Sunday, September 30, 2007

"You guys have busy Sundays!"

Yes, this is true. We seem to. Church this morning and a walk with Sara. Brunch and played charades and Password. Olivia and Harper joined us for Bunco as well. Adrian played Legos for the most part and Kameron was mostly in isolation in the back bedroom. No school for the kids tomorrow or work for me, so I can catch up on everything that didn't get done.

Great storm we had this afternoon!
Tuesday is Harper's first day at Brookwood...trying to devise some way to make it special for her. Hmmmmm.....I do recall taking the kids out to IHOP a few years ago on their first day. That might be an idea.

Saturday, September 29, 2007

Week End Fun Begin

So, Adrian is going to the lake with Greyson this morning and returning tomorrow. He had a great time when he went this summer, so he is really looking forward to it. Last time there was a lot of fishing, tubing, boat rides, etc, but it may be too cool for at least some of that this time.

Seth and I took the dogs on a long walk this morning and I threw a glass of ice water in his face when he got too sassy, so it was a good time. To be fair, there wasn't any actual ice left, it was just the temperature of ice water. A little tip for you all, when you are around Seth and he sasses you, remember the ice water treatment. That's what he needs.

Greg is pouring the concrete pad for my mom and Michael's new(ish) hot tub today and I guess once it cures, they will get the hot tub set up, just in time for fall weather. Super fun!


I talked to Paul yesterday and he said a piece of metal from Bozo's previous surgery is now protruding through Bozo's skin. At first he couldn't even get the get the vet's office to return his calls, but I guess eventually they did. They said the anesthesiologist's first availability is Monday, so Paul will take Bozo in for another surgery on Monday morning. Poor dog, he's been through so much, and poor Paul too! Let's all hope that the surgery goes well-- I think repeated anesthsitazations can be dangerous. Fingers crossed...

Friday, September 28, 2007

Good Review for Seth


ONE BEAUTIFULLY DRAWN HORROR COMIC

Rick "The Writing Machine" Remender popped up with another new comic book a couple weeks back. This one, SORROW, is co-written with Seth Peck, and is either a ghost town story or a possession story or a straight-up ghost story, depending on what you read into the book. I like to think of it as an ode to classic car crash rock and roll, told in comic book form. (You can't top "Bat Out Of Hell" for theatrics on the musical level.)

The story, in a nutshell: A car full of kids picks up a hitchhiker and speed through a ghost town, only to have a crash and meet the odd locals. It's obvious there's a lot more going on, but Remender and Peck work hard at establishing tension and playing with your mind before pulling off anything shocking or threatening. There are no answers in this first issue, nor should there be. This isn't a book about a quick fix of violence or shock. This is about mood and suspense, and the authors pull that off beautifully, without annoying the reader with the constant carrot dangled by a string six inches in front of the reader, never to be touched.

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Wedding Photos Trickling In....




I know, I'm not in any of them, but try not to be too disappointed. I know that will be hard.

Almost all of today was spent in the car. Getting all the kids off to school and then hit the road to Wichita. Mrs. Moore's service was very nice and she seemed to be an amazing woman, wife and mother and an inspiration and rock of support to many. The Kansas landscape was very pretty-- lots of Sunflowers and a nice sunny day, plus great conversation as always and XM radio...what more could you ask for.

After picking up the kids at various grandparents' houses we were off to G & S's house for a pot roast and slow cooked vegetable dinner for the grownups and grilled cheese and tomato soup for the kids and vegetarians. Of course there was leftover wedding cake for dessert. Then the kids got a lesson from Greg in how to unclog the toilet. Learn something new every day, huh?

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Oh my aching head

Well, I just took two Advil, so hopefully, my headache will be done soon. I had a big group presentation due in my Community and Organizational Practice class tonight and we totally rocked it. Our instructor tried to play it cool, but I think he was pretty impressed. He should be. We work harrrrrrrrrrd, man! Also got caught up in my Policy class, but have a big paper due next week in that one, as well as phase 2 of the group project referenced about. Next week will be a big week for turning things in. I was starting to wonder how I am going to keep doing this for 2+ years, but I think organization and stopping procrastination are going to be key.

In the morning, Seth and I head out to Wichita for the funeral of the mother of one of his closest friends. She had cancer.

Kameron's IEP is being re-evaluated. I am not exactly sure what this entails as of yet. This is the info I have thus far:

Mrs. Blomquist,

I met for a short time with Mrs. Woodring who is the case manager for
Kameron's IEP. I am requesting a re-evaluation meeting due to concerns
I have in math, reading, and written language.

There are also lingering organization issues which seem to be hampering
Kameron's overall academic progress. You and I conferenced and came up
with a plan to have him pick up a copy of the web page each day with
information for you concerning what was completed at school and what is
homework. He simply won't pick this up even with repeated reminders.

Kameron is not showing understanding of math as evidenced by the weekly
quizzes. He continues to score quite low on the Distributed Practice
which is a set of parallel items for the Kansas State Assessment.
Computation quizzes are also quite low, although not as low as the
Distribute Practice. His best score was the first power drill at 71%.
Since then all have been in the 60% range despite daily practice.

In reading Kameron is either unable or is choosing not to choosing to
take an active role in whole group instruction and is evidenced by low
scores on skills and our first assessment (52%) which was open book.

Kameron is not showing even the basic skills of writing a sentence. It
is rare that he uses capital letters even in his name. Often it is very
challenging to even read his handwriting.

Following our conference and the decision to have Kameron pick up the
daily web pages so you and I could communicate, Kameron simply will not
pick up the pages despite many reminders. His personal organization can
only improve.

Mr. Shadonix-
When you have a minute, can you tell me how you would advocate changing
his IEP to address these issues. I'd like to have a heads-up as far as
your opinion before any meeting occurs.

Thanks.
Kristy Blomquist

Mrs. Blomquist-
I will be better able to answer this when I talk with Meredith and our new school psychologist. We, along with Ms. Stern, are going to meet on the 9th and address specifics which will answer your question. From that meeting, nothing will be done without communication with you.




From everything I am learning in SW school, this is not a "strengths-based approach." Boo to that.

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Today

So...umm....the best parts of today:

Sara and Greg home safe
Seth as Hannibal Lector working at Banana Republic
Water stayed on
Fabulous thunder last night
E, VS1, very good
Olivia cleaned the bathroom all by herself

Not so good...
Mr. Shadonix has "concerns"
Finn making a mess on the carpet
GB crew is back at home :0(

Monday, September 24, 2007

Cute Seth Getting Girl-Drink Drunk at a Friend's Wedding




How adorable is he? Don't you just want to kiss him? Well, you can't. He's MINE!

My Baby Brother is Married!!




More to come of course.

Monday, September 17, 2007

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

A New One of These in the Family in April!!!



I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited!!

Monday, September 3, 2007

Wedding Countdown




Greg and Sara's wedding is in 19 days! Olivia's dress is all ready and we only have shoes left to buy for her ensemble. The boys were fitted for tuxes yesterday, and I understand that Paul, Greg, my dad and maybe Fred went this weekend for their fittings as well. My mom and Sara and I shopped yesterday and my mom and I both found navy dresses that we like. Of course Sara's dress has been chosen for a while now! We are really looking forward to all the Wisconsin family coming in for the wedding. Everyone's lives are so busy, so it means a lot for them to take time out and travel this far. Can't wait to see you all!

The Kids' and My New Addiction

Awesome Book I am Reading for Class

From the Solace House Benefit