredness

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7 Quick Takes

— 1 —

504 plans and IEP’s. Around this time of year, the question of 504 plans vs. IEP’s comes up in the groups with whom I hang on Facebook. This is the definition of a 504 plan and this is how it compares with an IEP. (The difference is accommodations vs. specialized instruction.)

For those keeping track, Daniel has an IEP.

— 2 —

For moms of non-verbal kiddos… Daniel’s 1:1 buddy from VBS at my church sent me this. It also works for elderly adults who may wander.

— 3 —

Prerequisite baseball take. Currently, the Dodgers are losing to Cincinnati and the Giants are beating the Nats. Life is as it should be. 🙂 (Why yes, I am conveniently ignoring the fact that the Giants are 3.5 games behind the Dodgers in the standings and am instead baiting my husband with tonight’s scores.)

— 4 —

Cosmo and controversy. Last week while heading somewhere with Daniel (I think to get x-rays), I heard something about Rite Aid and a couple other national supermarket chains putting Cosmopolitan magazine behind a screen in checkout stands because the titles are too lewd for kids to read; and apparently, kids are asking their parents some pretty uncomfortable questions based on them. (We’re talking questions about sex acts and anatomy that their parents aren’t comfortable explaining to a 4 year old.)

So… should Cosmo be put behind a screen: yea or nay?

— 5 —

Don’t piss off women! Donald Trump insulted Megyn Kelly last week by blaming her hard questioning of him on her being on her period so there’s now a hashtag on Twitter with which women are trolling him with their period announcements.

I’m also heartened by Donald Trump being uninvited from the RedState Gathering for being such a jerk to Megyn Kelly. Even better: Megyn Kelly was invited in his place. It shows that Republicans are taking women seriously this time.

— 6 —

Eschet chayil! Dr. Frances Kelsey, who protected Americans from thalidomide, died last week at the age of 101. Because of her, the US was spared the scores of kids born with deformed arms and legs, deformed eyes and hearts, deformed alimentary and urinary tracts, blindness and deafness born in other countries where the use of the drug hadn’t been restricted. (It was used as an anti-nausea med and crossed the placental barrier.)

Irony of ironies, it is actually one of the chemotherapeutic agents used for my father-in-law’s type of cancer but they are meticulous about making sure that anyone prescribed it has no chance of getting pregnant or getting anyone else pregnant. It is also used to treat leprosy.

— 7 —

For Potterheads. This is funny but mildly NSFW.

For more Quick Takes, visit Kelly at This Ain’t The Lyceum.

#5Faves: Things People Say to Me About Daniel

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#5Faves

For newbies, my son Daniel was born at 29.5 weeks prematurity (I am a HELLP Syndrome survivor) which left him with about a 50% development delay across the board, apraxia, and autism. Needless to say, mothering him is a full-time job and while I have a lot of fabulous people in my life advising me and helping me, I also deal with people to whom I need to hand a “stop talking” card. As I prefer to teach by praising the good in people, here are my five favorite things people say to me and to Daniel.

One

“It’s OK. He’s not bothering us.” This comes when Daniel is in public and berkerking around opening/shutting doors and acting like a tornado. It’s hard when he’s in that mode because he lacks the ability to calm down and we haven’t been able to effectively teach him how yet. People saying that (even when they’d truthfully like my precious sweetling to calm down) helps me to feel less awkward in having a kid who just can’t calm down at times.

Two

“You’re a saint.” I seriously don’t solicit this one because I totally don’t feel like a saint. I lose my temper with him, get frustrated with him, and a lot of times wallow in my feelings of unfairness that I have gotten so much thrown on me that is seriously beyond my capacity to handle. Catholic friends of mine have mentioned that we are to “help our kids to heaven” and I seriously think that’s Daniel’s job for me. Being his mom is purifying me from every ounce of selfishness, making me do things that scare me and require me to depend on God’s strength, and showing me that what I have been given is far more amazing than the kid I thought I wanted. Still… it’s good to know that people see God working in me.

(By the way, never tell someone that “God won’t give them anything they can’t handle” — it’s a bold-faced lie. God *REGULARLY* gives His people things they can’t handle except by His power and grace in their lives.)

Three

“He is so cute!” Yes. Yes, he is. 🙂

Four

“What a sweet and happy kid!” I’m seriously blessed that despite all the communication failures, the communication tantrums, and the normal moodiness, I have a kid who is smiley, happy, and very content 90% of the time.

Five

“You’re a good mother.” I think I need to hear this the most because I obsess about the tantrums in public, the milestones he hasn’t reached (potty-training), the kid sports that I probably should sign him up for but can’t afford, and a lot of things I feel like I do wrong. It’s nice to know that in the midst of these, I’m still a good mother.

Go love up Jenna and the others.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: August 9, 2015

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY August 9, 2015

Outside my window… hot. Weather.Com says it’s 86F outside and I’ll trust them on that one. I’m also writing this before dark which is unusual for me; but I’m with my parents for 10 days and am not having to restrict blogging to times when Daniel is asleep.

I am thinking… about some things being discussed in some of the Facebook groups with whom I hang.

I am thankful… to be able to find stations for my listening pleasure on my 8-hour drive north yesterday. I normally listen to my CD collection or books on CD but the CD player in my car is refusing to cooperate. It was a melange of NPR, Air1, KLOVE, and Family Radio (which had some fabulous instrumental and acapella music).

In the kitchen… not sure what we’re having tonight but the Hawaiian pizza from Round Table was fabulous last night.

I am wearing… black “perfect tee” from Old Navy and capris from Kohl’s. My church attire was a top and pants from Kohl’s and Maude shoes from Naturalizer.

I am going… to Target for school clothes for Daniel in the next couple days.

I am wondering… about some things that are due to happen in the next few months.

I am reading… The Alpine Zen by Mary Daheim. I’ll be finishing my re-read and then re-reading The Alpine Yeoman which is the previous book in the series.

I am hoping… for a good visit with my parents and that my doctor can figure out what the Hades is going on with my stomach.

I am looking forward to… Daniel going back to school. Kiddo has been B-O-R-E-D for the last few weeks.

I am hearing… Rend Collective on YouTube singing “My Lighthouse”:

A Daniel story for today… we’ve been referring to him as “Toothless” since he lost the bottom tooth on Wednesday.

A favorite quote for today… “Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons for you are crunchy and go well with ketchup.”

One of my favorite things… pesto bagel with garlic schmear from The Posh Bagel.

A few plans for the rest of the week: park dates, back-to-school shopping, and lots of walking.

A peek into my day… more Rend Collective. 🙂 This one is a song I’ve shared before and it’s called “Build Your Kingdom Here”. I’m seriously amused by bluegrass style instruments, Salvation Army band members, and fireeaters sharing the same space.

Hosted by The Simple Woman.

7 Quick Takes: Why I Am Not Watching the GOP Debate and Other Parts of My Week

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7 Quick Takes

— 1 —

Reason #1 why I am not watching the GOP debate. I can only deal with so many bloviating people before I want to drink myself into a stupor.

— 2 —

Reason #2 why I am not watching the GOP debate. The election is not until November of next year. I honestly don’t give a crap at this juncture about who in the GOP thinks they should run. When we’re 6 months from Election Day, I’ll possibly start paying attention.

— 3 —

Reason #3 why I am not watching the GOP debate. Donald Trump. Enough said.

— 4 —

Reason #4 why I am not watching the GOP debate. I don’t have a TV. 🙂

— 5 —

Jen and her food issues. I find that I really resonate with this piece from Buzzfeed on picky eating. Between food allergies and having to avoid certain foods (and cuisines) 6yto keep from exacerbating my G-I issues, I get quite a lot of flak for being a picky eater. Thing is… I’m not rude about it and for me it comes down to the fact that I don’t want to eat something that is going to cause me pain or aggravation.

There are also just some foods that I just don’t like and I’ll take small portions of those to be polite; but I’m not going to eat large amounts of something on my plate and praise it unless I actually *LIKE* it. To do otherwise would be a lie and will cause me problems down the road when people assume I love it and make it for me in large quantities.

— 6 —

The prerequisite take on vaccines. Some of the most vociferous objectors to vaccines that I’ve found have been Catholics claiming that it isn’t allowable because of their derivation from cell lines taken from aborted fetuses.

Actually, it *IS* allowable regardless because of the effect on public health.

— 7 —

Daniel’s dental appointment. Daniel had a consultation at a pediatric dentist in Rancho Cucamonga on Wednesday. He was relatively good for it but definitely refused to let them do the full exam with x-rays, cleaning, etc. The dentist is totally used to this and can sedate him for the exam so we’re seeing his doctor tomorrow to get medical clearance for the sedation. Once we have that in hand, we can schedule the appointment. Denti-Cal has to pre-authorize all this so I’m thinking we’ll have at least a month before they can get it scheduled. If you could pray that this all comes together sooner than later, I’d appreciate it. Please and thank you!

Daniel also lost his second tooth last night while we were brushing his teeth. Given that they thought they might have to extract it, this is good news.

For more Quick Takes, visit Kelly at This Ain’t The Lyceum.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: August 2, 2015

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY August 2, 2015

Outside my window… dark. It’s my usual late night blogging time. It was hot today though not completely unpleasant considering it was reported as being 95F. The breezes help.

I am thinking… about the things going on this week and the trip to be with my parents this coming weekend. I’m hoping my car’s CD player starts working well or it will be a boring drive.

I am thankful… that Todd, the newest cat addition in our house, is calm and not growling or swatting at us. Last night, he sat with me even though he was growly. When I went out for a midnight snack, he touched his nose to my fingers and let me pet him. Today, he has been licking my fingers and purring for me. I think he really just needed to know that he would be loved up and have human attention.

In the kitchen… my mother-in-law made pizza from scratch for my sister-in-law’s birthday.

I am wearing… jammies.

I am going… to have to figure out a game plan for Wednesday when the power will be off from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and I have to entertain Daniel.

I am wondering… about how to remove certain food dyes from Daniel’s diet and if it will make a difference.

I am reading… The Alpine Zen by Mary Daheim. I actually finished it earlier this week (I could barely put it down) so I’m re-reading it. I finished Vanishing Grace by Phillip Yancey this week as well and *VERY HIGHLY* recommend it.

I am hoping… that my sleep deprivation feelings cease soon.

I am looking forward to… seeing my family.

I am hearing… the hymns I am listening to on YouTube.

A Daniel story for today… my little monster fell asleep at 7:30 and at 10:30, he walked into my bedroom rubbing his eyes and climbed on the bed where he preceeded to fall asleep.

Around the house… quiet. It’s wonderful.

One of my favorite things… well-done hymns.

A few plans for the rest of the week: PT on Tuesday morning, Daniel’s dentist appointment on Wednesday, and whatever else comes up.

A peek into my day… Today was the “bread of life” reading in the Gospel of John so I thought I’d share one of my favorite hymns.

Hosted by The Simple Woman.

#5Faves: Miscellanea (XLII)

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#5Faves

One

Goat cheese. I’m having to avoid everything that irritates my stomach which means limited dairy, no tomatoes, no coffee (!!!!!!!!), no tomatoes, etc. I’m lactose-intolerant and I need *SOME* protein that’s easy so I picked up some goat cheese at Trader Joe’s. Now, I do cheese and crackers at night for dinner. (I don’t usually get to eat my normal dinner until about 9 p.m. because I have to put Daniel to bed.)

Two

Dishwashers. I’ve enjoyed having one for the last year. It is so wonderful not to have to wash so many dishes by hand while trying to keep up with my wee bairn. He can even help me unload it now which makes it even better.

Three

Air-conditioning. It’s hot here. (Temps on various weather websites range between 89F and 92F.) I don’t like heat. I don’t like being sweaty and my hair sticking to me. Ergo, air-conditioning is a very GOOD thing.

Four

Baseball. My boys (the Giants) just won and St. Louis (my other boys) is having Star Wars night tonight. (The pictures are pretty cool.)

Five

A quiet church. We had a midweek service tonight that involved many periods of silence. Given that I have Daniel home all the time right now, it was nice to go and be able to enjoy the quiet. It also gave me some space for prayer that I usually only get after I get Daniel to sleep.

Go love up Jenna and the others.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook + Answer Me This: July 26, 2015

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY July 26, 2015

Outside my window… dark. (Surprised?) Earlier, it was about 90F and thankfully, the park was breezy when we were there between 4-5 p.m.

I am thinking… about my to-do list tomorrow: calling my doctor to get a consult with a G-I for my ulcer (which landed me in Urgent Care on Saturday afternoon), calling Daniel’s pediatrician to get a referral to radiology for the x-rays that the orthopedist wants, and calling Microsoft to figure out what in tarnation is happening to my laptop.

I am thankful… for Margaret, my partner in doing music for VBS earlier this month. Our music director/organist had a medical emergency and she stepped in to play piano for Communion and the recessional hymn. We did the first hymn acapella (which sounded amazing) and spoke the service music instead of singing it though the choir could probably have cantored it. Girlfriend is hella talented and did a better job sight-reading than I could have done actually *playing* back when I had decent piano skills in high school and the beginning of college.

In the kitchen… crackers and chevre for dinner because I knew it wouldn’t mess with my stomach.

I am wearing… grey shirt and capri sweats. For church, it was a black shirt (Old Navy) and a paisley skirt (Kohl’s).

I am going… to watch some Viperkeeper videos when I’m done with this.

I am wondering… if we will ever get Daniel to sleep through the night in his own bed. (I just came into the bedroom and found my precious sweetling asleep on my side of the bed.)

I am reading… Vanishing Grace by Phillip Yancey. Next on my TBR list is The Alpine Zen by Mary Daheim.

I am hoping… to get in with the G-I specialist soon. This stupid ulcer is driving me crazy.

I am looking forward to… Daniel going back to school in a month — the kid is bored!

I am hearing… silence as I haven’t put anything back on Youtube.

A Daniel story for today… my in-laws had new lighting put in the kitchen including one over the sink. Daniel can’t reach the switch for that one so he’ll pull an adult over and point to it to get it turned on and off. (His pulling on me is why my pinky is sprained at the very least and possibly even fractured. Kiddo is strong and has a good grip.)

Around the house… silence. Everyone is asleep except for me.

A favorite quote for today… “A pilgrim is a fellow traveler on the spiritual journey, not an experienced guide.” — Phillip Yancey, Vanishing Grace

One of my favorite things… this rendering of the Lord’s Prayer in Swahili by Peter Hollens and Malukah. (It was the main theme of the game, Civilization IV.)

A few plans for the rest of the week: errands, medical appointment scheduling, possible doctor’s appointments, PT on Tuesday, and whatever comes up.

A peek into my day… A raccoon we’ve been feeding and her four kits. Jon had only seen two of them and had named them “Bonnie and Clyde”. We’re currently searching for more fitting names.

The five banditos at the back door.

Post Script…

After you’re done reading my answers to these questions, go congratulate Kendra on her new little sweet pea and see what everyone else has had to say.

1. What’s your favorite grocery store splurge? For me, it’s probably ice cream or some kind of fruit that I want but isn’t in season. I’m in California so I can get pretty much anything but I’ve lived in places where the selection of fruits and veggies was limited due to the climate and what the store chose to stock.

2. How’s your penmanship? Mine is pretty as long as I’m printing. I can’t do cursive anymore without seriously thinking about it. Seriously, the only time I use it these days is to sign documents and even then my signature has flattened out and is pretty utilitarian.

3. Do you have a “Summer Bucket List?” Nope. My life would probably be improved if I did but there’s too much in flux in my life to create one.

4. What’s the best thing on the radio right now? I generally only listen to Air 1 or NPR so I’m liking the latest Casting Crowns album, Thrive.

5. Ice cream or frozen yogurt? Ice cream is a weakness. My favorite flavor of all time is Oatmeal Cookie Chunk from Ben & Jerry’s. What I would eat on a daily basis if I had a choice would be sorbet because I’m lactose-intolerant and I have an egg allergy.

6. Have you had that baby NOW? (Again, you can skip this one if you want.) Funny you should ask that… my friend Jenny just wrote a blog post on that!

Hosted by The Simple Woman.