IEP

Well, that was no fun....

Aiden's meeting for his individualized education plan (IEP) was rough.  It is tough to see and hear that your son is falling behind, can't focus, and needs  a lot of extra help.

As I looked over Aiden's IEP notes before we started, I realized that the word autism was NO WHERE TO BE FOUND.  WHAT?!  The reading specialist didn't seem to even know that Aiden was diagnosed with autism.  "Well, that changes my expectations." she said.  Yikes.  This is 3rd grade!  How did that piece of the puzzle get missed?  He has had help since he qualified for Early Childhood at age 3--at the same school!  Not a good start.  

Thankfully, I maintained my composure and asked that Aiden receive an educational diagnosis of autism so he could get more help (thank you fellow autism mom for giving me the heads up on that!).  Aiden NEEDS MORE THAN SPEECH THERAPY!  Aiden can't read the questions well enough to answer the questions on tests, and I THOUGHT that it was set up--from last year--that he would have questions read to him.  Apparently, that fell of the radar since last year :(.  Remind me again why we do these mid-year?  Sigh.  Aiden is reading at a 1st grade level and in the 25th percentile for math and reading.  

Deep breath momma.  This boy is smart, and no test in the world is going to show that.  I do know that.  I just want to see Aiden grow, learn, and find some focus.  Would home school be best for Aiden?  I don't feel right about that, but it does seem that having more 1:1 time is what he needs.  So I'm fighting for that through the school district.  So far so good.  Here we go!  I'm hopeful for a New Year of growth for Aiden!  

Reflections of 2016

How different each passing year is....

Aiden is going to be 9 next year.  That means I've been a mother for almost 9 years!  Motherhood has proven to me that life doesn't get easier, it just changes.  I'm almost to the end of the crib/infant carrier/diaper stage of the life that I've chosen, and it feels good and right.  This year has been a year of sleep and much needed time to reflect on the challenges we have faced--and most importantly--those we have overcome.  

Abe--is in his 4th year of teaching.  When he isn't grading papers, he is busy fixing our home.  This year it was the roof, the bathroom floor, and walls.  Next year it will be new paint and a new kitchen floor.  After 11 years in this home, we hope to move in the Spring to start fresh and new.  

Marian--with her new found time, she prayed hard for the next steps in her personal journey, and the answer to that was to work on personal growth.  In doing so, I've found a program that is helping me build my fitness and nutrition business to what I've always dreamed it would be.  A place for women to go to feel loved, inspired, and to learn how to take care of themselves with fitness and nutrition.  In 2017, that dream will come true.  :)

Aiden--this is the year of communication for Aiden.  He is starting to talk about what goes on at school and how he feels about it.  We've had several moments at school this year that have left Aiden frustrated/upset with his classmates.  It is my understanding that when accidents happen, Aiden thinks he is being "bullied" and he shuts down.  From the teacher's perspective, these are completely innocent "happenings"; however, they seem to be happening often, so I'm not sure how to move forward with that (if at all).  His IEP meeting is coming up soon.   We were receiving therapy 2 days a week (the lowest we've ever had), but insurance has eliminated that option at this time.  After 3 years of full-time therapy, it kind of feels like a relief.  However, Aiden continues to struggle with peer relationships and academics as well as sensory concerns related to food.  This time, I leave it in Heavenly Father's hands.  I've fought the fight.  Now I give it to God.  I love and support my son the best I know how, and that feels like enough at this time.

Austin--has a gift for reading chapter books in 1st grade and blasting through a set of math flash cards without a problem.  He struggles with "gaming" a little too much and a strong-willed spirit/attitude that I'm not sure how to redirect.  I hope that he learns the importance of respect, hard work, and humility.  Given my experiences in life, I know our Heavenly Father will put things in place to teach him these things.

Ashton--loves to play with his brothers, to color, and to play games on the computer.  His little personality is so different from the other boys.  It is hard to believe he will enter Kindergarten next year!

Avery--seems so much older than 2!  He is one smart cookie who loves to eat, watch movies, and enjoys playing in the snow! He seems ready to potty train, but this mommy isn't looking forward to that "adventure".  Even though, being diaper free would be AWESOME for the first time in 9 years!  WHOOP!

High Hopes for 2017!  Hopefully a new home, a fresh start, and some darn good memories!