tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50110111354267821592011-08-21T08:12:35.238-07:00Sharing our son with the world. He's too much for one family to contain.Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.comBlogger5231100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-22690949925659201712010-08-02T08:11:00.000-07:002010-08-02T08:35:25.223-07:00

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-69006305027774948572010-07-29T09:12:00.000-07:002010-07-29T10:19:32.621-07:00

Today we went site-seeing all over Kiev. For the last three weeks Heidi has been teaching at an Ukranian summer camp for kids who want to learn English. One of 12 year old girls that Heidi met at the camp met us in Kiev with her father. Her father does not speak any English, but has lived in Kiev all of his life. He showed us all over the city and insisted on paying for everything: bus fare,lunch

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-79505577458436522882010-07-27T08:06:00.000-07:002010-07-27T08:10:55.975-07:00

I'll be leaving for the airport in about 90 minutes. I think I only slept two hours last night. My stomach is in a knot.All of my stuff is laid out on the living room couch. As soon as Kellen's caregiver comes to take him out for the day, I'll be doing the final packing. Please send positive thoughts my way!

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-89972926806582011112010-07-23T09:57:00.000-07:002010-07-23T10:32:55.225-07:00

I leave for Ukraine in four days. I'm working on being more excited than scared...but scared has a slight lead. A few months before Heidi left for Peace Corps, we were having one of our typical, yet crazy, Mother-Daughter conversations. She was trying to explain to me that despite the fact that "I" liked Kevin Costner as an actor, "she" did not. In fact, "she" did not like Kevin Costner as much

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-36373782556494458022010-07-19T13:36:00.000-07:002010-07-19T13:46:51.472-07:00

Hello out there! It's been a long while since I've regularly updated this blog. I'm reviving it now because I am about to embark on quite a journey and I'd like to record it. Next week I'll be traveling to Ukraine to visit my daughter who currently lives in Radomyshl and serves in the Peace Corps. I haven't seen Heidi (formally known as DQ)for ten months! I miss her dearly...and now I have the

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-17399948153990425492009-11-29T17:03:00.001-08:002009-11-29T17:58:35.684-08:00

"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." Marcel ProustI've been thinking on this quote during this season of Thanksgiving. I've been thinking about people who make me happy and thinking about being grateful for them. We spent Thanksgiving over at Sweet Husband's sister's house and Kellen got to hang out with some of the people

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-3843998736369311052009-11-08T11:35:00.000-08:002009-11-08T12:19:28.433-08:00

Kellen had a Special Olympics bowling tournament today. Although his anxiety is much better, there was too much noise, disorganization and commotion for him. He hung in there for a few frames, but after awhile it was just too much and he decided he was done and wouldn't get up for his turn to bowl. Too many people pressuring him to perform. Too many expectations. We left early.Times like this are

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-38622922808198277042009-10-16T19:55:00.000-07:002009-10-16T20:13:18.425-07:00

Just a few updates:D.Q ended up moving to the Ukraine instead of Turkmenistan. She arrived today?...or yesterday? and I read in her email this morning that she is safe, warm and happy. That's all a parent could ask for. I'm so excited to see pictures and hear her adventures over the next two years.Kellen is doing so well...I keep having to pinch myself. It has been exactly a year this month that

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-63502824498719392382009-09-26T10:00:00.000-07:002009-09-26T10:04:55.590-07:00

My daughter D.Q. is leaving for Turkmenistan in a couple of days. Ever heard of it? Me either (up until until a few months ago). She will be gone for a little over two years. I'm looking forward to her adventures and hoping she will have access to the internet while she's there. I'm really going to miss her and the fun she brings to our family. I'm hoping Kellen will understand...Yesterday when

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-61835568107187806512009-07-29T22:13:00.000-07:002009-07-29T22:19:26.049-07:00

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-4322320962693083992009-05-10T19:13:00.000-07:002009-05-10T21:15:38.129-07:00

"Be glad there's one place in the worldWhere Everybody Knows Your NameAnd they're always glad you cameYou wanna go where people knowPeople are all the sameYou wanna go Where Everybody Knows Your Name" CheersBesides school and his work program, Kellen regularly visits a couple of places "where everybody knows his name". This morning I observed him handing out programs and greeting people at church

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-42512706371403869072009-05-09T13:19:00.000-07:002009-05-09T13:45:51.946-07:00

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-12511927420832774632009-04-27T21:23:00.000-07:002009-04-27T21:35:38.854-07:00

After work tonight I went into the backyard to do some planting and weeding. As I was pulling dandelions I thought about how much I despise weeds. Even when they are out of the ground...they still irritate my eyes. I had amassed quite a pile of weeds when my mind wandered back to when Kellen was in second grade. His inclusive classroom put on a Spring musical and to my surprise, Kellen and a

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-2763345464055900012009-04-14T19:33:00.000-07:002009-04-14T19:35:35.657-07:00

Sweet Husband and I have been married 23 years this Sunday. This is my reward.

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-60336877710325789172009-04-04T08:45:00.000-07:002009-04-04T08:53:56.447-07:00

Kellen has this thing for remembering when movies were released. It comes from watching movie trailers at the theatre. At the end they always state the date a new movie will be released in a big, booming voice. Years later he will randomly say, "Spiderman 2, May 4th".Yesterday, we were riding in the car and we hear Kellen say excitedly from the backseat, "Coming in December!" Sweet Husband asks

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-28999382485591209262009-03-09T16:25:00.000-07:002009-03-09T16:56:09.163-07:00

It's done. As a family we drove this morning through a slight dusting of snow to the courthouse. We arrived early in case it was hard to find where we needed to be. The four of us waited on a bench outside the courtroom for our attorney to arrive. The Guardian Ad Litem was there too. Kellen was doing really well, but for extra insurance, I pointed to the pop machine a little way down the hall and

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-11025640771558035362009-03-04T22:04:00.000-08:002009-03-04T22:19:10.434-08:00

It appears that I took an extended blog break. No real reason. Things are not bad. Things are not extra good. I've just not felt like I had a lot to say. Lately it's not been about the talking, but it's been about the doing. Getting deeper into the new job I started in September. Doing what I can to create better lives for the four people with disabilities I work with. Getting to know them.

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-79513531328060862009-02-14T22:36:00.000-08:002009-02-14T23:00:07.164-08:00

Kellen has wanted a cell phone for a couple of years and he finally got one for his birthday in January. Since he got it, he hasn't been using it much, I think his main interest was in having his own, not necessarily making calls. Today was an exception. Every time he saw one of us use our phone, he picked his up and started dialing. We were in the car this afternoon and Kellen had his phone out

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-19817242898137088072009-02-04T22:00:00.000-08:002009-02-04T22:23:15.849-08:00

It's always good to find a new timewaster.obamicon.me

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-75594267145068972942009-02-02T22:02:00.000-08:002009-02-02T22:25:48.491-08:00

Kellen is doing well enough that this week we are increasing the time he spends at his employment/transition program through the school district. After his morning work program, instead of coming straight home, he will eat lunch at school and then come home. Over time, we'd love for him to be able to stay until 2pm for a full day. I guess you could say that he is building up his emotional

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-77193927017861870932009-01-25T22:19:00.000-08:002009-01-25T22:30:30.602-08:00

Last week I went to a workshop on communication and people with disabilities. There were parents, professionals and adults who experience developmental disabilities in attendance. The speaker was good, but the person who had the most profound effect on me was one of the self-advocates. He is a young man who is supported by the agency that I work for. I had only met him briefly once before, but

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-16486550242921252432009-01-19T21:54:00.001-08:002009-01-19T21:54:08.972-08:00

This makes you think!

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-36692795835364414822009-01-15T13:09:00.000-08:002009-01-15T13:38:50.182-08:00

There is a restaurant near my house which has a seasonal display of nutcrackers on their deck.Every time I drive by, I make a mental note to bring my camera next time, but I keep forgetting...or if I remember, the weather is terrible, or the lighting...not right.The weather wasn't great today either, but I figured I better take pictures before the nutcrackers are gone for the season.

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-14572392365299830552009-01-14T06:00:00.000-08:002009-01-14T06:00:01.046-08:00

What do you do when your son's feet are as wide as they are long? It's always been difficult to find shoes that fit Kellen. I usually have great luck in the children's department at Nordstrom, but I found out last week that he has totally outgrown the kids department and needs to shop in the men's department. The thing was that the only shoes the men's department had that were short enough...

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-12903757956088683862009-01-13T09:28:00.000-08:002009-01-13T09:28:00.915-08:00

1. I still haven't found a Wii and I keep getting outbid on Ebay. I've decided to just chill and wait until places get restocked after Christmas.2. Kellen did get a cell phone! He has been wanting one for about three years. We decided not to add him to our plan, but just get a pay-as-you go type phone. He is ecstatic to have it. The morning after his birthday, I found it in the pocket of his

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-51791238416123460832009-01-08T17:42:00.000-08:002009-01-08T17:54:28.209-08:00

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-43573311812226131372009-01-06T20:03:00.000-08:002009-01-06T20:21:27.750-08:00

On Thursday Kellen turns 18. I want to get him a Wii for his birthday. So far I haven't been able to find a store with a Wii in stock. I don't have time to spend all day on the phone and even less time running around checking stores. Two more days! Wish me luck.

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-88863734766137287652008-12-31T12:41:00.000-08:002008-12-31T12:46:32.516-08:00

Neely Mansion was built in 1894 outside of Auburn, Washington.

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-44150583425893100472008-12-24T22:21:00.000-08:002008-12-24T22:39:29.634-08:00

Tweet builds a nest in the Christmas TreeDQRight before he kissed herFrom our family to yoursMerry Christmas

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-25074088178740853142008-12-24T13:45:00.000-08:002008-12-24T14:03:32.026-08:00

It truly is the little things.This morning Sweet Husband got home from working a graveyard shift and went straight to bed. Kellen usually shaves with an electric shaver, but he ditched it somewhere awhile back and we haven't run across it yet. I looked at his chin today and decided I couldn't stand to look at his blond whiskers any longer. It was time to do something and with Sweet Husband sawing

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-54105406336663388562008-12-22T15:55:00.000-08:002008-12-22T16:47:38.047-08:00

Kellen loves balloonsMostly because...of the fun......of letting them go.

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-18069937286064583072008-12-21T14:02:00.000-08:002008-12-21T15:12:37.090-08:00

Soooo....Sweet Husband has a 4-wheel drive and is a nurse. Therefore he goes to work on a Sunday even when the rest of the world stays home under the covers. He dropped DQ off at her job on the way. Kellen and I have been inside all day. Kellen has been in his room watching a television which isn't working well. His choice.Soooo...I'm in the family room answering a text message from a co-worker

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-70019281490214456002008-12-21T07:48:00.001-08:002008-12-21T07:56:54.096-08:00

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-11680882070413835342008-12-19T11:24:00.000-08:002008-12-19T11:36:12.264-08:00

....seriously, some time off would be MUCH appreciated!Last year I wrote a post asking for Christmas CD suggestions and Penny Richards wrote this: Gregg Miner's two-cd Christmas set. Miner is the proprietor of the Miner Museum of Vintage, Exotic, and Just Plain Unusual Musical Instruments, a private collection of hundreds of stringed instruments, from all times and places. The CDs are

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-43594133788027027992008-12-18T10:06:00.001-08:002008-12-18T13:23:12.185-08:00

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-29779655653812280832008-12-16T22:21:00.000-08:002008-12-16T23:08:14.588-08:00

5:45am alarm goes off, shower, get dressed6:30am arrive at J's house to fix her breakfast and help her get ready for work 8:15am J's bus arrives and she is off to work8:30am arrive at the office where I unload the decorations and left over beverages from Sunday night's holiday party9:00am Drive to Jamba Juice for a strawberry surf-rider. The cashier gives me three coupons for free smoothies to

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-44555682299232926412008-12-15T05:04:00.000-08:002008-12-15T05:39:04.268-08:00

Well now. What have I been doing while not blogging?1. Organizing two holiday parties. One for work and one for my parent's group. As of last night, they are both over. 2. Working, working, working and more working. Having a new job is hard work. Good work...but hard work. 3. Not Christmas shopping.4. Worrying about not Christmas shopping.Kellen has been out of the hospital for well over a month

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-7329193404694037742008-12-10T07:57:00.000-08:002008-12-10T09:05:27.493-08:00

Whiskers. What can I say? You were born in the back of a friend's minivan. She went out to her car and there was a momma cat with her litter of kittens,and you were one of those kittens. I think they called you Yoda, but when we adopted you, DQ changed your name to Whiskers. What can I say? DQ was only about ten years old. Likes: FOOD, eating, sitting on our laps, being annoying. Dislikes: being

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-6481369895907076232008-12-07T21:42:00.000-08:002008-12-07T22:12:42.282-08:00

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-81017577843530225172008-12-04T13:24:00.001-08:002008-12-05T12:45:37.874-08:00

My friend Tim opened up a new place...Peak's Frozen Custard. If you visit Seattle, you must go there. It's at 1026 N.E. 65th street. It just opened last weekend and our family stopped by to celebrate D.Q.'s birthday.Tim even let her dance on one of his tables.This is what happens when my daughter eats frozen custard. Actually, this is the first time she has had frozen custard. Peaks is the only

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-14883235626000625102008-12-03T22:05:00.000-08:002008-12-03T22:05:51.410-08:00

Let's dance put on your red shoes and dance the bluesLet's dance to the song They're playin' on the radioLet's sway While color lights up your faceLet's sway Sway through the crowd to an empty spaceIf you say run, I'll run with youIf you say hide, we'll hideBecause my love for youWould break my heart in twoIf you should fallInto my armsAnd tremble like a flowerLet's dance for fear Your grace

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-80421320358376133942008-12-03T08:21:00.000-08:002008-12-03T08:30:43.705-08:00

Finally. Something you've wanted since you were three. To be a full-fledged...real-live...ADULT! With all the perks and privileges. You've arrived.Celebrate!We love you!!(see you at Happy Hour)

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-22814352892080967572008-11-30T17:04:00.000-08:002008-11-30T17:14:25.756-08:00

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-37733919691896586922008-11-26T20:28:00.000-08:002008-11-26T21:15:43.772-08:00

It's our first time hosting Thanksgiving dinner for the extended family. Sweet Husband is cooking. I think we are both feeling a little bit overwhelmed...(can you be a "little bit" overwhelmed?) As I was leaving for work this morning we had a quick discussion about some of the things that needed to be done to get ready. I am a list maker and Sweet Husband generally rebels against the list. Even

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-73244155520309175232008-11-23T22:26:00.000-08:002008-11-23T22:47:32.164-08:00

This morning I put on a sweater that used to belong to my grandmother. I probably only wear it once or twice a year at the most. About ten minutes after I put it on, I realized that today was November 23rd...her birthday. Coincidence?Kellen was motivated to go to church today for the first time in a long time. He passed out programs with his dad and greeted people as they came in. There was a new

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-9075814057971050132008-11-18T17:39:00.000-08:002008-11-18T18:08:47.238-08:00

I was reading Kelley's post about the time she babysat for neighbors and was paid in parsley and it got me thinking about my own adventures in babysitting. Here they are in no particular order.1. My sister and I used to take turns babysitting for some neighbors. The dad was very good looking...like hot. He used to drive us the three blocks home, get out of his car and walk us to the door. It

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-46630302831627943822008-11-14T11:20:00.000-08:002008-11-14T11:34:24.391-08:00

Other parents tried to tell me. Now I know. The process of filing for guardianship for your child is...hard. Emotionally hard.I'm not exactly sure why. I think it is because when teenagers without cognitive disabilities turn 18...it is a momentous occasion. It is a time when they are considered an adult. Parents let go a little more...if not completely. Eighteen equals freedom. More freedom for

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-61224282872175562992008-11-13T11:45:00.000-08:002008-11-13T12:14:45.440-08:00

My kid is weird.Today when he got home from work he seemed a little hyped up. I decided to give him lots of space so he could unwind,take a break and relax. After awhile I heard him rustling around in the refrigerator, but I took my chances (that he could be making a big mess) and stayed in the other room. In some ways Kellen seems to be regaining some of the independence skills that were lost in

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-72154734036912747862008-11-09T10:29:00.001-08:002008-11-09T12:22:56.790-08:00

At my request, Kellen's case manager from the state came to our house on Friday to get an update on his status. I always find it difficult to explain Kellen to someone who doesn't live with us. Kellen is a complex person and what you see is not what you get. He is a combination of interesting ingredients. He is a mixed bag.I think the most perplexing part of the afternoon we spent together was

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-49335437929010780772008-11-06T22:43:00.000-08:002008-11-06T22:46:47.447-08:00

Somebody in my town has a sense of humor...

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-28265223614154970582008-11-03T19:10:00.000-08:002008-11-03T19:21:27.079-08:00

Someone is very happy to be home......and we are so glad he is home as well. There is something about locking your door at night knowing that your child is not home that is more than unsettling. I know I will sleep better tonight...and my guess is that Kellen will too.

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-73553174608925030452008-11-02T11:48:00.000-08:002008-11-02T12:31:59.797-08:00

Kellen had his first "non-parental" visitor yesterday...our friend he calls Gloria Hallelujah. When we arrived he was sitting in a small conference room watching Country Music Television. I brought my camera with me and let him go for it. Here is Ms. Hallelujah hamming it up for Kellen.Gloria and MomMom brought some Halloween candyI talked to DQ on the phoneGloria went to the cafeteria and

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-68348368430432518912008-10-31T16:43:00.000-07:002008-10-31T16:44:40.711-07:00

I just had a call from Kellen's doctor. Now the discharge date has been moved up to this Monday...WOOT!

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-5423939721277074672008-10-30T22:50:00.000-07:002008-10-30T23:23:55.157-07:00

This morning I drove up to the hospital to see Kellen. I hadn't seen him since Saturday as I decided we needed a break. It's been hard on both of us when I visit. Whenever he sees me he has been so obsessed with going home that we can't even enjoy our visit. I hate to see him so upset. Although I haven't been going to the hospital very often, Sweet Husband has been up there everyday either before

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-43786597723699546942008-10-28T18:10:00.000-07:002008-10-28T21:34:14.764-07:00

Last Thursday when I talked with Kellen's hospital team they gave us a discharge date of Wednesday. I knew then not to get my hopes up. If there is one thing I learned 17 years ago when Kellen was a baby...it was never to trust a discharge date. Sure enough, yesterday they moved it another week out. Even though I tried to take the initial date with a grain of salt, I was still very disappointed

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-11810778564326444662008-10-26T14:43:00.000-07:002008-10-26T14:55:50.624-07:00

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-18468207849448768012008-10-25T14:05:00.000-07:002008-10-25T14:07:49.941-07:00

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-71942926889944160542008-10-25T08:36:00.000-07:002008-10-25T16:47:32.569-07:00

As I parked my car in the parking garage at Children's Hospital yesterday, I glanced to my left and saw that the car parked next to me had a small cat bouncing around inside. She was really still a kitten...not quite grown into a cat. As I got out of my car it appeared that the kitten was lonely and wanted to play. The windows were shut, so I couldn't pet her, but I tapped my fingers on the glass

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-51962252573116078302008-10-23T20:42:00.001-07:002008-10-23T20:51:30.748-07:00

I had a phone conference with Kellen's hospital team today. They seem to agree that Kellen appears to have significant depression as a primary diagnosis. He also has anxiety (duh) and PDD-NOS (hmmm). None of these are really a big surprise. They took him off of his old medicines and put him on a couple of new ones instead...medicines which are intended to stabilize his mood. I haven't seen him

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-53816804767047757632008-10-22T20:33:00.000-07:002008-10-22T21:02:45.000-07:00

It's difficult to blog right now. There isn't a whole to say...and at the same time there is also far too much to say. Last night after a very full day at work, I went up to the hospital to visit Kellen. It was really rough on both of us. He really wants to come home. The good news is that the hospital staff have seen the whole range of things that Kellen brings. They've seen him get "stuck".

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-85604171386098779772008-10-20T22:01:00.000-07:002008-10-20T22:06:41.577-07:00

Kellen was admitted to the hospital this morning and Sweet Husband is spending the night with him in his room. So far, all is going smoother than I expected. It's such a relief to know that we can be with him as much as we want. There is definitely a lot to be said for family-centered care. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-28385995477798850562008-10-18T18:28:00.000-07:002008-10-18T18:32:29.249-07:00

I had a meeting at Starbucks and Kellen kept himself entertained by sketching.

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-13674329983568871992008-10-15T18:15:00.000-07:002008-10-15T19:39:44.926-07:00

Like most new parents we received several cards and gifts after Kellen's birth. There was one in particular that I still remember even though it was seventeen years ago. It had a drawing of a little blond toddler standing in a doorway looking out. Oh, how I hated that card and the effect it had on me. Dealing with a surprise diagnosis of Down syndrome, pretty much everything made me cry that

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-51058949782492849532008-10-14T17:21:00.000-07:002008-10-14T17:25:30.851-07:00

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-87327027881366626072008-10-09T22:53:00.000-07:002008-10-09T23:00:59.623-07:00

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-34478594951304276342008-10-07T20:06:00.000-07:002008-10-07T20:15:14.883-07:00

Who knew you could grow these in Western Washington?

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-61191509296852519802008-10-05T09:10:00.000-07:002008-10-05T15:03:33.245-07:00

Kellen and I have had a fun routine for awhile now. One of us will say, "I love you."Then the other one will say, "I love you more." Usually the first person will then reply, "I love you MOST."...and so it goes.The other night I introduced Kellen to one of the young women I provide direct support to. Sheryl is someone who rarely uses spoken language...but really knows how to communicate. Well,

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-64046781799994521612008-10-01T21:37:00.001-07:002008-10-01T21:55:40.220-07:00

The new caregiver thing? It was short-lived. We let James go today.On Friday I asked him to take Kellen out for a cheeseburger and Frosty at Wendy's. Instead, he stopped by his apartment and left Kellen in the car while he went in to get something. While he was gone, Kellen got out of James car and walked into someone else's apartment. The woman was startled and took Kellen to the apartment

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-16142869622270125092008-09-28T20:51:00.000-07:002008-09-28T20:56:37.007-07:00

Did you know that the Evil Queen has special needs? According to Kellen, this is true.Sometimes the adrenaline starts pumping and he will tell us about movies or other things that scare him. One by one we will reassure him. We'll tell him that he is safe and those things are pretend and not real. Yesterday he brought up the Evil Queen with special needs.What kind of special needs to you think

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-18254528745026904082008-09-27T20:58:00.000-07:002008-09-27T20:58:06.837-07:00

It was an absolutely beautiful day. There is nothing like sunshine in late September. Sunshine is always appreciated in the Puget Sound area, but especially in September and October. There is the feeling that this may be the last day. Soon it will be overcast and raining (again)and this might be the very...last...day until late May to run around in shorts and flip-flops.Tomorrow we drive to

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-22720240150324687282008-09-25T18:40:00.000-07:002008-09-25T19:03:16.737-07:00

James was with Kellen this afternoon while I went to work for a few hours. When I got back home, they were sitting in the family room and Kellen had my camera in his hand. This is an expensive camera which has already been repaired once to the tune of $150 (because it tumbled out of my car when I wasn't careful). To my great relief, K willingly handed it over when I asked him for it. James

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-25926008733773806682008-09-24T18:29:00.000-07:002008-09-24T19:45:01.959-07:00

Kellen has a new caregiver. For the first time. We signed up with a local home care agency and they sent us James. We have him from 2pm-6pm Mon-Fri and he has been working for Kellen for 4 days so far. Today Kellen referred to him as his "husband."I think that means he likes him? Not sure. Heh heh.James is from Kenya. He is tall and soft-spoken and seems to have a lot of experience working with

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-45317101708826661602008-09-22T07:59:00.000-07:002008-09-22T08:10:21.009-07:00

Lonely apple tree in Manson, Washington.

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-81548603809568454682008-09-21T18:33:00.000-07:002008-09-21T18:39:12.683-07:00

Usually Kellen calls his grandfather "Papa Jerry", but today he called him "King." I think my dad appreciated the upgrade.

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-80784783838551824762008-09-16T08:17:00.000-07:002008-09-16T17:37:18.899-07:00

Where do you go when you don't know where to turn for answers? What do you hold onto when you don't exactly know what to hold onto? When your child is having medical issues...or behavioral issues...or mental health issues and you've done all that you know how to do...what then?I pray and turn it over to God.I cry.I share with my good friends who understand.I write.I hold onto hope.I

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-54543125202984853482008-09-10T18:56:00.000-07:002008-09-10T19:48:34.588-07:00

I haven't always worked outside the home. For the first two years of DQ's life I was strictly a stay at home mom. Just before her second birthday I started selling Discovery Toys as a home-based business. This worked out great for me for several years, but when Kellen started first grade and was in school all day, I felt ready to work outside the home. I was offered my "dream job" working

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-83322728811068832732008-09-07T08:45:00.001-07:002008-09-07T08:45:40.629-07:00

The thought of watching such cuteness on a regular basis, almost makes me almost want to vote Republican.

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-16518885852934238812008-09-06T19:14:00.000-07:002008-09-06T19:53:46.810-07:00

DQ and I were hanging out in the backyard this afternoon when I heard the ominous sound of the lock on the french doors clicking. Kellen had locked us out. At first I was enjoying the September sun and didn't care too much...but later I thought it best that I go see what he was up to. I peeked in through the french doors and saw him standing at the printer gathering each page as it shot out. As I

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-56586774908483113152008-09-05T21:37:00.000-07:002008-09-05T21:45:05.433-07:00

This week Kellen revealed to us another new phrase. It's almost as good as the last one.We were eating dinner and I asked Sweet Husband about his day. He was only seconds into his response when Kellen said, "It's not...about...you."I'm thinking I'm going to use that phrase back on him very soon.

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-7931979099492025372008-09-01T18:34:00.000-07:002008-09-01T19:00:02.792-07:00

Really, really tall treesLots of moss...and everything is green and dampColorful flowersInteresting insectsWaterfalls

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-7701472653731783012008-08-30T12:05:00.000-07:002008-08-30T12:17:48.721-07:00

Late last night (when I was out with friends and not home) Kellen went on a long motorcycle ride with his cousin. I like hearing about these things after the fact. When it is over with and my son is home and safe. I want him to have fun and to have access to a full life...yet...as a mom...it's sometimes hard to step back and let that happen. I worry. I fret. Letting go.I still have much to learn.

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-29514475743477510512008-08-27T17:30:00.000-07:002008-08-27T17:59:43.324-07:00

We've had a family portrait plan for a few years and it was about to expire. I decided it was probably a good idea to attempt some senior portraits for Kellen. I knew it was a long-shot to expect a good outcome for the following reasons:1. He doesn't enjoy having his picture taken in the first place (unless someone he really likes can be in the picture with him).2. He is not terribly photogenic.

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-91861468410350203782008-08-25T19:35:00.000-07:002008-08-25T19:46:09.311-07:00

August is my favorite month of the year. I love the sunshine and I love dahliasI love their symmetryTheir varietyI love their colorsI love dahlias.

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-41429459501988117872008-08-21T09:58:00.000-07:002008-08-21T10:10:40.018-07:00

Sweet Husband is from a large family and so my kids have thirteen cousins on their dad's side, all of them live in Washington. Kellen's current favorite cousin is Steve. Kellen spent nearly all evening on Sunday taking Steve's hat and glasses and trying them on...then putting them back on Steve, repeat, repeat, repeat. Interspersed with this activity were lots of, "I love you. I love you too".

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-83165041939590145042008-08-20T17:27:00.000-07:002008-08-20T18:21:50.264-07:00

Today was mostly a stressful day. For one thing, I'm in the middle of a transition from leaving one job and starting another. (Let me give you some advice if you ever find yourself in this situation: Do not give more than two weeks notice.)In addition, Sweet Husband and I took Kellen to a naturopath appointment which was also very stressful. It is difficult for Kellen to be in a small room where

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-29588385344202338652008-08-19T10:44:00.000-07:002008-08-19T11:24:34.125-07:00

A couple of Sunday's ago, Sweet Husband and DQ left for their 15th annual summer backpacking trip together. They hiked near Mt. Rainier.It's a little father/daughter thang they've been doing since DQ was six years old. It is also tradition that they take a gnarly photo together in the parking area at the end of their trip.No sooner had they left, then I hopped on the web for a little retail

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-40843001319826013792008-08-15T20:08:00.000-07:002008-08-15T20:40:00.442-07:00

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-67926925675663605972008-08-14T18:49:00.000-07:002008-08-14T19:29:06.843-07:00

Sweet Husband and I went on a date to the garden center.I've never seen such healthy plants. I almost don't want to buy them because I know that within a day of bringing one home, it will no longer look that healthy and happy.I had gotten a lemon tree for Mother's Day. I had no idea that lemon tree's can grow in Western Washington as long as you bring them indoors during the cooler months. We

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-70801464706430897652008-08-12T13:09:00.000-07:002008-08-12T13:58:16.163-07:00

Kellen's new phrase this week is...drum roll please..."I not, the mood". Translation: "I'm NOT in the mood". It's his answer to lots of things from "Do you want to go swimming?" to "It's time for a shower." (Why do teenagers resist cleanliness?)I not, the moodWhy does this new phrase make me smile? For a couple of reasons. One, it tells me he is still learning language...and more and different

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-28865251651016794192008-08-11T21:30:00.001-07:002008-08-11T21:37:08.665-07:00

“Let's be grateful for those who give us happiness; they are the charming gardeners who make our soul bloom.” -Marcel Proust"No one is as capable of gratitude as one who has emerged from the kingdom of night." -Elie Wiesel"Gratitude is a vaccine, an antitoxin, and an antiseptic"-John Henry Jowett "Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves." — Carl

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-52103704112517472822008-08-04T19:52:00.000-07:002008-08-04T20:33:00.404-07:00

Kellen's extended school year/work program ended on July 17th. Since then, he hasn't quite known what to do with himself. Without a routine, I think he is feeling somewhat lost. The last couple of days, his anxiety has been high which means he is not able to get out of the house as much. He seems bored and restless at home. Throw these ingredients together...and add a large helping of

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-70587590817907028542008-08-02T08:24:00.000-07:002008-08-02T08:57:54.735-07:00

First stop, we found the church where my great-grandparents Nels and Petra Johnsen were married in 1909. It used to be a Norwegian church, now...it's not.Next, we went to one of my favorite neighborhoods for dinner at The Spar.Then, we went for a short walk through Old Town. No, these aren't my great-grandparents. D.Q. likes fish...and apparently, men who catch them.This is Job Carr hanging out

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-23428128702384492242008-07-29T20:23:00.000-07:002008-07-29T20:46:33.122-07:00

Top Five Reasons I haven't been posting on this blog much lately:5. I broke the lens on the camera I got for Christmas. It's getting repaired...but until then, I've been feeling a little lost without it. I should get my camera back any day now and will be able to post some photos soon.4. D.Q. is back from Paris and we've been having fun together.3. My son is driving me crazy. This afternoon he

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-9845499551233897652008-07-28T11:03:00.000-07:002008-08-19T11:26:17.269-07:00

Today is my birthday. I like to share on my birthday. I will share this video of Dick Dale (who is in his seventies)playing his song "Nitro". It is good to see someone over seventy still rockin' (and I don't mean in a rocking chair). This guy can really play the electric guitar. Enjoy!

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-79441869107962848322008-07-21T22:39:00.000-07:002008-07-21T22:46:01.311-07:00

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-77330255437504154522008-07-15T22:26:00.000-07:002008-08-19T11:25:58.664-07:00

People with Down syndrome have a reputation for being "huggy" and very affectionate. People with autism are sometimes described as having repetitive or obsessive behavior. Over the last few years there have been people who have come into our lives who wonder if, besides having Down syndrome, Kellen could also be on the autism spectrum?I've thought about this question often and have even asked for

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-86866862663477348782008-07-14T21:34:00.000-07:002008-07-14T21:48:23.938-07:00

A couple of weeks ago we went to Kellen's favorite place for dinner...The Spaghetti Factory. It's a great place to go with kids as there is always a loud din. As we were enjoying our meal, we suddenly heard a shrill toddler squeal from across the room. I'm sure you know that squeal I'm referring to...the ones that can shatter glass. Without missing a beat, Kellen said in a goofy voice, "Monkey

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-22095669083980406392008-07-11T11:21:00.000-07:002008-07-11T11:59:29.033-07:00

I was reading the Quirk Factor today and saw her post on taking down her ugly kitchen wallpaper only to find an even more "interesting" wallpaper underneath. You really gotta go take a look. Reading this reminded me that I haven't posted pictures of our family room. Here is DQ helping to take up the old carpeting that had been in this room since before we moved in eighteen years ago.Underneath

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-18543548235908808992008-07-10T16:18:00.000-07:002008-07-10T16:27:50.097-07:00

This morning Kellen went to the movies with his friend Michael and Michael's mother. At lunch time I got a call on my cell phone. The movie was over and Kellen wasn't leaving the theatre. Michael's mom wanted ideas on what could be going on and what might Kellen need in order to leave with them. Such a coincidence that I had just posted on this last night...but I'm not sure Michael's mom had

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011011135426782159.post-87631896658793747792008-07-09T21:35:00.000-07:002008-07-10T15:43:24.553-07:00

Working with Kellen can be challenging...and I don't necessarily mean that in a bad way.Kellen is a complex dude.One must be an observer.One must be his student.One must be creative.Kellen likes to have something to look forward to. It gives him focus. A reason to keep moving forward. I don't consider it a bribe. Well, to be honest, sometimes it does feel a little that way. Mostly his dad or I

Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11339130503678210769noreply@blogger.com2