Multiple Nelsons

This summer has been a learning experience for me in many ways.  Here were the pros and cons: Cons:   *Sickness entered the house for 3 weeks while it ran its course thru each kid and Troy/I.  Strep Throat, Bronchitis, Ear infections, mild pneumonia and Sinus Infections *Seizures increased while we were traveling with "Jacolena" and "Missa" *Stopped doing "summer school work" End of July *Stopped the book challenge at the End of July (kids had to read 3 books each week to earn a reward on Friday) *Going to Speech and OT therapy was hard with all the kids... we made it and thankful for it.  We will take a break from therapy this upcoming school year. *House is a LOT messier with everyone home. Pros: *Went on a Summer Adventure EVERY week and met up with friends- Pullen Park, Durham Life and Science Museum (3-4x), NC Museum of Life Sciences, Annie L Wilkerson Nature park, Rolesville Park (3-4x), Joyner Park, Falls Dam *1-2 ...

 A friend in my ward had asked me back in March to make her window cushions for her extremely large window seat.  They finished their 3rd floor and wanted something nice to help with the window.  I went to take pictures and very pleased with how the window seats turned out.  Of course I am picky and saw one thing that bothered me but for a person that isn't experience in Home Decor these turned out very nice! I am very glad that my mom also helped me do this... or it wouldn't have turned out as nice.  Taking a look at our school's parking lot.  Almost there!  Gymnastics Camp  The Twins and Crazy A went to a Gymnastics camp the 2nd week of August.  It wasn't easy for them at first but they really enjoyed it.  It was a winner and I think we will do it next year.  Great for the price, location and learning. I asked her to go get dressed for the day... she came back looking like th...

Over the past 2 and half years I have struggled with one part of my parenting:  How hard or soft do I need to be on my special needs child(ren)?   Where do I draw the line?  Should I put my child in timeout because she growled at another child?  Should I put reprimand my child because he/she spits when he talks?   Should I put my child in a special league/team/class? or put them in a "normal" recreational league/class?   Where will they thrive the best? Am I doing her or him a disfavor by treating them differently? I have been a part of 2-3 groups of incredibly awesome Special Needs groups who give great advice, suggestions and love when it comes to struggles with medical, school or mental things.  I couldn't be more thankful for the support, it has given me a different perspective in how to handle things and be the advocate for my child(ren).  I have made so many friends and deeper relationships we have become like a small com...

The  Halls gave us some tools for the boys.  They were great... but then 3 days later all the parts are missing. In Late July ... Missa started to get sick, then Jare Bear, Daddy, then Crazy A and Jacolena, then Big D and then ME!  The last 2.5 weeks have been either at home or last minute trip to somewhere because the kids and I have been stir crazy.  We went to the Museum a few weeks ago right at the beginning of the sickness and I think it made things worse.  Missa ended up getting Bronchitis (still has after 2.5 weeks later), Jare Bear - ear infection, Crazy A - Strep Throat, Jacolena - Bronchitis, Big D - Sinus Infection, Me - Laryngitis, Troy - Sinus Infection. With us getting sick I stopped doing summer school, keeping track of books the kids were reading and a lot of our structure at home.  I just needed a break from the routine.  Now we only have 2 weeks before school starts and I probably will only continue a few things: field tr...