the last 6 months

so it's been a while.  whoops!!  when we've both been working full time jobs with three kids, a house to keep up, sports to play and other extra activities, there isn't much time to post pictures and write.  most down time is spent on the couch watching tv or in my case, falling asleep on the couch.  having three preps this semester has kept me quite busy.  not to mention sometimes having the kids to myself some nights as garrett as been traveling a little more often.

 in january we left off with jay playing basketball.  they did pretty well.  jay didn't get a basket, but he was pretty good on defense and hustled a lot.  at the end of the season we had a small banquet after their last game.  this was a picture of the team and their trophies.

these winter months we were able to get some snow.  the kids played in it some until they were wet.  here is a shot of the kids in their snazzy outfits.  they each had tons of layers on.

 i've been busy since january.  through the week i would run 3 miles 2 to 3 times a week and then would do a long run on sunday's.  i trained for my first half marathon.  my goal was to beat 10 min miles, i beat that and came in at 2 hours and 7 mins and a few seconds.  pretty proud myself.  it was definitely a freezing day.

two weeks after the half, i was able to run in my first dash for down syndrome.  it was great to see so many families out there and everyone with down syndrome out there.  it was definitely a family atmosphere.

We had a great easter as well.  as usual, we spent the morning/lunch at my parents and then went to garrett's parents for the afternoon. the kids definitely had fun doing the easter egg hunts.  and of course we had pictures.

and here's a couple of pictures to capture the kids.  mason and taylor have become the best of friends. taylor is talking up a storm nowadays and copying everything we say.  its really cute.  hopefully mason will catch on.  jay will be finishing up the first grade in the next two weeks and has exceeded all expectations.  he is well above average for math and reading.  that's awesome considering he is one of the youngest in his class.  the other week mason went in for his 5th set of tubes.  you know you've been to the surgery center a lot when the nurses notice you and say how much bigger mason is.  this will be an on going thing with mason.  the last ones lasted almost a year.  we will see how long these last.

this year jay participated in awanas at our church.  this was the first year they had it.  since he was in the first grade and to complete the sparks part of awanas, students would have to do three books by the end of their second grade year, jay was able to do two books.  he memorized tons of scripture as well as all the books of the bible.  pretty proud of him.  even on the awards night, he was able to say one of his scriptures on stage.

we've really been enjoying the outdoors.  after dinner you find us outside our house on our bikes, hitting baseballs, and such.  nothing beats the great outdoors.

jay is playing baseball right now.  i don't have any pictures of ball games, but i did snap a picture of these two at the game.  this certain day we found out that these two would sit in their seats and eat suckers.  it made for a little less chasing around.

taylor loves these boots by the way.

until the next time i update, i hope everyone has a great summer and be safe.  

In with 2015, out with 2014

Last night Garrett and I got the ring in the new year without kids. I think this is the first time all the kids spent the night at someone else's house since having Taylor. We dropped by SouthPark to exchange a few gifts and then headed to PF Changs for a nice dinner. Unfortunately, I had not made reservations so we waited a bit until we were seated. It still made for a great night and we brought a movie home to watch. 

So far today we spent the day hanging around the house once we picked the kids up and took down our tree. Garrett had practice tonight, we just watched tv to end the night. 

As I look on 2014, a lot went on. Garrett and I always ask each other did we see ourselves at this point in our lives and did it look the same. To answer the question, no.  If I would have had it my way, we would have only had two kids, they would have been perfect, no disabilities, and I would have had them by the time I was 30.  None of that happened, but looking back, it's okay. Our life is perfect the way it is even with its imperfections. 

The kids have amazed us throughout the year. 

Jay started first grade in August and is really excelling. He is above average in math and way above his classmates, while he is average in reading. Makes sense seeing his mom and dad are math oriented. He has played all sorts of sports, played with his friends, loved on his brother and sister, and is getting to where he can really help around the house. 

Taylor, well she is a girl and definitely has the mode swings right now. She is still a tiny girl, but with a lot of personality. She is starting to talk and communicate with us. She will definitely be a talker and squealer.  I never thought I would have a blue-eyed, crazy blond haired girl. She is a mess, but her brothers love her, especially Mason. 

I saved Mason for last. Everyone wants to hear about him and his progress, which is natural. I would want to as well living on the outside. This year we have tackled potty-training. He still struggles to tell us when he has to go, but basically he is in underwear during the day. We just take him on a regular basis to the bathroom and typically he does #2 after his afternoon nap. We still have a ways to go, but we are proud of him. He even wakes up about half the mornings dry. Mason has increased his communication with us and he has more sounds and noises that sound like words. It is going to take some time, but he will get there. With Taylor learning to talk, I hope it helps him as well. Since October, we have increased his occupational, speech therapy and is also seen by a special education teacher.  This is all done through the school system at his daycare. This is awesome for us since Garrett and I both work. Another milestone that we hit was the three Mark to check the holes in his heart. Mason passed with flying colors and has a tiny hole, but nothing we need to go back for. That was great to hear that. 

This past September when I took Taylor and Mason for their well appointments, the joke was on me. Between the two of them there was five shots as well as Mason had blood drawn. At this point they wanted to check Mason's thyroid. Down Syndrome kids often times have problems with their thyroid and sure enough, Mason does. We've seen an endocrinologist and she has since put him on medication he has to take once a day. I get the question often does he have to take it for life, we aren't sure, but he will be monitored from here on out. I'm so not looking forward to those appointments. He hates to get blood drawn. I'm hoping this will also help his growth. He is a very small kid, off the charts for a regular kid, but 50% for Down syndrome. He is wearing his same clothes from last winter and they are still baggy on him. No sign of growing out of them anytime soon. He's three and wears size 18-24 month pants. At this rate, he will wear his clothes out before he out grows them.   Overall, Mason is doing great. He still needs to learn to listen, but what three year old doesn't. 

As we move on into 2015, I'm looking forward to doing my first half marathon in March as well as do a 5k for Down Syndrome later in the month. I'm really looking forward to the last one. I've amazed myself that on a regular day, I go out and run three miles before picking Jay up at the bus stop. 

Garrett is staying busy with work nowadays. He is out of town several days of the month, but it is great that they have work. Hopefully this next year or so, we will purchase land to build a house. We have something in mind and hope it pans out. Garrett would love to design his own house. 

We hope this next year brings more great things for our family. From our family to yours, we hope you had a Merey Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

Three years...we've hit the mark

It's crazy to think we've had Mason for three years this Wednesday.  With this comes some new and exciting news for Mason.

Before I begin, I want to recount some of the milestones Mason has reached in the past years. Garrett and I both looked at many sites about Down syndrome during our pregnancy. We knew he would probably need therapies and we were on it. One month after he was born, we were in contact with the Child Development Services of Mecklenburg County.  Through them, we were able to get physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.  Mason learned to walk early for those with Down Syndrome and pretty much keep up with other kids his age. 

For the first two years our insurance was great and hardly any cost came out of pocket, but this last year we have had to pay for these services. This is when the CDSA comes in and helps pay a small percentage, but we have to still come out of pocket a lot. We've been told numerous times he should be able to get medicaid.  Apparently the county dropped the ball when he was born in the hospital.  I decided back in July I would try. Big mistake!!  DSS is not the place to be.  I applied for Medicaid and then applied for disability for Mason. As of right now, he was denied medicaid and was originally denied disability.  Someone called the other day and they are still trying to get him disability.  So much for he should get it right away, but there is still a chance. 

As we wait on hearing back, Mason will turn three and finally can enter the school system. When people think school, they think it begins at kindergarten. Really, it begins at three. The other week we began the process of an IEP for students with learning disabilities. Mason was evaluated and a plan put in place. After his evaluation, they placed him at a 30% delay (approximate age 24 months) for motor skills and psychological. As for speech and communication, which is our main concern, he has a 50-60% delay (15-18 months).

Last week I met and the school system has determined that we would keep him in his daycare environment instead of placing him in a preschool in the system. Also, a special education teacher will come two times a week for 45 minutes each time to work with him and the teacher. A speech therapist will come two times a week for thirty minutes each time and an occupational therapist will come once a week for thirty minutes. 

It's great and refreshing to know he is eligible for these services and they are all free. It is also great that they are able to serve him at daycare. Garrett and I are able to continue to work our jobs.  

Summer, School, Celebrations

Wow, June 30th, it's been a while. Since then, I've finished up summer school, we went to the beach, school started back, soccer began and all the kids had birthday parties. It's safe to say, we've been busy around here. 

Jay so wanted a party at Chuck E Cheese this year. Garrett and I aren't big on places like that, but we caved and decided that is what he wanted so we would do it.  After looking for the best deal and time, we met some of his church and school friends there for some fun on a Saturday at 10:00 in the mornings. Definitely the best time to be there. We beat the chaos of tons of kids. 

It was definitely a sixth birthday he couldn't forget. Since then, Jay started first grade at Bain. He is in the new building and seems to have picked up where he left off in June. He is reading well, knows how to add and somewhat subtract, and seems to be enjoying his friends. He has a real interest in everything Pokemon.  I think Garrett and I are Pokemoned out.

Jay also started his third season of soccer.  He has really improved and become a great defensive player. 

Our next birthday was little Taylor's first birthday. I know I could have gone all out making sure I had all the bells and whistles and everything to the tee, but really it is just a party. Parties nowadays we try to be easy on ourselves.  Pizza is the staple along with of course cake. Taylor seemed excited about the cake and enjoyed every minute of it. She was too cute the entire time. 

Our last party was this weekend, Mason. He turns three on Wednesday. He is such a funny kid, but don't let him fool you, he doesn't listen that well.  We are still potty training and most of the time we put him in underwear. He will have accidents, but we are really proud of him holding it and telling us when he needs to go. We still have a ways to go.

I think he is the only kid who has cheered for himself at their own party after Happy Birthday was sung. It was too funny.  He was so excited. 

Another year has gone and we have three older kids.  The last year with Taylor has flown by.  We are definitely staying busy with everything and look forward to what's ahead. 

Public, Private, Charter, Home????

This is the question of a lot of my friends these days.  We are in that time of our lives where are kids are starting school and what are we going to do?  Where are we going to send them?  What is the best choice?

Honestly, there isn't a good answer to the questions.  It all depends on where you live, who your child is, your own experiences, and life in general.  There are pros and cons to every choice.  My husband and I come from a background of public school.  We both excelled and did well and look now have become an architect and a teacher; a public school teacher at that. 

This year, we sent our son Jay to the public school, Bain, in our area.  We could not have asked for a better school, better teachers, better staff, and I could go on, especially since I went there.  Our decision was based on several things. 
     Our school system, although some may hate it, is one of the best. 
     The system can put tons of money into technology, books, resources, teachers, where the other choices can not.   
     Our kids can be exposed to others in the area around them where maybe in another setting they can not.
     We want to spend money on our kids college and not put all that money into grades K-12 when we have perfectly good, free schools.
     In public schools, most everyone is a certified teacher.  Although not everyone would agree, testing keeps teachers on track for what they are to be teaching in the classroom, whereas elsewhere that may not be the case and they can delete anything from the curriculum.

Being a public school teacher, I see the opportunities that are available in these schools that may not be available elsewhere.  Public schools can offer more advanced/AP classes later on down the line.  Or maybe your child is not as advanced.  Later on for our middle child who has down syndrome, we will be looking at Special Education classes, therapies and such to help him through school.  In other schools, these resources are very limited if they exist at all.

Public school isn't always the answer and most of the news everyone sees is the bad at the schools.  There are tons of bad kids, they've taken God out of school, and so on.  Honestly, it is all in how your child makes it out to be and you make it out to be.  Me as a teacher can not bring up the subject or subject your student to my religion, but if someone ask me a question, I can answer it.  Students can bring Bibles; we even have a Bible class taught at our school, (a plus is it is taught by a preacher).  We also have clubs associated with Christianity. Students can pray.  We haven't taken the pledge out of the school, we say it every day.  Jay's school had a moment of silence everyday where if they wanted, could pray.  As for bad kids, they are everywhere.  The only difference is, private and charter schools can kick them out.  (to be honest, is that the right thing to do or should we be helping them where they are).  We can't and we have to find alternative ways to deal with problems.  We can get creative as teachers.

Today, we see tons of charter schools and small private institutions pop up around us, but is this really the answer?  Some of them have little funds to put into the students textbooks, technology, and learning.  Their teachers may be qualified and are the best, but are we keeping our kids from certain things? 

However, we do have some private schools in the area that are excellent and have everything, but are you willing to pay the price?  The past nine summers I have taught at Providence Day school.  Although it isn't the full private school experience, I experience enough to know that this school and a few others do, do it right.  I not only teach their students, but others around the area from other schools, mainly other private schools.  Some students do well and are right on, while others seem behind in their math skills even though they may have made an awesome score at their school.  Some students seem really sheltered while others have experienced the world.

I just caution you to choose the best for you and your child as you start to look into schools.  Some things to consider and to look into when you are trying to decide:

1.  How much of the school day is school work and learning?  Or how much is play?  Sometimes schools look great because they go to this place and have this program and that, but is that program teaching your child something?  A lot of times I see half days at some schools.  Trust me, a half day is not always the most productive since kids know they are getting out early.

2.  How are YOU as a parent involved in your child's learning?  It doesn't matter what you choose, do you sit down and do homework with your child?  Are you asking them about their school day and interested in who they played with and talked to throughout the day?  Students need to learn at home as well.  Learning doesn't stop in the classroom.

3.  Does your child have time to interact with others?  This is a key component with kids.  This can be hard for home school parents, but are you involved with other families/churches/groups/sports teams where your child can play and interact?  All too often I see parents home school their child until 8th grade and all of a sudden in 9th grade they throw them into high school.  It is culture shock, unless they have had experiences outside of the home school experience.

4.  Is the curriculum challenging enough?  A lot of times smaller schools are not challenging enough for brighter learners or maybe they are not as equipped to handle the slower learners.  Decide for yourself who your child is.  Be honest with yourself, not everyone's child is the brightest and smartest.  Decide what school is the best fit for him/her.

5.  Realize summer isn't all fun and games and vacation. Please help your teachers out by working with your kids over the summer with their schooling.  This summer, Jay continues to read and expand his reading vocabulary.  I continue to make him write every so often in a journal as well as complete two books on reading and math.

Learning is an ongoing process.  Make sure you choose the best for your child and that you are apart of this process as well.  School isn't just about them, it is about you as a parent as well.

Growing up Olin

Time flies when you are having fun.  No one tells you it goes faster having three little ones instead of just two.  Everyone is thriving and growing.

Jay:  He closed out his first year of school. He had a blast in Kindergarten with Mrs. Kane this year.  Jay went in not knowing words or how to read (honestly he wasn't prepared by his daycare like we thought), but had an open mind each day and wanted to learn.  It was great to hear his stories, who he played with, what he learned each day when he got in the car.  Each afternoon we completed homework and I saw this little boy grow up right in front of me.  He can read books, sound out words, and our favorite, do math.  I think he is going to be a math person.  I bought him a reading and math book to work out of this summer and he enjoys the math better than the reading.  This summer since I'm working (or maybe I'm working so he can go), he attends a daycare called Sunny Days.  The second week, he had received student of the week.  He complains if I pick him up too early.  Some may think that is a bad thing, but we love it because we like that he has fun without us and is able to make friends on his own.  In the blink of our eye, Jay will be in first grade and that will almost be over.

Mason:  oh Mason!!  What else can we say?  He is basically the most lovable, happy little kid.  He still only has a few words, but we are hopeful he will expand his vocabulary this next year.  He enjoys playing with Taylor and Jay.  If you are around him, be ready for a hug.  He loves to pass them out to those around him.  He can be a sneaky kid though.  He knows who and what he can get away with.  So don't think he is too cute, or he will pull something over you.  

Taylor:  she is growing and doing it fast.  She is 9 months now only weighs right under 15 pounds.  She crawls everywhere.  Pulls up on everything, and may even walk in the next few weeks.  She is definitely going to be our talker.  She makes tons of sounds and giggles and laughs at Mason a lot.  She has started this past week to try table food.  She isn't a fan of a lot, but she loves Cheerios!!

Garrett:  he is planning to leave this week for his second mission trip to Mozambique. He and his team are excited.

Morgan:  I just finished my tenth year at Butler and am in my 9th summer school term at Providence Day.  The session is almost half over already.  Time is flying!!

Happy Mother's Day

Life hasn't stopped recently and I've had little time to update on our comings and goings.  Today is Mother's Day.  The day every mother waits for to be pampered and appreciated.  For us, I was just greatful for a slower weekend without as many places to go.  Although I cleaned the inside yesterday and Garrett worked outside, it still felt a little slower paced.

I wanted to share some of our Easter photos of our family.  We really got a good shot of us five.  Its hard now with three kids to get that perfect one.

For Easter, Jay and Mason each got bikes.  Mason's bike is a balance bike with no pedals.  He's so short, he can't reach the pedals, but it is another way for him to learn without training wheels.  Jay just needed a new bike because his was getting small.  I know they don't fit in an Easter basket, but instead of candy and such, a gift that they can get more use out of is better in the long run.

Today was not only Mother's Day, but Taylor's dedication day.  Our church has changed a few things and now they only do it twice a year, with at most 10 couples at a time.  This is the time we show the church that we are going to raise our kids in a Godly home.

The kids all did great.  Taylor jumped around in my arms and made noises the entire time and Mason stole the congregations heart when he wanted to hold her Bible.  All in all, it was a great time.

Last but not least, I'll leave off with a picture of Mason.  We had spaghetti the other night, and we've really been better about letting him feed himself.  He uses a spoon, but also uses his other hand to shovel it in,  he definitely created a mess.

Hopefully the next update won't be as long, but a few things coming up if I don't get to update.

Jay's finishing up Kindergarten and me my 10th school year.  Yikes!!  The time has flown by.

Garrett's preparing to go back to Mozambique this summer.

We are starting the transition for Mason to get therapies through the school system.

T-ball is ending soon.

And many more exciting things that will really need to be shared.

Until next time....