Mommage

Homeschooling

There were many times I considered homeschooling my son, not because I thought it was better, but only because I felt he wasn't learning enough in the classroom due to his behavioral problems.  Every time I came close to making a final decision, however, things would improve at school causing me to change my mind.  Two things bothered me about the idea of homeschooling.  One was the lack of social interaction, and the other was the fact that I am not a teacher and am not qualified to teach.

Apparently I'm not the only one concerned about a parent's lack of teaching expertise.

Better Living Through Chemistry

Apparently I'm glowing.

It's quite noticeable and people at the office have commented on it.  There's rampant speculation as to whether there's a new man in my life and what it is that is causing me to be so incredibly happy this week.

I'll let you in on the secret and the reason ~ I haven't had a fight with my teenager since last Saturday.

The Gift of Hope

Meet Baby Macie Hope, the two-month old miracle baby that was born twice! 

Keri and Chad McCartney and their four kids headed out to the obstetrician’s office during Keri's 23rd week of pregnancy to learn the sex of the new baby with a routine ultrasound.  The excitement mounted as they gathered in the ultrasound room eager to see the image of the unborn child.  The joyous event quickly turned to fear when the kids were rushed out of the room by the ultrasound technician, and Chad and Keri heard the words no parent ever wants to hear.

Strength of Character

So we're pretty excited about this weekend although my son insists he's going to have no part of it.  Big Brown, the horse that won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness is going for the third jewel in the Triple Crown - the Belmont - on Saturday.

My son rides horses at our local therapeutic equestrian program for disabled children (disclaimer:  I'm on the Board of Directors for this organization) and equine therapy has been just about the best thing for him.  It develops muscles, builds self-esteem and confidence and it makes him focus.  He's riding independently now and gosh is he good.

We're pulling for Big Brown this Saturday, in part because of Jacob Desmoreaux, the son of Big Brown's jockey has put an almost unheard of disease into the national spotlight.

Sticks and Stones

Kindergarten is supposed to be one of the least stress-related times in a child's school life. Unfortunately for five-year-old Alex Barton, it will be remembered as one of the most.

This is by no means a new story. As many of you probably know, in April of this year, Wendy Portillo, a kindergarten teacher in Port St. Lucie Florida decided to punish Alex Barton for behavioral issues by having him stand in front of the class while his classmates systematically told him what they don't like about him (one called him "disgusting") then voted him out of the class "Survivor"-style by a 14-2 margin. The one friend Alex had made in the class was also forced to participate. What may be even worse is that Portillo apparently knew Alex Barton was undergoing testing for Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism.

Lorenzo Odone

Some stories stay with me forever, and the one told in the movie "Lorenzo's Oil" made an impression on me that will last a lifetime.  It left me with the knowledge that dedication, perseverance and sacrifice are important tools when facing challenging circumstances. 

When Augusto and Michaela Odone were told their six year old son, Lorenzo, had a rare inherited disease (ALD) that would cause him to lose all his functions and die within two to three years, they simply refused to accept that prognosis and set out on a mission that defied reason and clashed with doctors, scientists and support groups.  The Odones knew only one thing.  Their son needed someone to believe there was hope and to pursue that belief with the persistence and strength only possessed by a parent.

On May 30, 2008, after having lived more than twenty years longer than doctors predicted, Lorenzo died one day after his 30th birthday, but not without meaning and hope for other boys afflicted with the disease.

Clash Of The Titans

Perhaps it's not on the epic scale in Greek mythology of the gorgon Medusa versus the Kraken, but it's still quite the battle.  From a spectator's perspective, it's fascinating to watch, but I know there are no winners.

I should charge admission and sell popcorn.  Or put them in a cage and let them duel it out to the end.  It's kiddo v. the math teacher. 

Right now, I think he's winning.

Rest In Peace, Ryan

I didn't want to write this post.  I really didn't want to write this post. 

I wanted to write about a sunny Saturday afternoon that saw my son riding independently or about the latest letter on PlanetFeedback that has my attention or even the flavor of my creme brule coffee creamer.  Anything but this.

We had our county autism education fair last week and our friend Carol, who has a 19 year old son with Asperger's syndrome wasn' there.  Which is odd, becasue Carol's EVERYWHERE.  I learned last night that her son, Ryan, took his own life last week.

Idols, Heroes and Role Models

Is it healthy for children to idolize celebrities?  And do celebrities deserve to
be worshiped as role models and heroes?  Well, here's one that does.  With so many kids being disappointed and disenchanted by the people they look up to, particularly in sports and entertainment, it's nice to know there are some idols who try to set a good example, not because they have to, but because they genuinely care about their fans.  I know you think I'm merely impassioned, but the fact is I have read many stories similar to that of 10-year old Colin's experience with his favorite idol, and mine.

If your child has a hero or someone they look up to as a role model, here are some tips on how to talk to them about their expectations and disappointments:

A Boy's First Cooking Experience

Today is Autism Awareness day.  Our guest blogger today is 14-year old Bobby who has Asperger's Syndrom ~ a form of high functioning autism.  Mommage welcomes Bobby to our blog and appreciates his insight into autism, as well as his recipe!

My name is Bobby and I am enrolled in a four week program with the Virginia Cooperative Extention Nutrition/Education Program.  I am 14 years old and I have Asperger's Syndrome.  This means I have trouble making friends with the kids at school and I don't understand other people's moods or expressions the same way you do.  This causes me to say things that aren't always appropriate.  I often blurt things out.  I feel bad when I hurt other people's feelings and I don't mean to, but it sometimes it just comes out.

Last Friday I made dinner for my Mom and Grandma.  This was my first time making dinner for them and I am very proud of my achievements.