"Eyes" OK

With back to school having started nearly two weeks ago, We've had our share of ups and downs with all things Nathan related. Being the possessor of an extra chromosome has its advantages and disadvantages. A few of the downers are health, physical and cognitive challenges. For example, each year his doctor checks for certain changes in his blood chemistry, particularly thyroid and blood count problems. Last year his thyroid test came back screwy ... but the second test came back normal. This year his white blood count was a little low ... not dangerously low ... but low all the same. At the end of September we will have this test redone and hope/pray that it's better. Just days before his blood was drawn, he was bitten by what I presumed was a snake while playing in our forested back acreage. Needless to say, it wasn't from a poisonous snake ... and it could have even been from some huge insect that left two distinct puncture marks that got inflamed and presented faint streaks. Worry wart that I am ... as soon as the doctor informed me that the blood count was low ... and asked, "has he been sick or had an infection lately" ... I began worrying about the worst of the worst fears that I can't even bring myself to repeat. You can imagine how difficult it is to even get him to visit the doctor what with having 13 or more surgeries in his young life. I usually save the details of our 'errand' until we pull up at the doctor's office and then he always asks if a shot is involved. This past week presented even another problem. He escaped the school grounds and was making his way to McDonald's for French fries. Now I have another meeting to attend at school regarding safety issues. He has to be watched like a hawk and has a lack of safety awareness. On Wednesday he had an appointment with an opthalmologist which went something like this: Assistant persuaded Nathan to sit in the big up and down exam chair. "Please read the top line in the mirror." She had little insight that he has unintelligible speech ... but soon switched from letters to numbers. After I informed her that she might try shapes, she dug out a slide with stencil looking animals, a car, house, etc. This proved pointless and she gave up. All the while he's trying to ask her if she plans on giving him a shot. Next, in comes the doctor. He plans on putting eye drops in Nathan's eyes ... but first is asked something about a shot. "No, we don't give shots here." In go the drops and after a few minutes, the 'dance' of unintelligible communication proceeds between the doctor, Nathan, and myself. I was the interpreter, and calming force. Somehow, the doctor, with the help of his hand held lenses, was able to deduct that my child is farsighted and has an astigmatism ... but does not need glasses.

Lost In Translation:

Here is a sample of Nathan's vocabulary:

ice (said while pointing to his eyes) = he's thirsty and wants some ice water. Since ice and
eyes sound alike ... he points to his EYES.

mirror = "come here"

boom = the name he calls his 'security blanket' which just
happens to be a little plastic yellow garden spade
Ma = all things related to Mom (me)

KeeKee = (older sister)

Wowa = (older sister)

baby = nephew Jacob

Ha-nee = Holly, his dog's name

voom-voom = said while each hand's index and middle fingers
touch. Used to be said when wanting a ride in our
65 GTO muscle car. Now he says this to ride in our
76 Jeep CJ7

eee-eee = said while signing to eat

no = no (the same in every language) his favorite word

Words he uses sign language for:

French fries, cookie, please, sorry, help, water, sleep, potty, eat, chips,
baseball, basketball, soccer, book, cat, ready, play, friend, Jesus, fruit

edit: the sign for 'vagina' was used incorrectly (much to my horror) as his sign for his Playstation Game. Two acquaintances asked if I knew what he was signing ... well, we now have an appropriate sign for the word game being used. :)

As you can imagine, one has to be well trained to be his mother ;)

Did I mention he's the joy of my life???

"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy
and be glad all our days."
Psalm 90:14

Photo: Nathan, age 11

Meeting New Neighbors

I enjoy my solitude, being a homebody, and not having my agenda filled to the brim each and every day. But isolation is tolerable to me for only so long ... then all work around the house must fall by the wayside and visiting with family, friends, and acquaintances takes priority. We have built our home in a "Goldilocks" neighborhood. The neighbors seem nice and willing to let me in their circle without being too nosy-esque (hard), or too uncaring (soft), but rather al dente (just right). The ones I've met have taken an interest in my special needs son (Nathan) and have given me their names and phone numbers should I ever find him "gone missing" ... escape artist that he is. My immediate neighbors have helped shut off a leaky sprinkler valve, provided dinner from their garden surplus, and have two of the nicest children that seem to enjoy playing sports with Nathan.

"Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house—
too much of you, and he will hate you."
Proverbs 25:17

What Were You Doing?

When time stood still six years ago today?













Remembering those that have fallen ... on one of our nation's darkest days.

Just Loving The End of Summer

With weather in the 70's and 80's ... lows in the 40's ... there's a new step in my walk ;) A few mornings I've even turned on the free standing heater stove. Clean air, blue skies, white clouds, just a hint of color in the trees .. must be time to dig out some cooler weather recipes to start adding to the menu. My blog has been neglected as of late ... the whole summer was such a whirlwind of time that even updating it once or twice a week was a chore usually put on the back burner. This is not to say that I've had nothing to do ... hardly. Plenty of work is yet to be done in the yard ... and I do watch our grandbaby four partial days each week. But I have come to appreciate calling it quits around 4 PM each day for all outside activity ... including errands. By this time of day, it's nice to come inside and start fixing dinner, watching the evening news for a while, or just sipping tea on the front porch or back patio. Routine is a driving force, and when it's tossed by the wayside, I tend to over pack each day with way too much stuff.

I cannot sit and chat with you,

the way I'd like to do.

So brew yourself a cup of tea,

I'll think of you, you think of me.

unknown

Saturday's Agenda

1. pay bills
2. balance checkbook
3. weed-n-feed lawn
4. watch baby Jacob
5. make a batch of scones
6. change linens
7. wash front windows
8. relax
9. relax
10. relax
11. watch an old b&w movie

It's now 12:30 PM and all but 7-11 are finished. You can find me on the couch.

A House Blessing

This week I've been looking at houses for sale with my oldest daughter and son-in-law. They have been living in an apartment that is sandwiched between two floors of noise and smokers, leaving them without the use of their patio, and second hand smoke coming inside. Not long ago a 'herd of elephants' lived above them that enjoyed playing basketball inside ... they even had an overflowing toilet drain into their bedroom closet. Apartment living under these circumstances will drive anyone into high gear to get a home of their own. After much prayer, going over their finances, and getting approved for a loan, they went shopping. This is a roller coaster of a ride emotionally. Nail biting and losing sleep type of ride. But, alas, the Lord has blessed them with a new home. It's a little further along than shown in the photo with grass and a few homes nearby.

May the Lord bless you as you establish your home

May you bless the Lord as you trust in Him
May laughter fill its walls
And may God comfort you in times of tears
Bless all who enter

"For crying out loud ... just get a grip Mrs. Mac. " That's my new mantra repeated under my breath about a dozen or so times a day. This perimenopausal stage of life is the pits. It's comparable to PMS x's ten. My top three complaints are:

1. hot flashes
2. being grumpy
   
3. fatigue until 2 PM

Just when I start feeling energized for the day, it's time to start winding down for the evening routines. Someone take pity on my husband and send him a sympathy card .. OK! If you'd care to share your best remedies, just leave a comment.