This past Sunday at 9am I was standing at a register when Walgreen's opened to pick up a prescription for one of the kids. A very dashing man came in dressed from head to toe in brand new Under Armor clothes, which seemed out of place on his all business physique. He was showing a picture on his cellphone to everyone with whom would look and asking questions about the area's open late night convenience stores as he was from out of town and not familiar with our area. I cant tell you what struck me more, the desperation in his voice or the pain that was so visible in his eyes. My heart still breaks for this man, who's parting words to us (with fear in his voice and tears in his eyes) were..."I just want to find my son!" It was then that I realized how widespread society's drug (and mental health) epidemic truly is. As he drove off in his brand new Lexus, I wondered how many times he has driven around and searched for him. It wasn't until he drove off did I realize how parallel our lives were. Just a few minutes of a conversation and yet days later...I can not get this out of my mind. Moral of the story is..."Don't ever think that this lifestyle won't effect you!"
An Update.
We had the most amazing Christmas! The kids said SO many times that day..."This is the BEST DAY EVER!" So to my wonderful village with whom it would never have been possible without...Thank you SO much! Watching them enjoy the day so much was our best gift ever.
We had the most amazing Christmas! The kids said SO many times that day..."This is the BEST DAY EVER!" So to my wonderful village with whom it would never have been possible without...Thank you SO much! Watching them enjoy the day so much was our best gift ever.
Spencer
Spencer is doing well. He has taken this season off of sports to concentrate on his academics as he is still playing some catch up within his Math and Reading areas. We are very proud of all of the progress that he has made so far this year. He also recently signed up to be a "son" in his Middle School's production of Disney's Mulan. Were hoping that this will help his self esteem, as he is very shy sometimes around many of his peers. He continues to fight me every Sunday morning when its time to go to CCD, I might bribe him with donuts after he attends class. He also continues to attend Cubscouts, and this year he will be crossing the bridge to Boyscouts so we are looking at the two different troops in town and choosing which one that he will be attending this month. He is also going to be playing Spring baseball.
Spencer is doing well. He has taken this season off of sports to concentrate on his academics as he is still playing some catch up within his Math and Reading areas. We are very proud of all of the progress that he has made so far this year. He also recently signed up to be a "son" in his Middle School's production of Disney's Mulan. Were hoping that this will help his self esteem, as he is very shy sometimes around many of his peers. He continues to fight me every Sunday morning when its time to go to CCD, I might bribe him with donuts after he attends class. He also continues to attend Cubscouts, and this year he will be crossing the bridge to Boyscouts so we are looking at the two different troops in town and choosing which one that he will be attending this month. He is also going to be playing Spring baseball.
Tucker
Tucker is also doing well in school. He complains that he doesn't like it and that it is hard, but he continues to do well academically. His behavior continues to be an area that he struggles in, however his tantrums and visits to the principle's office are becoming more infrequent. A few weeks ago he did come home with a letter saying that he was going to start working on more Empathy. What can I say...He is no doubt his mother's child. :) This week we had a followup in the Cardiac Clinic at Boston Children's Hospital where we discussed the several "Cyonotic AKA blue" episodes that he has had since his last visit to the Clinic. These episodes are few and far between and only come on with exercise. So the question is, "Is this Tucker's new normal?" or "is there something more going on?" During physical activity, he will say things like "my heart hurts!" or he will just sit down where he is for a minute until it subsides. SO we were advised, if these episodes are SVT episodes that the only way to capture this would be from an EKG machine. THANK GOD for technology has come SO far, and they make a smartphone EKG app and a device that connects to your smartphone that is FDA approved where you can register the episode and send it to your cardiologist to read. After an amazing donation from a friend, I have purchased one of these devices and should have it in hand by the end of the week. (We might buy a few more for school to have as well) I have spoken with the school and everyone which has any interaction with him to look for the signs of these SVT episodes and to call me ASAP should one occur again.
Tucker is also doing well in school. He complains that he doesn't like it and that it is hard, but he continues to do well academically. His behavior continues to be an area that he struggles in, however his tantrums and visits to the principle's office are becoming more infrequent. A few weeks ago he did come home with a letter saying that he was going to start working on more Empathy. What can I say...He is no doubt his mother's child. :) This week we had a followup in the Cardiac Clinic at Boston Children's Hospital where we discussed the several "Cyonotic AKA blue" episodes that he has had since his last visit to the Clinic. These episodes are few and far between and only come on with exercise. So the question is, "Is this Tucker's new normal?" or "is there something more going on?" During physical activity, he will say things like "my heart hurts!" or he will just sit down where he is for a minute until it subsides. SO we were advised, if these episodes are SVT episodes that the only way to capture this would be from an EKG machine. THANK GOD for technology has come SO far, and they make a smartphone EKG app and a device that connects to your smartphone that is FDA approved where you can register the episode and send it to your cardiologist to read. After an amazing donation from a friend, I have purchased one of these devices and should have it in hand by the end of the week. (We might buy a few more for school to have as well) I have spoken with the school and everyone which has any interaction with him to look for the signs of these SVT episodes and to call me ASAP should one occur again.
The Littles
SO as some of you may know, Gary and I now have permanent guardianship of BOTH of The Little's. We will continue to support them both until they turn 18 as long as their is not another contest from either one of their parents. I am hopeful that they will remain with our family YET ready to fight if needed. Fingers crossed.
SO as some of you may know, Gary and I now have permanent guardianship of BOTH of The Little's. We will continue to support them both until they turn 18 as long as their is not another contest from either one of their parents. I am hopeful that they will remain with our family YET ready to fight if needed. Fingers crossed.
Anthony
Anthony has been doing fantastic in school, he has been playing a lot of catch up since he was previously home schooled. He is now comfortable in his class and we could not be happier with the selection of his homeroom teacher. She is taking a little extra time with him every week and helping him to learn to read. He has also recently been reading a book nightly to Tucker and his sister. He is continues to enjoy reading and is often proud of himself when he finishes a new story. With all of the testosterone in this home now, there is no doubt that the "boys" are often fighting over a toy or fighting over who was first in line to brush their teeth. All I can say is that Gary and I have learned to pick our battles. (More development to come in this area) Anthony has also had about 4 (supervised) visits with his Dad, as per our discussion with DCF and the judge since our last court visit. All of them have gone very well and Anthony looks forward to them every week. His trauma therapy continues biweekly and he is currently working on how to deal with his frustrations with not seeing his Mom regularly. Also, we found out recently that poor Anthony has a severe Amoxicillin allergy that landed him in the ER TWICE within 24 hours. We are armed with an Epipen just in case now. Allergy testing is again on the books for him in the Spring. He also continues to enjoy CCD classes. he begs me to go every week which is quite the change from our boys.
Anthony has been doing fantastic in school, he has been playing a lot of catch up since he was previously home schooled. He is now comfortable in his class and we could not be happier with the selection of his homeroom teacher. She is taking a little extra time with him every week and helping him to learn to read. He has also recently been reading a book nightly to Tucker and his sister. He is continues to enjoy reading and is often proud of himself when he finishes a new story. With all of the testosterone in this home now, there is no doubt that the "boys" are often fighting over a toy or fighting over who was first in line to brush their teeth. All I can say is that Gary and I have learned to pick our battles. (More development to come in this area) Anthony has also had about 4 (supervised) visits with his Dad, as per our discussion with DCF and the judge since our last court visit. All of them have gone very well and Anthony looks forward to them every week. His trauma therapy continues biweekly and he is currently working on how to deal with his frustrations with not seeing his Mom regularly. Also, we found out recently that poor Anthony has a severe Amoxicillin allergy that landed him in the ER TWICE within 24 hours. We are armed with an Epipen just in case now. Allergy testing is again on the books for him in the Spring. He also continues to enjoy CCD classes. he begs me to go every week which is quite the change from our boys.
Kayla
Kayla has been doing well. She has continue to pursue making friends at all of our weekly activity places that I bring her to. She loves her dance and gymnastics class that she is currently enrolled in. She is really looking forward to her recital this June and we have started talking about her upcoming birthday party in July. She has also tested off the charts with her preschool testing. (Testing at a 7 year old level) She continues to work on social things around schooling where she struggles. I will be filling out kindergarten paperwork for her this week for the fall. She has had two visits with her Dad which have gone well. She continues to struggle with sharing him with her brother and often regresses like a baby to get more attention from him. The last time that she had seen him she was an infant. It's going to be a LONG learning process. Kayla continues to attend her biweekly therapy sessions to address her SEVERE attachment disorder and to talk about her abandonment issues regarding her Mom. We are finally at the point that she doesn't cry herself to sleep nightly, which is SO much of an improvement than before. She is looking forward to playing her first sport in the Spring.
Kayla has been doing well. She has continue to pursue making friends at all of our weekly activity places that I bring her to. She loves her dance and gymnastics class that she is currently enrolled in. She is really looking forward to her recital this June and we have started talking about her upcoming birthday party in July. She has also tested off the charts with her preschool testing. (Testing at a 7 year old level) She continues to work on social things around schooling where she struggles. I will be filling out kindergarten paperwork for her this week for the fall. She has had two visits with her Dad which have gone well. She continues to struggle with sharing him with her brother and often regresses like a baby to get more attention from him. The last time that she had seen him she was an infant. It's going to be a LONG learning process. Kayla continues to attend her biweekly therapy sessions to address her SEVERE attachment disorder and to talk about her abandonment issues regarding her Mom. We are finally at the point that she doesn't cry herself to sleep nightly, which is SO much of an improvement than before. She is looking forward to playing her first sport in the Spring.
The Others (Shout out to my LOST peeps!)
Just so you all know...My cousin, The Little's Mom, also has two older children (which are currently staying with other family members) with whom are NOT taking this transition very well. It is hard to parent yourself for years (and your younger siblings) and then live in a home with structure and rules as an older teenager. Both of their guardians have been through hell these last few months. So please pray for my family member's sanity at this point as they have some very difficult decisions for the teens to make on their behalf over the next few weeks.
Just so you all know...My cousin, The Little's Mom, also has two older children (which are currently staying with other family members) with whom are NOT taking this transition very well. It is hard to parent yourself for years (and your younger siblings) and then live in a home with structure and rules as an older teenager. Both of their guardians have been through hell these last few months. So please pray for my family member's sanity at this point as they have some very difficult decisions for the teens to make on their behalf over the next few weeks.
US
I have married the greatest man in the world. He continues to work two jobs everyday (from 6:30am-10pm) to make it possible for me to stay home with the kids. He is getting very tired, so I am going to be looking at trying to get a flexible summer job to try to take some of the load off of him until I can go back to work full time. Lets be honest...I am SO not a stay at home Mother. I kind of think that I was physically made to work full time. I thank my family for instilling a hearty work ethic in myself. Because I have never felt so useless not contributing more finances to our joint bank account. We are barely getting by it seems, however, it is what it is... and TEMPORARY. I continue to take night classes at QCC twice a week, which is a nice reason to get showered, dressed and get out of the house among other adults. Also this month, Gary and I were getting sued by a jerk that Gary hit in an accident almost 5 years ago. Our insurance company deposed us, and we were all set to go to trial, the jerk settled with our insurance company for $28,000, almost $100k shy of his original request, one hour before the deadline. Although he had only $9,000 in damage to his late model sedan. This case has required us constant stress and caused more sleepless nights as we would have had to pay out of our pocket anything over our 100k policy. SO we are thrilled that this nightmare is finally behind us.
I have married the greatest man in the world. He continues to work two jobs everyday (from 6:30am-10pm) to make it possible for me to stay home with the kids. He is getting very tired, so I am going to be looking at trying to get a flexible summer job to try to take some of the load off of him until I can go back to work full time. Lets be honest...I am SO not a stay at home Mother. I kind of think that I was physically made to work full time. I thank my family for instilling a hearty work ethic in myself. Because I have never felt so useless not contributing more finances to our joint bank account. We are barely getting by it seems, however, it is what it is... and TEMPORARY. I continue to take night classes at QCC twice a week, which is a nice reason to get showered, dressed and get out of the house among other adults. Also this month, Gary and I were getting sued by a jerk that Gary hit in an accident almost 5 years ago. Our insurance company deposed us, and we were all set to go to trial, the jerk settled with our insurance company for $28,000, almost $100k shy of his original request, one hour before the deadline. Although he had only $9,000 in damage to his late model sedan. This case has required us constant stress and caused more sleepless nights as we would have had to pay out of our pocket anything over our 100k policy. SO we are thrilled that this nightmare is finally behind us.
FINALLY...some much needed R&R...AND...Move that Bus...!
Well...I have saved the best news for last...! Late last year, Tucker was submitted to the "Make-A-Wish" foundation. Our two wish granters, Barbara and Marilyn came out and spoke with Tucker last Fall to determine what he would want to do for his wish. After a conversation where he told them that he wanted a ball...and then a bike...He told them that he wanted more toys, more Lego's to be exact! So they came out again and brought him Lego's and told him about Legoland in Florida, and he said that he wanted to go there for his wish...SO Orlando...I hope that you are ready for "Watson Party of 6!"...because we leave next month for a week to do all FLORIDA things a kid can do.
Well...I have saved the best news for last...! Late last year, Tucker was submitted to the "Make-A-Wish" foundation. Our two wish granters, Barbara and Marilyn came out and spoke with Tucker last Fall to determine what he would want to do for his wish. After a conversation where he told them that he wanted a ball...and then a bike...He told them that he wanted more toys, more Lego's to be exact! So they came out again and brought him Lego's and told him about Legoland in Florida, and he said that he wanted to go there for his wish...SO Orlando...I hope that you are ready for "Watson Party of 6!"...because we leave next month for a week to do all FLORIDA things a kid can do.
FYI...We will be keeping this on the DL with the kids because they will want to go everyday they wake up and honestly, sleeping has really been an issue for every single one of them. So our plan is to have the "Make A Wish" folks here and tell them the night before we leave. And if that wasn't enough good news. ALSO, while we are gone, we will have a contractor make all of the kids their own individual space in our home. Goodbye to my large Master bedroom, sigh... This will take a lot to pull off in just 6 days...so if you are willing to help, please reach out to me and I will add your name to the volunteer list that I have already started.
Again, thank you so much for all of your calls giftcards and wonderful messages of support to our new family. It is just like a HUGE hug to know that we are SO loved by our AMAZING villagers.
XOXO
Much Love,
Michelle, Gary, Spencer, Anthony, Tucker & Kayla
Much Love,
Michelle, Gary, Spencer, Anthony, Tucker & Kayla
