The Pony

Kalen got his pony on Monday, February 18, 2013. He is learning to use it very slowly. So far, he either moves backwards or stays in one spot. Most of the time, he cries until he figures out how to escape. He had one successful escape and one fall so far. He also got approval for his braces. His braces will arrive in four to eight weeks, from last week. The walker is on loan from his physical therapist. He has to practice two to three times per day, for 30 minutes each session. Ms. Sandy said practice on tile, even though I have tried to put him on carpet as well. I recorded the carpet videos yesterday. The video with Kalen and Sariyah, my great niece, was recorded today. 

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Time Control by Justin Byers

I read Time Control, in exchange for honest review from Empowerment Nation.  The book was written by Justin Byers and published by Empowerment Nation.

First, the first sentence kind of irritated the grad student in me. I wanted to edit the sentence APA style (it, there, that). The second sentence is a little lengthy, which can lead to confusion.

 Other than that, people are drained by work, kids, and finding time for self. People also want to improve productivity and accomplish dreams, but first, we need to identify goals, schedule time to complete goals, and make a commitment to achieve goals.

Goals also require a change. We have to identify goals, in addition to monitoring and identifying progress. We also have to find time to work on and complete goals. We also need to be honest with self, when accomplishing goals. Next, we need to identify why we want to accomplish each goal. Specify each goal, with details. For example, the book discussed finding a new home versus finding a better living situation.

Next, the book discussed time destroyers. Some of mine included procrastination, pessimism, and not having a plan to tackle large tasks. I need to break goals into smaller tasks, schedule time to complete tasks, and focus on one task at a time.

I am also subject to time distortion, or over estimating time needed to complete a task. I also rush into tasks without thinking.

Finally, the book provides tips for being more productive. The tips include:

1. Plan and schedule all tasks, including small, moderate, and large. 
2. Track daily activities to determine time wasters. 
3. Identify distractions (television, websites, online gaming, etc). 
4. Group and double up tasks
5. set aside time blocks to work
6. use a friend as an accountability partner
7. reward self for achieving goals
8. set aside a dedicated work space
9. don't let failures get to you
10. Attempt tasks, even if you do a bad job
11. limit negative emotions. 
12. remind self of past successes
13. get sleep and rest. 

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Childrens Book Reviews

Where is my Baby: 

I read Where is my baby, in exchange for review from Edelweiss. The book was written by Harriet Ziefett and illustrated by Simms Tabeck. The book was published by Blue Apple Books. The book was a quick read. The book had excellent colors, design, and graphics. Great read for the children.The book has each mama (or daddy) animal, looking for their baby. The book also teaches about the names of baby animals (chick, piglet, kid, etc). The kids loved the book.

Eggs, 1, 2, 3, Who will the babies be: 

I read Eggs, 1, 2, 3, who will the babies be, in exchange for review from Edelweiss. The book was written by Janet Halfmann and Illustrated by Betsy Thompson. The book was published by Blue Apple books. Key selling points from Edelweiss:

1. Kids are interested in reading about baby animals
2. Poetic flow and nature facts. 
3. The book teaches kids how to count
4. The book is interactive
5. The art and design work is fabolous
6. The author has wrote over a dozen nature-themed animal books. 

The book was a quick read. I loved the artwork and graphics. The book flowed poetically. The first story is on penguins. The penguin family is waiting for their egg to hatch. The book also teaches counting skills, in addition to guessing skills. For example, the section on platypi, only shows the platypus tail. The kids can guess which animal the tail belongs to. Maybe it's a playpus, maybe it's a beaver. Great read. 

Do you wear Diapers?

I read Do you wear diapers, in exchange for review from Edelwiess. The book was written by Tanya Roitman and published by Blue Apple Books. The book was a quick read and the kids loved it. I also chose it because my youngest is still in diapers and my oldest is in pull-ups. I added images from the book to the right

The book asks different animals do you wear diapers? and each animal responds with how they go to the bathroom. For example, the bear poops in the woods and the tiger poops in the jungle. The other animals respond with where they poop at. The book also teaches kiddies about animal habitats. Loved the book.

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Women's guide to reading the bible in a year by Diane Storz

I read A woman's guide to reading the bible in a year by Diane Stortz, in exchange for honest review from Netgalley. The book was published by Bethany House Publishing.  I wish I skimmed this book sooner because I truly enjoyed reading it this weekend. Definitely am thinking about buying either the Kindle or paperback version of the book.

Second, The book starts out with inspirational stories, starting with a ladies group, who desired to read the bible in a year, focusing on three chapters per day. The group eventually broke off into multiple groups, including a men's group. The stories also included a Jehovah's witness, who desired more, in addition to a missionary, who realized she lacked familiarity with the bible, even though she taught it.

Why I chose the book: I never read the entire bible. I read the verses outlined in Church, plus a few chapters on my own. Read the book of Revelation a few times, but I never thought of reading the entire bible in a year. Definitely need to work on reading the bible more, plus memorization. Never memorized a bible verse, let alone a chapter,  a day in my life, I think, except like the last verse: AMEN or JESUS WEPT. Of Course, there is In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 

Third, The book was very inspirational. Stortz (2013) discusses how we can find truth and love within the bible. We also can find encouragement, forgiveness,  hope, understanding, accountability, appreciation, direction,healing, release,  and peace. Next, Diane told her story of being born with one, fully formed, hip socket, instead of two. She was placed in full body casts around the age of one, in addition to staying in the hospital in traction. She eventually wore braces and then learned to walk. God is good. Very inspirational since my youngest son can not walk yet. He is in Early Childhood and Physical therapy. Tomorrow, he is getting a gait walker, which is to help his balance and muscular structure. God is truly blessing him with great therapists and he has made great progress since last year.

Fourth, the book provided tips for reading the book. For example, you can start anytime. The pages are not dated. You can use the guide with any bible version. You will read about three chapters per day, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes. It is also ok if you fall behind or get confused. You can catch up or re-read anytime. Stortz definitely focuses on using the bible to develop a closer relationship with God, which affects other relationships, such as family. Diane also encourages using the book to record your thoughts as you read the book. The book also provides guidelines for group reading.

Fifth, Stortz provided a brief history of the bible (from God speaking directly to men to traditional publishing), in addition to the books of the bible. Everything I mentioned so far, is found in the first 30 or so pages of her book.

Finally, the book provides an outline for reading the bible in a year. Each section has a selected theme, bible verses, in addition to checkpoints. The author discusses each theme first, before getting into verses and questions. Each section also has questions such as name something you learned or write down a bible verse you like to remember. The sections are very short. The bible verses given for each section also has a check box, to check your progress, I assume.

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I want to date, go out, have a life, and not always involve the kids

Another rant from a special needs parent: Some things you may have heard before

I want to date, go  out, and have a life, and not always with the kids. I love my kids, yes I do, but some days, I need a break. I don't have babysitters because I do not trust too many people with my special ones. I don't know too many real-life people, who do not voice their diverse, irritating opinion about my babies.

1. Why does Brad act that way?
2. Brad just needs a whipping and his autism will go away?
3. You need to watch your kids 24 hours a day. You don't need sleep. Your kids are too bad.
4. I hope Kalen does not turn out like Brad. 
5. I hope Kalen will be the normal one
6. When you die, I am sending Brad back to his father and keeping Kalen. 
7. When is Brad going back to live with Brad Sr. 
8. I can't keep Brad because he not potty trained. He will pee on the couch (even wearing a pull-up). But Can I keep Kalen (who wears diapers)
9. If only you would, then Brad or Kalen would not ________________________
10. Put Brad on additional medications, which will make him a zombie or sleep all day, to make my life (not Stacie's) easier. 

I hear people, who want to date me, ask When do you get time for yourself? When do you get a break? The question is old. The question irritates me because my kids are with me most of the time. If I sleep, I have two kids in my bed. If I go to the bathroom, a kid or two is knocking on the door. Maybe, a kid is in his bouncer in the bathroom with me to protect him from his big brother.

There is a nursery and SPED class at church though, but still I check the pager consistently to see if the kids are acting up.

I don't want to have sex yet. I do not drink a lot. My life is about the kids. I just want time to think, to breathe, to socialize.

Then, you have to consider things have changed. I used to have one kid, who stayed with his father. I got him on some weekends. I did not get him all the time. Didn't want to inconvenience anyone. Didn't want Brad to feel unwelcome. I also did not feel I could offer Brad all he needs. Thought since he was a boy, his father could control, discipline, and teach him manly things.

Since I got Brad full-time again, in 2011, I learned Brad really did need me. Some things I have taught him, I wish I taught him before, like peeing and showering and brushing his teeth. If it wasn't for Kalen being born, I would never have appreciated Brad more. I had conflicting thoughts during the pregnancy. Could I love this child? Will he be special needs? When will I see Brad again? Will I have a full-term pregnancy? I also had thoughts about my first two miscarriages, which consumed me.

Eventually, I decided that I wanted a child, a boy child, who will live. I didn't care if he was 5 armed, 30 fingers, and green. I wanted my baby. I wanted my oldest son. I did not, never, ever, ever, want another miscarriage again. and after Kalen was born, I got fixed. I had a new appreciation for the unborn male child and my oldest child. Anything was better than another miscarry. Anything was better than losing a baby, legs propped up, in a hospital alone.

I love my kids. I am responsible for my kids. I will cuss and fuss and fight and kill for my chillens. Definitely a crazy parent, with anger and other un-diagnosed mental issues.

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Words can change your brain

I read Words can change your brain, in exchange for review from NetGalley. The book was written by Andrew B. Newberg and Mark Robert Walman.

The book discusses how communication can build trust, resolve conflict, and increase intimacy. People need to chose their words carefully, listen, and observe non verbal body cues.

The right words (or wrong ones) can affect stress levels (physical and emotional), behavior, meaning, tangible benefits, and intangible beneifts.

The book also discusses the 12 strategies of compassionate communication: 10 of which includes:

1. relax
2. stay present
3. cultivate inner silence
4. increase positivity
5. reflect on deepest values
6. observe non verbal cues
7. appreciation
8. speak warmly
9. speak slowly
10. speak briefly

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How Katie got a Voice

I read How Katie got a voice, in exchange for honest review. The book was written by Patricia L. Mervine and published by Trafford Publishing. I received a print edition of the book a few days ago, and read it in one sitting. The book is excellent.

I chose the book because I felt a connection to Katie. I have two special needs children. My oldest, for those, who don't know, has ADHD and Autism. My youngest has developmental delays.

Katie is disabled (wheelchair bound) and can not speak. Katie relies on her attendant to help her in the classroom. She also uses a speak book, which allows her to use her eyes to communicate with her assistant. She enrolls at Cherry Street school, where everyone has a cool nickname. The book is narrated by Miguel, who gives out the nicknames to most of the school, including the principal, teacher, and janitor. With a little help from the speech therapist, Ms. Lips, Katie learns new ways to communicate, and earns a nickname. Ms. Lips and Katie, work together to surprise the classroom.

Definitely enjoyed the book because people have different methods of communication. Not everyone can traditionally speak. Brad can speak, but he can also point, grunt, and knows a few signs. Kalen also does not speak except his one word. therapist is attempting to teach him sign language. The book will be a great read for the special needs community (parents, siblings, speech therapists) and can be used to teach acceptance, inclusion, and disability etiquette. The last few pages in the book, after the story ends, lists disability etiquette. Some tips include:

1. Do not stare and/or ignore people with disabilities. 
2. Do not shout or speak to the disabled, like they are younger or not as smart as you. 
3. When a disabled person has an aide, speak to the person, not the aide. If you talk to the aide, don't ignore the disabled person, as if he or she is not there. 
4. Don't pet service pets without permission. They are performing a service and should not be distracted or disturbed. 
5. Do not touch or play with any assisted technology devices. 
6. Don't ask about their condition unless they bring up the subject. 
7. Be patient. 
8. Focus on the person, not the disability. 

I also attached a wonderful video, from Patricia's website. 

Book Information:
Author: Patricia L. Mervine
Illustrator: Ian Acker
Publisher: Trafford Publishing
Distributor: www.speakingofspeech.com. The book is also available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble (print and Kindle formats)
Publication Date: July, 10, 2012
40 pages, softcover
ISBN: 978-1-4269-6649-1

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