Aly and PTC

I was just writing a lengthy email to Thorny Tree Lady (I can't link you to her blog anymore because she went private!) and in that email I was telling her about Aly. It made me realize that I need to tell Aly how proud I am of her on how hard she has been working in school.

But first a little background: When Aly was in 6th grade she was diagnosed with Non-Verbal Learning Disability. (Click on the link and read the home page. You'll understand almost exactly what her early childhood was like...) We got her into speech therapy immediately and also got her a 504 Plan at the school. (Idaho doesn't recognize NLD as a real learning disability, so she didn't qualify for an IEP. A 504 Plan just gives her certain allowances for her classes like extra time on tests, the opportunity to redo failed home work, etc.) We also pulled her out of public school for her 7th grade year and did an online home school in an effort to bring her up to grade level. She started 8th grade back in public school and on par with the other 8th graders. It was a great move for her!

She did okay in Jr. High but when High School started, she really took off. Of course, she had the extra incentive of a cell phone to motivate her... if she doesn't maintain a 3.0 GPA, she loses the phone. She has worked very hard and has kept her GPA above a 3.3.

Here's my "Happy Mommy Moment:" Today was Parent Teacher Conference. We went to her math teacher and told her who we were (yes, Calvin is one of the rare dads that likes to go to PTC!! Cool, eh?) When we said we were Aly's parents, the teacher got so excited and said, "OH!! I LOVE HAVING ALY IN MY CLASS!! SHE IS SO MUCH FUN AND SUCH A GREAT KID!!" (We have always thought that, but it's kind of nice having someone outside of the home reaffirm that.)

The teacher started to rant and rave about Aly and what great work she does in class. I had to look at the class schedule I had in my hand. I thought surely we weren't talking to the math teacher. Math (and art) have always, I mean always been Aly's worst subject. But we really were talking to her math teacher. It made me wonder if we were talking about the same Aly.... we were!!

I cleared my throat and said to the teacher, "Do you understand what this means to me? Aly doesn't do math. She struggles and has to exert a huge amount of effort to understand the concepts." The teacher truly looked surprised. She was unaware of the 504 (LONG story... I'll just say the school administration messed up) and didn't know about the learning disability. She went on to elaborate that Aly is unafraid to speak up in class and to do work on the board in front of the class and that she ALWAYS GETS THE ANSWERS RIGHT. That brought me to tears. We always knew that Aly was smart enough to do it, but it just came differently to her.

And now look at her shine!! The fact that she is willing to do the work in front of her peers is simply amazing to me.

I felt stupid for crying in front of the math teacher. But, if I had the opportunity to spend more time with her, I'm sure it wouldn't be the last time I cried in front of her. Cuz I just cry... all the time. (No, I'm no depressed!)

Anyway.... I just want to tell Aly that I'm very proud of you, Sweetie. You have risen above a trial that Heavenly Father gave you and you didn't let it drag you down. Your hard work and dedication has inspired me. You are a wonderful example to your brother. And this proves what we have told you all along -- YOU CAN DO ANYTHING IF YOU PUT YOUR MIND TO IT!!

(Now turn off my blog and start reading a book.)

Obviously, as you can see by the next three posts, that Adam and I have a little too much time on our hands. We'll be back to serious posts again soon!

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My 100th Post!!!

Wow!! Today I've reached a milestone....

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100 POSTS

Woot!!

A lot of people make their 100th post a big celebration. I'm drawing a blank. I can't think of anything particularly fun or special to do. So I decided that I would "Yearbook Myself." I've seen it on a gazillion blogs and I've wanted to do it, but haven't. Then my great sis, Wees, sent me the link in an email and I decided I'd "git 'er dun."

So, Happy 100 Posts to me and enjoy looking at me through the years (and a different gender):

1954

1966
1978

Of course I had to see how macho a boy I would have been...

(not very)

1956 Boy

Accountability

Waaay back -- seven months ago -- when I had a different blog I wrote about how I had joined Curves. I announced my membership publicly so that I could be held accountable for my workouts and the progress or lack of progress I was making.

But then I chickened out. (on the public part)

I hate scales and measuring tapes and body fat measurers (I don't own any of them). I think they should be outlawed and anyone found in possession of them should be sent to Siberia or some other obscure place. Once a month I would get a gentle reminder that it is "Measuring Day" from the computer when I checked in. Once a month I would look furtively at the workers to make sure they didn't see the reminder and I would jump on the machines pretending that the room with the scales didn't exist.

You can hide, but eventually someone finds you.

In my case my conscience found me. I got the reminder again last Friday and that little nagging voice in the back of my head said, "You know, Michelle, what's the point of coming, sweating and working horrendous callouses into your hands if you don't know what's happening with your body?" (That's a long sentence to say to myself, but I think I needed a stern talking to.)

I got up this morning with a feeling of dread in the pit of my stomach. I almost didn't go. (I have changed my workout schedule from afternoons to mornings.) But I knew I had to. Thankfully, when I got there, only one person was there and she was finishing up her workout. (I hate being weighed and measured when there's a slight possibility that someone could walk by. It's never happened, but you never know when it could!) I swallowed my fear and said to the worker/owner (really fast), "Ineedtoweighandmeasure."

A blank look was returned.

(Talking to myself again: "Michelle, GET OVER IT!!!) Big breath, "Good morning Nancy, I need to weigh and measure today."

A very chipper Nancy: "WELL COME ON BACK!!"

And, I DID IT!! The news is good. Since May (the last time I had a measuring tape near me) I have lost a total of 10 3/4 inches. Since March I have lost a total of 9.5 pounds.

I am now back to the weight/size I was when I first moved back to Idaho 10 years ago. (All these long winters have been hard.)

I know I still have a long way to go. It would be nice to lose 30 or 40 more pounds and several more inches, but I'll take it in small steps. I still love going to Curves and don't regret giving up my gym membership. I started their Curves Smart program and that has been WONDERFUL!! I have my own personal trainer that I can swear at and it doesn't care!!!

I just thought I should let you know. Accountability is a good thing.

Old Friends Who Are Not Old

I have served in the Young Women organization for approximately forever. I have worked under 5 or 6 presidents in various capacities: I have been 1st & 2nd counselor; Beehive advisor and "music specialist."

I was first called into YW when I lived on the Oregon Coast. My very good friend Laura B was the president, "Ole Crazy" was my advisor and Jackie was the Mia Maid advisor in that presidency. (We had more fun than should be allowed for a church calling.) I can't tell you who was in the Beehive class when I was put in, but I can tell you just about everyone else who came in during my tenure.

My very first Beehive was Kristi.... sweet little Kristi who couldn't burp if her life depended on it. (She can now!) Kristi who was innocent and kind without an evil bone in her body. A little more than a year later, Laura's daughter Kirsten came in. Kirsten who is independent, and crazy and fun and kind. We had so much fun!!

This weekend we had a small reunion. Kristi who is an old married lady of 25 (yes, a quarter of a century.... 1/2 way to 50) came to visit from Southern Utah. Fortunately for me, Kirsten lives here, (kind of) attending school and working. A dinner party at my house was arranged with Jackie and her family, Kristi, Kirsten and the local cutie Jake T. coming as well. (We didn't have the usual "Newport Dinner" this time.) After Jake and Dave left and Calvin went to sleep (8 pm) we Newport YW alumni sat around yakking, laughing, and playing Mad Gab. I grabbed my point and shoot Kodak camera (cuz I still haven't gotten a new lense for my Nikon) and started taking silly photos.

You'll love these!!

(I wasn't sure if I should take out Kirsten's "red eye" and decided it has a much better effect so I left it in!!)

This is my silly photo. The one and only. Jackie
Kristi a.k.a. Penelope

I was once their leader and now I feel fortunate to have them as friends. (I might get a bit sappy here) It's gratifying that I still have connections with them and get to see who they have become. They are both wonderful women that I admire and love.

I didn't take any photos of Jake T (he was hanging with the guys) so I lifted this off his Facebook page. I hope he doesn't mind!!

Fave & Not-So-Fave

In a comment on this blog Uncle Karl asked:

"Okay now that you are back home, tell us what you and the kids liked best at Disneyland and Sea World. What were your favorites?

Uncle K2"

I can answer this fairly quickly and easily.

Without a doubt (and I think I can speak for 3/4 of my family) "Soaring Over California" in California Adventures Park was far and above the best ride there. We only did it twice: once was early in the morning and we only had to wait about 10 minutes to get on and once we had a FastPass to get on. The first time we were on the second tier of seats and it was AMAZING!! The music, the scenery, the pine scent and the orange blossom scent.... it actually brought tears to my eyes. The second time we were in the top tier and I have to admit my fear of heights did bother me a little bit. But I gripped the seat handles and trusted my seat belt and enjoyed it almost as much as the first time. If I didn't have to fight the lines, I would have gone back and back and back.... well, you get the picture.

My personal second favorite ride was Splash Mountain. There's a story behind us riding this ride: Eight years ago when we took Aly to Disney World in Florida we had every intention of riding Splash Mountain. Aly was 8 years old and totally into her "Princess Phase" (okay, we are only just leaving that phase...) She got a bunch of new clothes for that trip and DID NOT want to get them wet. Every time we'd approach the ride, she would start crying and being stubborn and absolutely refused to ride. Each time we'd be just as stubborn and we'd get her (reluctantly) in line. And, believe it or not, each time we'd get close to the ride it would get closed, either due to mechanical problems or electric storms (there was a lot of lightning on our trip!) This happened at least three times. The fates didn't want Aly to ride and didn't want her to get wet.

Flash forward: Aly was finally excited to ride Splash Mtn. We got in line and started getting nervous. Just how wet would we get? With butterflies fluttering in our tummies, we got through the line and were just about ready to be put in the que to get on the ride. And.... yup! You guessed it!! There were mechanical difficulties and THE RIDE WAS CLOSED!!! We just laughed and blamed the fates again.

Finally, on the last day we were there, we got our FastPass and got back in line. We actually got to be seated in the log and looked at the ride operator. All of a sudden everything stopped and she was on the phone... it didn't look good!! Could we actually be denied the ride a 5th time?

Soon, the operator was smiling and we slowly began to move forward. We were going!! We shouted out a thank you to her as we rode by.

It was a blast. We were smart/lucky and rode in the back of the log and didn't get too wet. Just enough to cool us off but not enough to ruin our hair. We were actually able to do the ride twice that day. The fates liked us again.

too bad you can't see Adam in this picture! He's just right behind Calvin.

Of course we liked the rides like Peter Pan, Mr. Toad and Snow White. There is nothing to make one scared or motion sick in those rides. They're just a fun flashback to childhood.

For fun and a slight competitive moment, we really enjoy the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters. It's fun zooming through and shooting all the Zurgs. We also loved the Indiana Jones and Pirates of the Carribean.

I know you didn't ask, Uncle Karl, but I'm going to tell you the two rides I cannot go on... ever again:

Star Wars: Star Tours was sickening. Even after taking Dramamine and closing my eyes during the entire ride I walked off completely motion sick. I remember that happening at Disney World too and I kicked myself for getting back on the ride. Like it would be different in California? NOT!! Don't even say "Star Wars" to me right now and I still get a bit dizzy. It was horrid.

I also can't ride Space Mountain again, for the same reasons. If I take Dramamine I can usually ride Roller Coasters, but with this one, it's almost totally in the dark. I can't see where we are going and that's a problem. I got off this ride quite nauseated (and apparently someone else was too because we had to step over vomit on the way out.... ick!)

However, there are plenty of other rides to go on and plenty of other things to see and do. I'm serious when I say I want to go back next year. (And I will get my picture taken with Mary Poppins!)

Unfortunately It's a Small World was closed... maybe it's a good thing so we didn't walk around singing the song incessantly.

Big Read

I got this off my sister's friend's blog (now she knows I read it!) Like NY Ang and my sister, I love to read. I loved this list because there are times I sit around thinking about what book I should read next. This will be a big help to me...

The Big Read
"The Big Read reckons that the average adult has only read 6 of the top 100 books they’ve printed."1) Look at the list and bold those you have read--I bolded and changed the font color so you could actually see what I've read. 2) Italicize those you intend to read. 3) Underline the books you love. 4) Strike out the books you have no intention of ever reading, or were forced to read at school and hated. 5) Reprint this list in your own blog.

1 Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen

2 The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien

3 Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte

4 The Harry Potter Series - JK Rowling

5 To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee

6 The Bible

7 Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte

8 Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell

9 His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman

10 Great Expectations - Charles Dickens

11 Little Women - Louisa M Alcott

12 Tess of the D’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy

13 Catch 22 - Joseph Heller

14 Complete Works of Shakespeare

15 Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier

16 The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien

17 Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks

18 Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger

19 The Time Traveller’s Wife - Audrey Niffenegger

20 Middlemarch - George Eliot

21 Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell

22 The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald

23 Bleak House - Charles Dickens

24 War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy

25 The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams

26 Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh

27 Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky

28 Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck

29 Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll

30 The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame

31 Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy

32 David Copperfield - Charles Dickens

33 Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis

34 Emma - Jane Austen

35 Persuasion - Jane Austen

36 The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis

37 The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini

38 Captain Corelli’s Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres

39 Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden

40 Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne

41 Animal Farm - George Orwell

42 The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown

43 One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez

44 A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving

45 The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins

46 Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery

47 Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy

48 The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood

49 Lord of the Flies - William Golding

50 Atonement - Ian McEwan

51 Life of Pi - Yann Martel

52 Dune - Frank Herbert

53 Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons

54 Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen

55 A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth

56 The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon

57 A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens

58 Brave New World - Aldous Huxley

59 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon

60 Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez

61 Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck

62 Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov

63 The Secret History - Donna Tartt

64 The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold

65 Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas

66 On The Road - Jack Kerouac

67 Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy

68 Bridget Jones’s Diary - Helen Fielding

69 Midnight’s Children - Salman Rushdie

70 Moby Dick - Herman Melville

71 Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens

72 Dracula - Bram Stoker

73 The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett

74 Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson

75 Ulysses - James Joyce

76 The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath

77 Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome

78 Germinal - Emile Zola

79 Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray

80 Possession - AS Byatt

81 A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens

82 Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell

83 The Color Purple - Alice Walker

84 The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro

85 Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert

86 A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry

87 Charlotte’s Web - EB White

88 The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom

89 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

90 The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton

91 Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad

92 The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery

93 The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks

94 Watership Down - Richard Adams

95 A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole

96 A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute

97 The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas

98 Hamlet - William Shakespeare

99 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl

100 Les Miserables - Victor Hugo

Our local library signed up to participate in the Big Read this year. Last year was My Antonia and this year is A Farewell to Arms. I'm glad to have this great list to choose from!!