The Awesome Mom

A Breakthrough on a Snowy Day.

2012-01-22T12:56:00.000-05:00

For as long as I can remember our school librarian has speared headed the private school applications at work. (Shhh....The librarian is my Bestie Roxy.) After winter recess is when she sits down and sees which students are the elite in our school. They have to be a great students as a whole. Good grades are a starting point. These students are given a chance to apply and take entrance exams for De La Salle Academy, Prep for Prep and TYWLS. For the last 10 years we have at least one student go on and attend these elite middle schools or make it far in the selection process. Becky was lucky enough to be apart of the selected children. She was very close to not being picked because of the drop in her 4th ELA grade but her Math and Science grade were to awesome to pass.

Picture from our first middle school fair

For the last couple of week I have work with Becky on her De La Salle application. When we were done with the front of the application she started to kind of shut down. She stopped clearly answering the questions. I felt that I was forcing her to do something she didn't want to do. I don't want her to feel this way. She is at the age where she can have very little input to what is going on in her world. I asked the librarian to talk to Becky. I wanted to know if she really wanted to do they or is she going through the motions just to make mommy happy. She said an spoke to her and Becky told her that she feel like she does have any time. She feels rushed. This is understandable since with school, after school, ballet and online tutoring on her plate. She want to do this private school admission progress.

Becky and a handfull of other students were set out to take their entrance exam on Saturday De La Salle is located on Amsterdam & West 97 street. Of course the first snow storm on the winter season was set for SATURDAY!! Just our luck! The weather man said the storm was going to start in the afternoon....LIES!! The snow started at 2am! So when we woke up it was a winter wonderland. Good thing we dropped Big and Little Al to Titi's house the night before. It would have been a nightmare if we had to drop them off first. Plus there was no way they would have sat and waited for Becky to finish her test without driving me NUTS!

We finally made down to the school after a lot of snow, cold toes & fingers and hot chocolate. I was not surprised by the amount of people there. I quickly said my goodbye kisses and off she went to the lunchroom and I was in the parent holding tank, the auditorium. In the holding tank when were getting an orientation on the the admission progress and an open Q&A with some staff. This part of the Q&A I knew about because I have watched many our students complete this progress. I was patiently waiting for the student Q&A. I want to see what other students had to say about the school not just our former students. The biggest question from the parents was about transportation. How safe are these students traveling on their own on public transportation from the city and even outside the city. Each student said they have no problem on the train. They stick together with their friends that have become their brother and sister in no time. My nerves were relaxed when a small boy with a high voice stated that he has been travelling alone since October with no problems. He was very cute and tiny. Those kids were just like my Becky....Awesome! The whole time I was texting Roxy the play by play. There are only 35-40 seats for 6th grade and about 300 families apply. It's very competitive. They don't pick the child only for the grade they got on the test they look at the whole child. That doesn't mean Becky is a show in...I hope her paperwork tells Becky's story enough so that she is picked.

Once the Q&A was done all we could do was wait until the test was over. As time went on so did my battery power on my iPhone..curses! I was forced the listen to loud conversation happening all around me. Next time you know the first set of kids came out. Then the next and the next. When each group came out I saw a student from our school. They all looked happy to be done with the three hour long test. One parent who was a former student came down with one group and told another parent that their was a little girl crying upstairs because she didn't finish her test. So course my heart starts racing because all our students came down and Becky was no where to be found. I started pacing. She came down with the last group all smiles. I was so proud of her. She came out last because they grouped the kids according to their lasts names...She was in the T,V,U,W,Y& Z group.

She said that the test was very difficult. She breezed through the math expect for a few concepts that weren't covered yet. She had a middle school break through. Before Saturday she was very still nervous about the change to middle school. She said on our way to the train station, "If I get into De La Salle Academy or Emolier Academy I am going to do great... Plus I know kids in both schools!" This was like music to my ears. Finally a positive outlook on going to middle school. I don't know what happened during that test but something click.

Are You Ready?

2012-01-18T20:25:00.000-05:00

I just finished writing an email....
I can't go into details about the content if this email.....

I can say this is the first email of many....

I can't keep filing 311 reports....

I need to send an email with my name written across.....

She had her chance to step in front of my daughter....

She has fail.....

This mother is angry.......

They will not like what is going to happen next.....

I have to protect what is mind......

That child sitting in front of you have a mother standing behind her that is your worst nightmare!

Little Things Big Deal - "That Boy Can Dance!"

2012-01-16T13:03:00.002-05:00

Many people thought that I was crazy putting Big Al in dance back in July 2010. His has global development delays, why would you put him in a dance class? His is wearing leg braces, why would you put him in a dance class? Doesn't he get physical therapy, wouldn't dance go against that? He is a boy!

I wrote about his first day of summer session in the post We're The Dancers. My gut told me that this was the right thing to do. Time and time again we get the stares and nasty looks when I place his ballet shoes on his feet.

The almost all girl environment helps him focus on the task at hand. He was able to focus on the dance so well that he was able to successfully participate in the June Show Flippin' Channels.

Every Saturday I fight him to put his dance clothes on. He tells me time and time again that he doesn't want to go and that he wants to stay home and play. Sometimes I feel bad that I drag him out the door to but other times I remind myself, this is the boy that has major transitioning issues. Of course he will give a fight to go to class because it's a change from being home from not being home. He fights and cries up until we get to the studio. He smiles and quickly changes his shoes to run off to class. I never get to see his week to week improvements. The studio doesn't have a glass wall where parents can see. The teachers close the door as soon as it's time to dance. All I can do is listen in the wall at the music and the teacher's instruction.

When class is done he is smiling, red face and sweaty. I can only assume that he did a great job. He can now tell me that he had fun but he doesn't want to show me any of his moves.

This past weekend wasn't any different. He did the same I don't want to go song and dance. After dance as always sweaty red smiles. The one thing that was different was a parent stopped and told Big Al how much of a great job he did.

"Papi, you have some great moves." He looked at her and said, "Thank you."

"Mami, that boy can dance. He was showing her his moves in class today."

I was speechless.

I guess she got a sneak peek in the middle of class when the traffic is low in the studio hallway. This very brief exchange was a very big deal. She saw what I see in my son everyday.....Greatness.

This post is apart of Little Things Are Big Deals over at AutismWonderland.

Ten Top {Tuesday}: Anger

2012-01-10T20:14:00.001-05:00

While searching for Tuesday blog prompts on google, I found Top Ten {Tuesday}. Since I am a great big fan of lists I had to give this a try. Here is my first Top Ten {Tuesday} list.

Top ten reasons NOT to be so angry/ upset all the time:

10- With three beautiful children living in our very own home what is there is be upset about?

9- Hugs are free & fun!!

8- You catch more flies with honey.

7- The world will in fact pass you by.

6- Cookies make the world a better place.

5- Happy wife, happy life.

4- It's a waste of time.

3- The kids will FOREVER be scare of you even if you are happy.

2- Angry ages you quickly.

1- Life is too short!

Joining over at Oh, Amanda.

Little Things Big Deal - Brother Back Rides

2012-01-09T10:47:00.003-05:00

For many years I have always worried about Big and Little Al's social skill acquisition. In the past the words Let's Play for the Als is hard to grasp sometimes, especially for Little Al. Being children of Autism Spectrum Disorder poor social skills comes with the territory. Unlike Becky who learned her social skills by simply being in social situations. Like hanging out with her cousins, (Back when there were only two kids between my sister and I.) attending family events and the playground. Big and Little Al have it tough. They have each other but they both have poor social skills and their older sister is gone for the weekends to spend time with her family......hmmmm what am I to do? I model for them and the awesome service providers at Easter Seals model for Little Al and have given Big Al lots of the skills needed to simply, play.

Those barriers are slowly melting away.

Every weekend when it's just the Als, I sit back and listen.....

"Al-la-son, Let's play!"

"Allllright! YEAH!"

Playtime usually ends up with Little Al climbing on Big Al's back for brother back rides.

Laughter from self started playtime is music to my ears.

This post is apart if The Little Things Are A Big Deal #2 over at AutismWonderland.

Mommy's Give-a-way: Resolve To Be Ready!

2012-01-05T09:47:00.000-05:00

Typical New Year’s resolutions are geared towards lifestyle changes like exercising more, quitting smoking, recycling, etc. While you prepare to make positive changes in the new year, also consider preparing for the unexpected. Emergencies, from fires to water main breaks to winter storms, happen every day in New York City. Resolve to get your family ready for emergencies in 2012.

If you haven't figured out by now I have a small OCD about safety. (Well, maybe it's not so small.) So when the AdCouncil asked me again if I would like to help my readers Resolve for Readiness I had to say yes. We are giving away another awesome Go Bag.

One of my lucky readers will win one (1) Prize pack includes: Go Bag, Pocket Radio, Flashlight, First-Aid Kit, Batteries, Worker’s Gloves, Light Sticks, Emergency Blankets, and more! ($50 value)

To win you must do ALL three of the following:

1- As the City continues to rebuild and plan for the future, New Yorkers can learn to take action and prepare now by interacting with Ready New York’s Readiness Challenge tool. The Readiness Challenge takes New Yorkers through an online emergency that forces them to make quick decisions at every turn
Use the Ready New York's Readiness Challenge tool and post a comment below telling me that you used it.

2- Submit an email to aguobadia@aol.com. The email MUST included your online user-name AND your real first and last name.

3- Go over to The Awesome Mom Facebook page and click like

Here's the legal stuff:

- Prize: One Go-Kit Bag, Pocket Radio, Flashlight, First-Aid Kit, Batteries, Worker’s Gloves, Light Sticks, Emergency Blankets, and more! ($50 value)

- An outside provider will handle the fulfillment and mail the kit to the winner
- Giveaway is Open to US Residents only
- The giveaway is being provided to Mom but the thoughts and opinions are Mom's and are not influenced by the prize or prizing.

Contest ends Friday, January 20th, 2012 @ Midnight. Winners will be picked Saturday, January 21st 2012.

Good Luck!!

Poopie Happens.....In The Tub Too

2012-01-03T22:56:00.000-05:00

Yes the title of this post pretty much explains it all. Since we know that Becky and Big Al are both completely potty trained, that only leaves one people that this post can be about....Little Al *dramatic pause*

Everyday I have my hand full when it comes to a lot of things and potty training the youngest is almost always at the top of the list. Little Al has seen and done a lot of the routine required for potty training. Sit, pulling, pushing, flushing etc. Little Al show me that she really is paying attention.

While Big Al was working on his homework I put Little Al in the tub. I figured two birds with one stone right? That also meant that I was going to jetting back and fourth from the bathroom to the kitchen many times to help Big Al with parts of his homework. This isn't that much of big deal because my apartment is super tiny so I can do the in between and Little Al is still safe in the tub.

During one of my trips to the kitchen table I smell something....

I hear the lid of the toilet close....

I hear Little Al singing the potty dance song....

Oh no I thought to myself. I walked in the bathroom and I see Alyson with her finger spread apart mumbling. Of course....she had poo on her hands. Why did she have poo on her hands you say? Well thanks for asking...Because I've watched WAY too much Law & Order I can take the clues that she left behind and figure out what had happened. The course of events are as follows:
-Mommy walks away
-Little Al stands up and grabs tub playtime pile
-Stand and/or sits on pile
-Does the "cookie"
-Grabs the cookie
-Throws it into the toilet
-Does the potty dance
-Mommy walks back in and sees cookies on her hands

I cleaned her and everything else up.......

Potting training never stops to amaze me.

I am happy that she put the poo in the toilet. She knows that's where it goes.... now if only I can get her to sit and do it....baby steps.

Hey, It's Ok Tuesday!

2012-01-03T19:50:00.001-05:00

Here's a bunch of things to be ok about this first Tuesday of 2012

Hey, It's Ok that...

- I have a picture of me wearing a red wig....Yes I walked around work like this in November

-I wanted to go back to work today...Vacation sometimes need to come to an end...espeically when the kids start to drive you nuts by day 8

- I really really wanted that 2nd bite sized Snickers Peanut Butter Square.....

- I didn't eat that 2nd bite sized Snickers Peanut Butter Square.....

- Enjoyed reading my favorite blogs during lunch...I like the quiet time sometimes.

- Big Al cried every chance he got today...Transitioning is hardwork.

- I impressed a group of 10 year olds with the huge bruise on my knee.

Joined on the fun over at Airing My Dirty Lanundry via AutismWonderland.

Little Things Big Deal - "Here!"

2012-01-02T22:46:00.000-05:00

I've been invited by Lisa, one of my favorite bloggers, from AutismWonderland to be apart of her blog meme .

"When you are a parent of a special needs child, you quickly learn that the LITTLE things are a BIG deal. It may be a first clap, wave or word. There is no such thing as a small accomplishment. And nothing is taken for granted." (Lisa, AutismWonderland, 2012) Ain't that the truth.

When Lisa shared her meme I had a million and one things running in my head on what to write about. The things that popped into my head where mostly together about Big and Little Al. If Becky, being a typical child, things come naturally to her. She learned to tie her shoe laces at the age of 3 and at the time it didn't seem like a big. That's what kids do...right?

Big and Little Al's global delays and PDD-NOS has made the smallest things so difficult to master. Like putting on and taking off sweater, jackets and coats. It seems so simple but it really isn't. Especially when you have two kids that can not take them off and one that can take it off but too short to reach the coat rack. The height of the children has leveled the playing ground for the hanging of the coats. I just have to face the facts I will be hanging these coat up until I get a shorter coat rack.

Morning routine coat exchange goes something like this: Becky's coat , Big Al's coat, Mommy's coat and then Little Al's. I'll never forget one morning coat exchange that happen towards the end of last year's winter. I had Becky and Big Al their coats, I tell please put your coats on. I walked into the kitchen for some reason that I can't remember. Moments later Big Al walked into the kitchen and says, "Mommy, I ready let's go!" I looked at him and said, "Ok we are leaving right now. Let me zip.... Becky?" "Yeah, Mommy." "Did you zipper Big Al's coat?" "No Mommy." "OH MY GOD!!" I lifted Big Al off the ground and gave him the biggest hug ever. We ran into the living room and showed Becky what he had done and he gave him a group hug. He was so happy and couldn't stop laughing.

The afternoon/evening coat routine goes like this: Big Al and Becky put their coats on the sofa, Mommy takes off Little Al's coat and then hers. Last month, we came home and followed the same routine expect I went to the kitchen to drop off bags I was holding. (Dang, I am in the kitchen a lot.) I don't need to tell the kids to take there coats off, they are on autopilot expect for Little Al of course. I walked back into the living room to help Little Al, she reaches up and says, "Here." She handed me her coat and walked away. She unzipped her coat. No direction, no help. I ran to her and gave her a giant HUG. She didn't know why I gave her the hug. She pushed me away and kept walking. That moment was so very awesome.

YAY!

Down Pours, Crowded Trains and A Museum.

2011-12-29T12:22:00.000-05:00

The best part of my job is my vacation days. I have the same vacation days as my kids. This allows me to spend extra time with my kids. Also we can go on a cultural field trip. I've been so focused on other things going on in the world of mom that it's been too long since I've used my new Cool Culture Family Pass. I am so lucky that this is the 3rd year participating in Cool Culture. Thank you Easter Seals for getting your paperwork in on time. So after working on a pile of procrastination laundry I asked Becky where she wanted to go to. She thought about it and pick the Children's Museum of Manhattan. She was excited that I said yes! I got the kids packed and ready to go. Unfortunately, the weather called for rain and lots of it. When we walked out of our apartment building there was light rain. I decided to take the kids to eat pizza before we traveled to Manhattan.

Lucky for us the rain stopped when we were done eating and made our way to the bus. Of course each time I get Big Al dress to go out he asks me a million and one times "Where we goin'?" I told him that we were going to a museum. He quickly replied, "Dinosaur museum?" Hmmmm...I think we have been to the American Museum of Natural History a lot. He continued to tell me that we need take a taxi to the museum and not the bus or train. He is too funny.

The bad thing about being on vacation this week...everyone else is on vacation too. When we made it to the train it was full of Bronxites seeking fun in Manhattan. This stresses Mama! Holding hands and face check to make sure no one is licking anything is nerve wracking. I tried not to let the kids know that I was very stress on this crowded train. We made it to the train station just in time for a down pour. Four umbrella, two hands, three kids and one kid that doesn't hold umbrellas. OMG! I wanted to shoot myself in the foot. When we got to CMOM the line was out the door. Apparently, I wasn't the only mother that wanted to take their kids out of the house. It seem to me that these folks were mostly from the area. Not too many long distance travelers. I could tell because I was soaked and they weren't. grrr

We finally made it to the front of the line to get inside of the museum. Little Al was super excited to be inside that quickly turned into frustration because we had to go to the front desk then coat check. Once that was done we headed to the elevator to the top floor. This is move I learned on our last visit to the museum. Everyone heads to the 1st floor exhibits too many people for our taste.

The top floor's exhibit displayed the Macy's Thanksgiving Parades floats and balloons. My favorite exhibit.

When our way throughout the rest of the museum. The kids had lots of fun. Becky and Big got lost in the crowd of kids but I stood close to Little Al. She really enjoy climbing on Alphie.

She didn't like the noise from the kids in the Dora and Diego exhibits but she was still happy.

I knew it was time to go when my tummy was telling me it was time to eat. Of course the kids did not want to leave. The tears started to flow from The Als. I knew just what to say to stop those tears. I said the magical words, "We are going to McDonald's." I don't like to bride the kiddies but some times you have to do it. As we made our way out of the super crowded museum we thanked the very over worked security guard. She looked like she was really to either go home and sleep or punch someone in the face. I made sure that Becky thanked her. The guard had an instant smile on her face. I don't think many people thank her for her hard work. It felt good making her smile.

We walk over to the promise land in the heaviest rain I have either taken all three kids out in all this year. Little Al loved every moment of it. Water is her favorite. She didn't want her umbrella, she jumped in every puddle splashing mommy and try to eat the rain. (Yes I said eat) Those two blocks seemed like forever. I never thought I would be happy sitting in McDonald's but it was only a short time before we had to go back out into the rain. I think crossing over Broadway against people traffic was the most nerve wracking for me. We made it to the station and back on to another crowded train. The journey and grays hairs were worth the smiles and happiness.

This post is great milestone in my mom blog history. This is my 500th post! I am so happy that I stuck to this blog even after the name change. Also thank you to my reader for all your support.

My Favorite Post of 2011

2011-12-24T22:04:00.001-05:00

I can't believe that 2011 is almost over. This year has been a whirl wind. LOTS of transitoning happened this year. I looked through all of the post to this blog over the last year and I have created a list of my favorite posts. When looking back at these posts I feel like these happened a long time ago but they happen not to longer away. Here is my jolly list of my very very favorite post. Enjoy!

That's Not A Cookie
I still can't get the image (and the smell) of Little Al holding those "cookies"

Amy and The EIOD
Finally someone in early intervention that listened to me.

Why, Alyson Why?
Yes everyone needs poo with their Yo Gabba Gabba.

Saying Goodbye to Karen Again
We love you Karen!

Becky for The Win!
The glory that is Becky.

Class of 2011
Saying a first goodbye to Easter Seals for Big Al.

Childless Adventure to Brooklyn
Mom and Dad run to Brooklyn without CHILDREN! *dramatic pause*

Now The Awesome Mom
This was when I dropped Becky, Alex & Aly's Mom and changed to The Awesome Mom. I am very happy with the change.

Mommy You are my hero!
Super sweet moment with Big Al, Mom and the "spider"

Listening to Her Talk....

2011-12-12T17:51:00.001-05:00

Over the last couple of weeks Little Al has had a burst of language at home. It's just amazing when she works up to me asked for thing with great eye contact. She talks with a lip pushed to the side. For now it's mostly one word commands.

"Bananas"

"Apple"

She also says, "Take a bath"

She sings and sings. Her echolalia helps her out a lot with this. In fact as I am typing this post she is sing her version of Jingle Bells! She also has been own version of the Kung Fu Panda theme.

But there is a catch....

Find the lion

This progress seems to be just amazing huh? Wrong!

I am being robbed...well not really. It turns out that Little Al has been doing this in school since July! YES JULY!!! She has been busted!!!

She speaks in clear sentences.

"Hello Little Al."

"Hi, how are you?"

She asked for things in sentences.

"I want a banana."

She doesn't push her lips to the side either. She can follow directions with great understanding and she sings and dances to each and every song in class and gym. She is still trying to hold on to the slow language acquisition at home...I know your game now... You can't hide from me.

Top 10 of 2011

2011-12-05T20:20:00.004-05:00

Crucible Prayer
Apr 11, 2008, 290 Pageviews

Orthotic Devices: Ankle-Foot Orthosis, Supramalleo...
Mar 7, 2011, 226 Pageviews

Hugh Jackman Back on Broadway!
Nov 25, 2011, 164 Pageviews

236th United States Marine Corps Birthday Ball
Nov 6, 2011, 159 Pageviews

Orthotic Device: Ankle-Foot Orthosis & Supramalleo...
Jun 10, 2010, 105 Pageviews

Early Intervention Assistive Technology
Jul 9, 2011, 93 Pageviews

Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
Aug 3, 2010, 79 Pageviews

235th United States Marine Corps Birthday Ball at ...
Nov 14, 2010, 164 Pageviews

In a Blink of an Eye.....
Dec 14, 2010, 134 Pageviews

Pasteles: Puerto Rican Savory Cakes.
Dec 24, 2007, 97 Pageviews

What Happens When Everyone Comes Before Mom?

2011-12-03T13:11:00.001-05:00

I know tons of us awesome moms and dads wait, wait and wait some more to do things to take care of our selves. In fact, I blogged about this very topic over on my weight loss blog a few days ago. I blogged about how I have to get over that guilty feeling I get when I want to exercise. I have to get over this feeling especially when it comes to checking up on my health. My doctors scream at me when I don't see them for years. They both tell me that same thing, "If you are not taking of of yourself, who is going to take care of the kids?"

The series of events this week is perfect example of what happens when mom puts everyone first. The pain started on Tuesday. What pain? The pain in my tooth that happens every now and then. This pain comes from a impacted wisdom tooth. The tooth was suppose to me removed when I was 18. Something happened with my mother's coverage that I was unable to get it done that day. We never rescheduled an appointment, I thought it wasn't a big deal. I actually didn't see another dentist until I was 29. Yes It took me 11 years to see someone. My new dentist told me that I needed to get that tooth remove soon, very soon. Now here we are two more year later and the tooth is still impacted.

Back to Tuesday, I put some pain relief stuff on the area and the pain dulled enough so I was able to go to sleep. The next day I woke up with a "bubble" in my ear. The entire day this "bubble" would not go away. I complained about it all day but I went on with my day as normal until the evening. I became very sleepy while Becky was doing be homework, this is not the norm. When she was done I felt like I was punched in the face. I brushed, flossed and grabbed my pain relief stuff aka the dance. I headed to bed an hour early. Just around 10:30pm that terrible feeling came back. I did the dance again and went back to sleep. BOOM! 2:30am the pain returned. I did the dance and it didn't help one bit. I couldn't relax or settle down. At about 5am I told myself that I will not be going to work. I had to see someone today I can't spend another day like this.

I called for my long awaited appointment. the receptionist said that I could come in right away. When I got there I was very nervous. As I was filling out my paperwork I over heard another patient saying that she would rather have another child then have be at this office. After x-ray and prep the doctor gave me to choices: 1-Remove the tooth today or 2-Come back on Monday and be on heavy meds. I may not be able to go to work when on these meds. I really didn't have a choice, I needed to do it today. Also, all the pain may not go away because of the damage the wisdom tooth cause to the tooth next to it. Here is what the problem looks like:

You can see the bottom of the wisdom teeth is on it's side and completely destroyed! That was causing most of the pain. The tooth next to is covered with a fill-in but the side of it has a cavity. This was form within the last two years.

The doctor was ready to do what she does best. I was a little nervous but good to go. She propped out my mouth and started. Before she removed the crown, my nerves took over and I began to cry. She stopped everything and removed everything from my mouth. She thought that I was in pain. She wanted to know what was going on. I explained to her that stress of my life fell onto me like a tons of brick. Getting oral surgery is very stressful and I am under stress all the time. I cracked. She said that I didn't need to do it today. I could have come back at a better time and be on meds until then. I told her that here will never be a better time. She didn't understand. I explained a little about my life and she was taken back. She was taken back because she is my husband's doctor too. She found him to be charming and funny and didn't see where marital problems would steam from....She offered me laughing gas so that we could finish. I say yes. The laughing gas helped my nerves. I felt like I was in slow motion. Next thing I knew it was done. I just wanted to go home to my bed.

I slept from for 8 hours and up for 2 hours for the last 48 hours. I have never slept like that in my life. My face looks all kinds of jacked up.

This craziness for the last couple of days could have all been avoided if I would just make time for my health. If this wasn't awake up call I don't know what is.

I happy I was off the pain killers long enough to post.

Hugh Jackman Back on Broadway!

2011-11-25T21:26:00.000-05:00

My very awesome Bestie, Roxanne, is the greatest Hugh Jackman fan. She is such an awesome fan she asked for Hugh for Christmas last year. Her sister got her a sign picture of him. Yummy! When Roxanne heard that Hugh was going to be on Broadway for 10 weeks ONLY, she brought two tickets and told me I was going with her. Could I really say no to the Wolverine? NO WAY! She brought the tickets just around Halloween for the day before Thanksgiving show.

Of course, it's always a big ordeal when mommy tries to get away for some fun. Who's watching the Als and where? Who's picking up Becky for father family time? I always get a few gray hairs by the time everything is figured out. This is way I limit myself to fun time away from the family...sometimes the stress is not worth it. Sad...I know.

The great day of Jackman-ness finally arrived. YAY!! I was very excited because I hadn't been to a Broadway show in what seems like 100 years. The show was at 8pm so we had a little bit of time to fill between work and the show. Who would have known that we would not run into any traffic on our way down town the day before Thanksgiving? So we had time to sit and chat. We said we were going to fall asleep but that was not going to happen.We chatted about how jealous Roxanne's other close friends of me seeing Hugh. HA!

Before the show started we grabbed a bite to eat at Roxy Deli. The food was yummy and served quickly. However, this place is tiny!! I was very uncomfortable. I must have been bumped into five times while eating my onion soup. Roxanne experienced the bathroom....Her experience was not pleasant. I am happy that I was able to hold it until we got outside and headed to a Starbucks.

While at Starbucks I realized that I lost a lot of weight in my feet. My feet were pushed up to the front of the heels that I worn. Roxanne had mention it at work but there nothing like the experience. Ouch! I wasn't in too much pain just yet. Roxanne picked up a tea from Starbucks and we sat next to the TKTS booth. Here Roxanne truly realized that she is getting old. She was looking at the young kids with there legs exposed to the cold weather and said they were crazy to out like that. (That's old talk) I am happy I was here when she realized that she is going to be officially old in a few months. BIG HUGS ROXY!

After a lap around Times Square for cough drops (old people candy), we headed to the Broadhurst Theater see the man himself, Hugh Jackman. Roxanne turned pink the moment we reached the theater. We sat up top. She was very focused on Boo to no photography in the theater! The announcer in informing us to turn off cellphone and no photography told us that he is Wolverine and he will find us. That was very funny!

The house lights went down the spot light was bright, I felt Roxanne hold very still and the women next to me was shaking. I felt like I was not as excited as I should be. I need to be way more excited sitting there. I am Hugh fan but nothing compared to those who surrounded me. Especially the lively group of men sitting behind us. I had never seen Hugh sing before but they had seen everything he has ever been in. I need to step up my Hugh game.

Listening to Hugh singing was awesome. He sing many melodies and joked around. He joked about being under contact for the next Wolverine movie and how they movie people were afraid that he was going to lose mass and he a flamboyant Wolverine when they start filming again.

I loved that Hugh went into the audience and pulled someone out. Stan was a very lucky man, so was Stan's wife. Hugh pulled Stan on the stage and had a hilarious dialogue. Hugh was not expecting Stan to be so funny. Stan invited Hugh to Thanksgiving dinner. Hugh sing to Stan's wife...a very lucky women.

I laughed a lot and I learned a lot about Hugh. After intermission he came back as Peter Allen in one of the box! Hugh played Peter Allen in the musical The Boy from Oz. Hugh sat on the leap of the gentlemen seating in the box. He quickly grabbed Hugh's hips! Hugh said, "We are legal in New York now." The crowd cheered. Little did he know that the gentleman was married to the gentleman sitting next to him. They showed everyone their rings. OMG, Hugh plays an awesome gay men. He could have had me fooled. He also had us all cracking up over something one of the ladies in his ensemble, Kearran, did during intermission backstage. She gobbled. It was very very funny. He asked her to do it over and over. "Gobble, gobble, gobble." It was so simple and super funny!

After Peter Allen he did a quick change for his dedication to his country, Australia. He was joined by four Indigenous Australian musicians and they sang Somewhere over the rain. I was near tears because it was so beautiful. He introduced his Indigenous Australian musicians to us and you can see how proud he is of his country. He continued the showed with amazing melodies of musicals he loved growing up with. I was in awe of this fine man.

When he wrapped up the show he had the house on their feet. He asked everyone to sit down so that he can inform us of the fundraiser, Broadway Cares / Equity Fight AIDS. He asked that we donated something on our way out to the cause and suddenly one of the gentleman behind us screamed out "$1,000 FOR YOUR SHIRT." Hugh was shocked! He opened his white dress shirt and said that he can sign and give the undershirt for $1,000. Then he begin to auction it off. When he reached $5,000 a gentleman from below shouted, "$5,000 FOR TWO FRONT ROW SEATS FOR ANOTHER SHOW!" Hugh was taken back and pushed to see he could get more. He asked the gentleman $5,000 for each seat. The gentlemen said yes. Hugh continued to auction off the undershirt and the another undershirt. He got $6,000 for each undershirt! He also offered anyone willing to donate $2,000 to Broadway Cares he will do a meet and greet with them and take pictures. I thought to myself Roxanne so needs to do that. She said she thought about it too but everyone would think she is crazy for doing that. I wouldn't have thought she was crazy. The money would have went to two great causes: Broadway Cares and Roxanne's happiness.

I am very thankful that I was able to share such a great night with my Bestie. I was a great change in my world-o-momminess.

Little Bunny Foo Foo

2011-11-22T23:21:00.000-05:00

The adventures in potty training continues.....

Potty training Little Al is turning out to be the hardest out of the 3. I am very happy that she no longer reaches into her pull up and pulling out Cookies or decorating my TV. However, it has been very difficult to figuring out her schedule. Her favorite pass time is pooping at Titi's house but she isn't there everyday anymore. What I have recently discovered she enjoys pooping when Daddy is the only one around. Of course Daddy is not happy one bit. As a result he has become proactive in the potty training adventure. He wants to poop potty train her because he is tired of cleaning poop....this is very understandable. Shhh... don't tell him you have to master number one before you can master number two..

He is trying to get her timing down but Little Al is not giving in. Today was not any different. While I was being Big Alex's homework refocus-er, Little Al ~~smelled~~ showed signs it was time to go. Daddy took her to the toilet potty and she was happy as can be. He watched over her so that she doesn't make it rain q-tips, another favorite pass time. I hear her start to sing. I also heard Daddy say stop moving. I shouted, "Do you know what she is singing?"
"No?"
"She is singing Little Bunny Foo Foo."
Silence...
I said "That is too funny."

I wasn't in the bathroom but I can't see him trying to get her to focus on number two and all she is worried about is singing Little Bunny Foo Foo. I love it!

Parent Teacher Conference 3 of 3

2011-11-16T21:56:00.001-05:00

This Mama is happy that she is done with PTCs. I get very stressed about these things. Sometimes I just feel like reaching over the table and shaking people. There is always one place where I never have that feeling, Easter Seals. I just loved this place....Let me re-phrase that. I just love all the service providers there. I love the warm welcome I get when I walk in the front door. I am happy that Little Al will be there for the remainder of this year and next year. This brings enjoy to my world because I don't have to worry about the quality of service provided to Little Al. The providers give their all to the children.

I got to finally sit down with Little Al's teacher and teacher assistants. Little Al's teacher is the same center based Early Intervention she had last school year and the assistants are new to the classroom. The teacher was very positive about Little Al's progress. Since she was with her for some time she can really see the improvements. She has also seen the change in her awareness. She is aware of the child around her, wet diapers and classroom rules. That awareness has also allowed options to surface. Temper tantrums and food dislikes are more frequent. We figured since she is about a year delayed, she has reached her terrible twos. This same thing happened to Big Al so I was not suprised when the teacher mentioned it. She has improved in all development areas. All I have to say to AMEN to Assistive Tech! Those new legs are worked wonders for her. The teacher pointed out that I am the only parent that puts the legs on every day. I told her that I learned how important they are with Big Al's new legs and we are going to use these legs until she can't use them anymore. I thanked them over and over again for working with Little Al everyday. Extra thanks for trying so hard to get her to sit on the toilet. She always reaches in and plays with the water. Not good...very funny because of their expressions....still not good. Now that I think of it I didn't share our chant when Little Al does makes pee-pee.

Besides that great report I got my new Cool Culture Family Pass!! This is the next greatest thing Easter Seals has given to us. I love going to cultural spots all over the city for FREE. I want my next trip to be to the NYBG train show. The kids and I can't wait.

We also got a free start up Go Bag. I am happy they gave us more stuff to put in our family go bag.

I was also unable to catch up with Big Al former teacher. She is still just amazing! I caught her you on the Guobadia world. I wish I could just take her with me every where Big Al goes. She is the greatest.

I <3 Easter Seals. I don't have to battle. The battles are left for the IEP meetings not the day to day.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-16T12:46:00.002-05:00

- Posted from my iPhone

Parent Teacher Conference 2 of 3

2011-11-15T21:20:00.002-05:00

It's that time of year where the Department of Education finally set some time for the Parents to talk to their child's teachers for more then the few minutes (maybe more then a few minutes) at arrival and dismissal. Today was Becky and Big Al's Parent Teacher Conference. Yep PTC at 2 schools in one day. Thank you Easter Seals for not having your PTC on the same day. I do not know how I have going to do it when Becky is in 7th grade, Big Al is in 2nd grade and Little Al in Kindergarten. They will most likely be in three different school again with PTC all on the same day. EKKKK!!!

Back to today... I have been spoiled on PTC for the time Becky has spent at her school. I am ALWAYS the first parent on the list. I can usually sneak in during our hour hour to get a run down of her progress and goals. This PTC was a little different. This was Becky first year being apart of an ICT (Integrated Co-Teaching) classroom setting. "Students with disabilities who receive Integrated Co-Teaching (Collaborative Team Teaching) services are educated with age appropriate peers in the general education classroom. ICT/CTT provides students the opportunity to be educated alongside their non-disabled peers with the full-time support of a special education teacher throughout the day to assist in adapting and modifying instruction." (UFT, 2011)

Becky is apart of the general education part of the setting. I was very pleased to found out at the end of last school year that her 4th grade teacher was going to be the general education teacher. About a month ago, the original special education was removed from the classroom and was replaced with ....a newbie...This is her first year teaching.. Mama's not happy about this switch. The combo of the original teachers worked very well....now....it is not working. The newbie doesn't return my notes. She doesn't really talk to my daughter, according to my daughter. Now, let's remember that I do work in the same school my daughter attends.....remember that. Becky's general ed teacher was absent today and yesterday because of illness. So the newbie was alone right out the gate.

When 1pm hit I walked down the hall and signed the parent sign in sheet. The newbie walks out of the classroom to get last minute information from the office. I tell her that I am going to sign her sheet and wait patiently until she comes back. She stopped in her tracks.

"Which student is yours?"

I said Becky's entire name

"That brilliant child is ours? I didn't know that. "

"Yes she has been mine for the last 10.5 years."

She traveled downstairs and up again. While waiting I read the final draft of a writing piece I helped Becky with last week on the classroom bulletin board. She didn't want me to see the final draft. She wanted to do it on her own. I read it and said to myself, "She makes a lot of the same mistakes I made in 5th grade." A few teachers who were walking on the other end of the hallway were kind of giggling that I was the newbie's first parent for her first PTC.

When the newbie returned she said to give her a few minutes to get ready. She was running around the classroom like a chicken with no head. She was looking through papers, moving things around and walking back and fourth. After about 10 minutes, she asked me in. I asked her where we were sitting because there was so clear area where the conference was happening. She pointed to where it was going to be. She sat for two seconds and popped up because she forgot to write something.

Now let's begin...

She was still in shock that I was Becky's mother. I told her that Becky is a regular student in this school like everyone else. She doesn't have a special pass to act out of mess up just because mommy is in the library. I made that very clear to her. I asked her about the notes she didn't response to....she stumbled on her words. I felt her nervousness. She stated that she really didn't know much about Becky but she knows she behaves well. That is not an answer that I wanted to hear. We went back and fourth. I really do not want to get into that because after all she is my co-worker. I will be having a 2nd PTC was Becky's general education teacher. Mama's still not happy and I am going to leave it at that.

Now it's Big Al's turn. I had to wait until 5pm to go to his PTC. I got there on time to be the 2nd parents. DANG IT...I hate being 2nd! So while I am waiting I read Big Al's work on the classroom bulletin board. His work was a shape explanation of a jack o lantern. It was very cute. I waited and waited. You can hear the mother a head of me telling the teacher her life story.

"I have a 14 year old giving me problems at home and I have a baby at home too. I don't have the time to do all this extra work with my son."

I wish I didn't hear that. I began to listen closer.

"I don't like to deal with his behavior sometimes. I get so tired and I just put him in his room to leave me a long. I am just tired"

I wish I didn't hear that either.

I was so pissed!! It's parents like you that make my life harder. I busted my butt to get everything for my child but you are tired. Your son is sitting next to my child in classroom and your are treating your child like trash because he is in special education or because you are too tired. Your child probably didn't need to be in special education if you would just gave a damn. Ok....I am stepping off the soap box.

After 25 minutes, I finally got to see the teacher. She was very happy to see me because she has only met me once. I sat down and quickly asked her about his transitioning issues.

"Oh he is having a difficult time changing for one thing to the next, but the crying has got better."

"Well on his IEP there are transitioning plans for him have you try them."

"Yes yes."

"I don't think you have..next question."

"How is adjusting to your accent. He has very little contact when anyone with an accent."

"He is doing fine with it, but don't you speak Spanish?"

"No... hence why I asked about your accent. He has a speech impairment so if you are saying something a bit differently with your accent he may get confused."

"Oh oh that has happened sometimes."

"Have you read his evaluations from his last school."

"No because we do our own evaluations and assessments here."

"You should read it. He has PDD-NOS but his evaluations were rejected by the DOE."

A light bulb went off in her head, "That explains a lot!"

"That explains everything. My son is a very smart boy with some impairments. He deserves everything that I can physically give him. If you are not on task with him and his paperwork we have a problem."

"No no that is no problem. I am just happy that we are on the same team."

What I wanted to say was "I am on Team Alexander, not Team DOE." Instead I said, "I am one of the most hardest working parents you'll ever met. My son has come a long long way and I am not going to stop his success."

We review his report card and his attendance sheet. He is struggles in ELA, I expected since he is speech impaired. He is doing awesome in Math and Social Studies. She also informed me that he has started receiving ESL services. I told her that English is his one and only language. She said, "He scored very low in the ELL assessment the school decided to provide him with ESL." I guess I can't fight extra services.
Mama was happy when I left because I proven once again that I am an awesome mom of special education. It really drains me when I have to get my points across to people that do not know me from the last parent that walked in that door.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-09T09:24:00.000-05:00

Big Al's Friend

2011-11-07T21:39:00.000-05:00

Over the pass three years, I have not been lucky enough to be much active in my kids school. You guys must think I am insane! I want to be able to attend more meetings and trips not just go to required parent teacher meetings. I want to be a PTA mom. :-/ Damn this full time job! Moving on....

One good thing about Big Al attending the school around the corner from our home is I am able to bring him to school on rare occasions. The days that I am able to walk that one block I cherish. He is so proud to be standing next to his mommy and sisters waiting for the Asst. Principal to open the front doors. On even more rare occasions we get to see a children from his class. Since there are only 6 kids in his class the probability we run into a classmate is 1 in 50ish.

We were standing in our usually spot in front of the building and suddenly Big Al exclaims, "Christina! Mommy Christina is coming with her grandma! HI CHRISTINA!!"

This isn't the first time we met Christina however this was the first time we were introduced.

Christina runs up to Big Al and shouts, "HI ALEXANDER!"

She looks up at me and says, "Hi, my name is Christina."

Her eyes were not focused on my face. She looked a little off to the side of my face with her brass glasses pressed up against her face. The left side of the glasses were off her ear so her glasses were slanted. Her hair was braided and beaded. She smiled slanted just like her glasses. What a beautiful face.

Big Al quickly jumps in and say, " Hey Christina, these are my friends" (He was pointing at his sisters)

"Becky and Alyson are my friendsm Christina."

"Hi, friends! Hi Alexander Mom."

"Hello Christina, these are Alexander's sisters."

"No Mommy, these are my friends and Christina is my friend too."

Christina walks over to Little Al, hugs her and says, "I love babies! I used to be a baby. You know how old I was when I was a baby? I was one years old but I am six years old now so I am not a baby anymore."

Christina's Grandmother said, "Oh no, she is going to talk your ears off now."

I replied, "I am used to this stuff, Alexander loves to talk to me."

Big Al said,"Yeah Christina! I am five years old. We had your birthday."

I guess she had a party in the classroom.

They were so happy to see each other, they kind of vibrated. The front doors opened and off they went.

It was a great feeling to meet a child that spends time with Big Al and is so awesome.

236th United States Marine Corps Birthday Ball

2011-11-06T15:42:00.000-05:00

Happy 236th Birthday to the men and women of the United States Marine Corps.

This year 6th Communication Battalion 4th Marine Logistic Group held their ball at The Grand Prospect Hall in Brooklyn, New York. This was my first visit to this venue but the 233th birthday ball was held here. If you remember, the 235th birthday ball was held at Ellis Island. The Grand Prospect Hall is really a grand venue but does not compare to Ellis Island.

It always great to dress up all fancy for another ball. I enjoy the change from Converse sneakers and tees. This year's ball felt like it came so quickly. My brain was focused on everything else going on in my world like: Tour de Bronx, running, career changes and of course the greatest kids in the world.

Once again it was great being out without the children. My husband and I are rarely alone. We are either with the kids together, he is with the kids without me or I am with the kids without him. Not having to worry about the daily mommy craziness is always great.

We sat at a table with my husband's Marine buddies. It's great to see him happy with his buddies, this is another thing I rarely see too.

The food was terrible! The salad tasted like fresh cut grass. It looked like it was sitting there for a long time. I ordered the chicken. BLEH! It was dry and tasteless! The rice looked like mashed potatoes! The bar drinks were great but the line to get a drink was like a cheese line! I gave up waiting on the line when my feet started to hurt in my fabulous shoes but my husband and Tailor, fellow Marine spouse, showed that have more patience and less foot pain then me.

The ball portraits were taken by Berish Photography again. The assistant told us that the pictures will be uploaded to their site for purchase in 10 days. (That's my service announcement for those who lost their business cards last night and are googling "photographer at the USMC 235th ball The Great Prospect Hall")

This year was a little different this year, we danced! We danced to one Spanish song that I don't know and the Cha Cha Slide. My husband can not dance to the Cha Cha Slide for the life of him. One of his Marine buddies joined in on the slide where we were dancing. (We dancing next to our table.) It was fun! That Marine can dance I must say.

After a few drinks, the "Twist", a few pictures and an after party invite we headed home. It took my all for my "old" bone not to fall asleep on the way home. Yes I said old. I am feel old when I come to these USMC events because those at the same rank as my husband are way younger then us.

Until next year Marines! OORAH!

Walking Home Again

2011-11-03T20:48:00.000-04:00

I decided to walk home again today. This time I had Becky with me. Becky isn't a very happy walker but I had a solution for this. Scooter! I took her scooter to work with me so that we would have a ride home. I really love promoting healthy living in my kids lives.
Here are my pictures of today's walk home:

Saint Thomas Aquinas

Sweet ride

Pose

Old Folks Apartments

Walking Home from School

2011-11-02T22:04:00.002-04:00

When the end of my work day apporached I looked outside and proclaimed, "I think I am going to walk home. It looks really nice outside." Seriously... Did I really say that? That is very unlike me. After work all I want to do is head straight home as quickly as possible. No stops! I guess I am still set in my old ways when my kids were in home based early intervention and I needed to rush home to met a service provider. What happened today that I wanted to walk home? I have no idea...but I actually walked home. SHOCKING! I enjoyed my 1.5 mile walk home. I think I'll do it again today....HEY! Who is this person typing this? HA!

Here are some pictures I took on my way home.

My shadow

This block has not changed much in 25 years.

Gate to Cross Bronx

Saint Thomas Aquinas

Saint Thomas Aquinas Rectory

Saint Thomas Aquinas

The Belmont School South Side

St. Martin of Tours Rectory

The Belmont School

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-02T17:54:00.001-04:00

St. Thomas Aquinas, Bronx