Wednesday, December 19, 2012

step one

we, or more precisely i, made the decision to have the children officially evaluated for sensory processing disorder (SPD) the other week.  what a squeaky wheel.  called OT and they need a referral from a doctor.  called the pedi and talked with two nurses about said referral and then waited three days to hear back if the pedi would make the referral.  late friday, we got the news she would and now i have been waiting again.  it's wednesday and no news.  so i call the pedi and yes, the referrals were faxed over.  call OT services and yes, they have received the referrals.  however, there is usually a waiting list for OT so she needs to check with the therapist to find out how soon she can get us in.  we'll get a call back when they can schedule us. 

deep breath denise.  in.  out.  in. out.

i need to remind myself we have taken step one.  the referral is done and in the hands of those who need it.  now it's just a waiting game.  and in the meantime, struggling to find new and effective ways to help my kids manage themselves. 

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Thank a Teacher Day


on friday, the country again faced a horrible tragedy.  one that left me without words that i could place into coherent sentences.  families will be planning funerals instead of celebrating the holidays.  i, as many are, are left feeling heartbroken for the families, anxious, angry and so much more that simply cannot find its way out at this time.

my heart is with the families of those wee babes.  most of those children are the same age as my youngest and i cannot even image the terror the children felt as well as their parents.  to the teachers and other adults who also lost their lives, you are heroes to many.  teachers have caught a great deal of flack in the last year or two, but those educators did what i would want my children's caretakers to do, they put themselves in the line of fire to stop the violence.  unfortunately, too many lives were lost on friday.  hearts are forever broken.

the families of Sandy Hook Elementary were blessed with wonderful educators that put their own lives first to protect the littles.  and in honor of them, today i am writing to thank the educators in our lives here.  we have been lucky to have the teachers our children have had.  only one comes to mind that i would change.  the others have been patient and kind and understanding.  my children each have their own unique challenges and at times are not easy children.  we struggle as parents some days and wonder how on earth their teacher handles it when that child behaves in that manner amongst a classroom.  we do not thank them enough for their hard work and dedication.  so tomorrow, i will be providing a thank you card to those that i entrust my children to.  to express what they mean to our family and to thank them for their tireless work.


In our rushed world, we rarely have an opportunity to show our appreciation for those who spend 6 hours a day with our children. Those who give of their time and brilliant minds to help our own children to stay safe, comfortable, loved and to help them grow.

On Monday, December 17, 2012, take a moment and thank a teacher. Send her an email, a card, a bouquet of flowers. Create a “thank you” bulletin board. Offer to help from home. Make time to volunteer in the classroom.

Take a few minutes in your day and connect with your favorite teacher, or your child’s teacher. It’s simple; just tell him or her “thank you.”

If you work in media, we ask that you join hundreds of bloggers throughout the US in recognizing Thank a Teacher Day 2012, created in loving memory of those who lost their lives in Newtown, CT, and in honor of the hundreds of thousands of teachers who would do that tomorrow for your child. Join us in posting this image on your website, sharing with your readers and viewers. Please, help us to reach other parents and grandparents to thank those who love your children nearly as much as you do.