written by Nancy Thomas
Children with broken hearts and wounded minds have special needs. When children have had an early separation, abuse, neglect, or medical intervention they are at high risk for attachment Disorder.
If you had child "A" with diabetes and child "B" standing next to him that was healthy would you look at child "A" and say, "He doesn't look like he has diabetes to me!"? People do that all the time to people with an emotionally disturbed child!! How rude and discounting! What if child A & B were both at a birthday party and were both given a big piece of birthday cake because " all children should be treated the same"? Child "A" could end up in the hospital. It is the same with children who have special needs because of mental illness. If they are both given the same privileges a child with Attachment Disorder will not feel safe and could end up in the hospital (psych hospital)!
Picture yourself as a parent of child "A" that must be given insulin injections to stay alive. Imagining how painful that must be to have to cause pain to a loved one to keep them healthy! What if some well-meaning, clueless person stood by as you had the needle poised to inject your child with life sustaining insulin and said " Oh! Don't do that! It's mean! I don't do that to my children and they turned out fine!" Would it make it any easier to do what must be done for your child? Would it help the child who must endure the injections? Why then do folks then feel it is ok to do it to parents with children who have wounded minds?! Children that are sexual perpetrators or violent with other children. Others parents do not understand how quickly one of these children can grab a crotch or poke out an eye and often judge and condemn parents for keeping their child in close and out of trouble rather than realizing how difficult it is to watch them every second to keep them and others safe. How tacky it is to explain to every intruder that your child has this problem and how humiliating for the child to hear it told to all!
What happened to trusting and honoring each other for our efforts to help our children? Parents love their children and are doing the best they can for them. How about supporting and encouraging those with difficult children! Yes, there are wacos out there, but thankfully they are few. The rest of us parents are doing the best we can. We all make mistakes but we make less when we are supported and understood than when we are judged and condemned. You want to help? Let a parent know what they are doing RIGHT and give them a hug and a smile!
Monday, December 31, 2007
Just for today
"Jesus said, 'By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.'"
Today, as we pass from the Old Year into the new, may we accept the following advice for a worthy New Year resolution and remember to apply these principles every day of the year:
Smile at a stranger.
Listen to someones heart.
Hug a loved one.
Tell someone you're thinking of them.
Drop a coin where a child can find it.
Learn something new then teach it to someone else.
Look a child in the eye and tell them how great they are .
Don't hold a grudge.
Don't be afraid to say, "I'm sorry."
Look beyond the face of a person into their heart.
Make a promise and keep it.
Call someone for no other reason than to just say "hello."
Show kindness to an animal. Stand up for what you believe in.
Smell the rain, feel the breeze, listen to the wind.
Use all your senses to their fullest.
Cherish all your today's.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for all your blessings of this past year and help me throughout the New Year to always be a channel of your love to every life I touch, and grant that they, seeing Jesus in me, will want you for themselves. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."
Today, as we pass from the Old Year into the new, may we accept the following advice for a worthy New Year resolution and remember to apply these principles every day of the year:
Smile at a stranger.
Listen to someones heart.
Hug a loved one.
Tell someone you're thinking of them.
Drop a coin where a child can find it.
Learn something new then teach it to someone else.
Look a child in the eye and tell them how great they are .
Don't hold a grudge.
Don't be afraid to say, "I'm sorry."
Look beyond the face of a person into their heart.
Make a promise and keep it.
Call someone for no other reason than to just say "hello."
Show kindness to an animal. Stand up for what you believe in.
Smell the rain, feel the breeze, listen to the wind.
Use all your senses to their fullest.
Cherish all your today's.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for all your blessings of this past year and help me throughout the New Year to always be a channel of your love to every life I touch, and grant that they, seeing Jesus in me, will want you for themselves. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."
Friday, December 28, 2007
adapting!!
Wild Mike has been having a hard time with his asthma. His breathing treatments get in the way of his favorite pastime thumbsucking. Which I love by the way this boy sleeps great!! Anyways he has figured out a fix to this problem he can do both! He was quite proud of himself too!
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
The Christmas Pageant
This one is good! Man can I realate!! Enjoy loved ones!!!
The Christmas Pageant
(annonymous)
My husband and I had been happily married (most of the time) for five years but hadn't been blessed with a baby.I decided to do some serious praying and promised God that if he would give us a child, I would be a perfect mother, love it with all my heart and raise it with His word as my guide.God answered my prayers and blessed us with a son. The next year God blessed us with another son. The following year, He blessed us with yet another son. The year after that we were blessed with a daughter.My husband thought we'd been blessed right into poverty. We now had four children, and the oldest was only four years old.I learned never to ask God for anything unless I meant it. As a minister once told me, "If you pray for rain, make sure you carry an umbrella."I began reading a few verses of the Bible to the children each day as they lay in their cribs. I was off to a good start. God had entrusted me with four children and I didn't want to disappoint Him.I tried to be patient the day the children smashed two dozen eggs on the kitchen floor searching for baby chicks. I tried to be understanding. when they started a hotel for homeless frogs in the spare bedroom, although it took me nearly two hours to catch all twenty-three frogs.When my daughter poured ketchup all over herself and rolled up in a blanket to see how it felt to be a hot dog, I tried to see the humor rather than the mess. In spite of changing over twenty-five thousand diapers, never eating a hot meal and never sleeping for more than thirty minutes at a time, I still thank God daily for my children.While I couldn't keep my promise to be a perfect mother - I didn't even come close...I did keep my promise to raise them in the Word of God. I knew I was missing the mark just a little when I told my daughter we were goingto church to worship God, and she wanted to bring a bar of soap along to "wash up" Jesus, too.Something was lost in the translation when I explained that God gave us everlasting life, and my son thought it was generous of God to give us his "last wife."My proudest moment came during the children's Christmas pageant.My daughter was playing Mary, two of my sons were shepherdsand my youngest son was a wise man. This was their moment to shine.My five-year-old shepherd had practiced his line, "We found the babe wrappedin swaddling clothes." But he was nervous and said, "The baby was wrapped in wrinkled clothes." My four-year-old "Mary" said, "That's not 'wrinkled clothes,' silly. That's dirty, rotten clothes."
A wrestling match broke out between Mary and the shepherd and was stopped by an angel, who bent her halo and lost her left wing. I slouched a little lower in my seat when Mary dropped the doll representingBaby Jesus, and it bounced down the aisle crying, "Mama-mama." Mary grabbed the doll, wrapped it back up and held it tightly as the wise men arrived.My other son stepped forward wearing a bathrobe and a paper crown, knelt at the manger and announced, "We are the three wise men, and we are bringing gifts of gold, common sense and fur."The congregation dissolved into laughter, and the pageantgot a standing ovation. "I've never enjoyed a Christmas program as much as this one," laughed the pastor,wiping tears from his eyes."For the rest of my life, I'll never hear the Christmas story without thinking of gold, common sense and fur.""My children are my pride and my joy and my greatest blessing," I said as I dugthrough my purse for an aspirin.Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.Had no army, yet kings feared Him.He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.Feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us.
The Christmas Pageant
(annonymous)
My husband and I had been happily married (most of the time) for five years but hadn't been blessed with a baby.I decided to do some serious praying and promised God that if he would give us a child, I would be a perfect mother, love it with all my heart and raise it with His word as my guide.God answered my prayers and blessed us with a son. The next year God blessed us with another son. The following year, He blessed us with yet another son. The year after that we were blessed with a daughter.My husband thought we'd been blessed right into poverty. We now had four children, and the oldest was only four years old.I learned never to ask God for anything unless I meant it. As a minister once told me, "If you pray for rain, make sure you carry an umbrella."I began reading a few verses of the Bible to the children each day as they lay in their cribs. I was off to a good start. God had entrusted me with four children and I didn't want to disappoint Him.I tried to be patient the day the children smashed two dozen eggs on the kitchen floor searching for baby chicks. I tried to be understanding. when they started a hotel for homeless frogs in the spare bedroom, although it took me nearly two hours to catch all twenty-three frogs.When my daughter poured ketchup all over herself and rolled up in a blanket to see how it felt to be a hot dog, I tried to see the humor rather than the mess. In spite of changing over twenty-five thousand diapers, never eating a hot meal and never sleeping for more than thirty minutes at a time, I still thank God daily for my children.While I couldn't keep my promise to be a perfect mother - I didn't even come close...I did keep my promise to raise them in the Word of God. I knew I was missing the mark just a little when I told my daughter we were goingto church to worship God, and she wanted to bring a bar of soap along to "wash up" Jesus, too.Something was lost in the translation when I explained that God gave us everlasting life, and my son thought it was generous of God to give us his "last wife."My proudest moment came during the children's Christmas pageant.My daughter was playing Mary, two of my sons were shepherdsand my youngest son was a wise man. This was their moment to shine.My five-year-old shepherd had practiced his line, "We found the babe wrappedin swaddling clothes." But he was nervous and said, "The baby was wrapped in wrinkled clothes." My four-year-old "Mary" said, "That's not 'wrinkled clothes,' silly. That's dirty, rotten clothes."
A wrestling match broke out between Mary and the shepherd and was stopped by an angel, who bent her halo and lost her left wing. I slouched a little lower in my seat when Mary dropped the doll representingBaby Jesus, and it bounced down the aisle crying, "Mama-mama." Mary grabbed the doll, wrapped it back up and held it tightly as the wise men arrived.My other son stepped forward wearing a bathrobe and a paper crown, knelt at the manger and announced, "We are the three wise men, and we are bringing gifts of gold, common sense and fur."The congregation dissolved into laughter, and the pageantgot a standing ovation. "I've never enjoyed a Christmas program as much as this one," laughed the pastor,wiping tears from his eyes."For the rest of my life, I'll never hear the Christmas story without thinking of gold, common sense and fur.""My children are my pride and my joy and my greatest blessing," I said as I dugthrough my purse for an aspirin.Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.Had no army, yet kings feared Him.He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.Feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us.
Oh Christmas Tree..
Last night our little angels decorated the tree!! They were very cute and I think this is the first year they did it themselves :) (Q was still in the hospital :(
Monday, December 10, 2007
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Wisconsin Virtual Academy!
Yesterday was a very sad day here as this decision came in and we were reminded of how DPI and WEAC have stated over and over that this is about the money not the children. :( Read on
WCVSF Responds to Court Decision
December 5, 2007
The Coalition just issued this press release:
WEAC Finally Wins a Round in Fight to Close Public School, Kids LoseAppeals Court Gives Teacher’s Union the ‘Win’ They’ve Sought for Years[Madison, WI] A state appeals court today ruled that a successful and innovative public school, which has educated hundreds of Wisconsin children for several years, must close. The decision comes in a case where WEAC, the state's teachers' union, questioned the moral character of the parents who participated in the educational process. "This is a terrible day for Wisconsin parents and we are deeply disappointed. The Court has decided to shut down a public school that is working well. And just think, WEAC is happy today. They have been relentless in their attack on the parents, kids and unionized teachers at the Wisconsin Virtual Academy," said Rose Fernandez, President of the Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families. "They file cases, lose and then appeal. They finally won a round, but even in 'victory' their actions show that they really don't care about the people this is affecting most; the kids."This ruling puts online education at risk in districts throughout Wisconsin. It could result in the immediate closure of several public virtual schools and jeopardizes the use of distance learning programs throughout Wisconsin’s public schools.In January of 2004, the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC) filed a complaint in Ozaukee County Circuit Court in an effort to shut down the Wisconsin Virtual Academy (WIVA). Although the students are taught by licensed teachers, WEAC argued that the parental participation in WIVA was too significant. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI), although it originally did not object to the Charter school, took the union's side in the dispute. In March 2006, Ozaukee County District Judge Joseph McCormack issued a summary judgment ruling strongly in favor of the school district and rejected WEAC and DPI's arguments. WEAC immediately appealed. The Court of Appeals heard Oral Argument in the case on October 30, 2007."This is the first setback in our long struggle. For nearly four years now families who have made the choice to attend this great public school have been forced to live under the uncertainty of whether or not the school will be open from year to year," said Fernandez. "WEAC is going to extraordinary efforts to close a school staffed by their own union members, and the state DPI and Department of Justice have been their willing accomplice in this crusade."In the litigation, WEAC raised questions about the "moral character" of parents who participate in public education, a legal maneuver that threatens the right of every parent in Wisconsin who seeks to participate in their child's public education. The Coalition filed an amicus brief with the court defending WIVA and the right of parents to be involved in their children's education. Fernandez said this issue is far from over."As long as a parent's right to participate in the public education of their children is being threatened, we will continue to fight for children, parents, and teachers involved in public virtual education in Wisconsin," said Fernandez. "This is the best public school option for thousands of children in Wisconsin in over a dozen such schools. Just because the teacher's union finally found a court sympathetic to their ridiculous arguments, doesn't mean we're going to go away."WEAC has tried to shut down two public virtual schools in Wisconsin. A court dismissed a lawsuit brought against Connections Academy in Appleton in 2003. Although this suit was brought two years ago, the immediate closing of WIVA school was only first sought by Wisconsin Department of Justice representatives during oral argument in October.The Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families consists of hundreds of parents, students, teachers and supporters concerned about the educational opportunities available to Wisconsin families. Wisconsin has many virtual schools whose existence may be threatened by this ruling. Thousands of students from all over the state attend these schools and many other public schools use on-line instruction.
###
WEAC Bullies Bar Schoolhouse Doors
By Rose Fernandez
Wednesday, Dec 5 2007, 02:33 PM
I wrote last month about the oral arguments I witnessed before the Wisconsin Court of Appeals in the lawsuit by WEAC and DPI to close my children's public school.
Today, we got the ruling. Here it is for those of you so inclined. WEAC finally found judges who bought their shell game. WEAC won.
A truly great school lost. Over 800 WIVA students lost. Our veteran, stellar faculty lost. Options in public schooling lost.
All virtual public schools are on the chopping block. All charter schools are in their sights. All public schools that use non-licensed staff to help teach are about to have a rude awakening about what it means to have WEAC in charge.
WEAC has bullied its way in. Parents who think they have some amount of say over IEP plans or placement decisions or just about anything in public schools should think twice about that.
Parents are under attack in Wisconsin public schools. WEAC and DPI will talk a good game about quality and standards and their role as supreme judge of both. But it has nothing to do with that. It has to do with WEAC, the bully. WEAC is protecting cash flow.
Well, parents are wiping the spit from our eyes today and seeing things more clearly than ever before. We are not down and we are not out. For WEAC it may be all about money.
For us it is about our children and we aren't about to cower to a bully
As a WIVA parent I am particularly disappointed and angry today. However, I think that all parents should sit up and take notice that WEAC and DPI do not have interest of the child in mind when they make their decisions and formulate their policies. They are not to be trusted. I am especially disappointed that DPI refused to stand by the school that they had chartered. WEAC's officially stated today that "Today’s decision calls upon the Wisconsin Legislature to make virtual schools accountable to the students who use them and the taxpayers who fund them." WIVA has been accountable to the students and the taxpayers. Isn't it just like WEAC to now deflect responsibility for their actions unto the legislature? I agree that the legislature should clarify the laws that DPI has failed to administer
but the bottom line is that WEAC wants to close a thriving, successful school because it threatens their agenda. They want to have absolute control over educational reform. Well, they have had their chance for many years to come up with solutions and options to meet the needs of children and now they resent the fact that they aren't calling all the shots. All concerned parents and others interested in helping each child be able to be truly successful in whatever learning situation is determined to be the best for that child should send a message that it is our tax dollars and our children and our community and they don't get to call all the shots.
WCVSF Responds to Court Decision
December 5, 2007
The Coalition just issued this press release:
WEAC Finally Wins a Round in Fight to Close Public School, Kids LoseAppeals Court Gives Teacher’s Union the ‘Win’ They’ve Sought for Years[Madison, WI] A state appeals court today ruled that a successful and innovative public school, which has educated hundreds of Wisconsin children for several years, must close. The decision comes in a case where WEAC, the state's teachers' union, questioned the moral character of the parents who participated in the educational process. "This is a terrible day for Wisconsin parents and we are deeply disappointed. The Court has decided to shut down a public school that is working well. And just think, WEAC is happy today. They have been relentless in their attack on the parents, kids and unionized teachers at the Wisconsin Virtual Academy," said Rose Fernandez, President of the Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families. "They file cases, lose and then appeal. They finally won a round, but even in 'victory' their actions show that they really don't care about the people this is affecting most; the kids."This ruling puts online education at risk in districts throughout Wisconsin. It could result in the immediate closure of several public virtual schools and jeopardizes the use of distance learning programs throughout Wisconsin’s public schools.In January of 2004, the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC) filed a complaint in Ozaukee County Circuit Court in an effort to shut down the Wisconsin Virtual Academy (WIVA). Although the students are taught by licensed teachers, WEAC argued that the parental participation in WIVA was too significant. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI), although it originally did not object to the Charter school, took the union's side in the dispute. In March 2006, Ozaukee County District Judge Joseph McCormack issued a summary judgment ruling strongly in favor of the school district and rejected WEAC and DPI's arguments. WEAC immediately appealed. The Court of Appeals heard Oral Argument in the case on October 30, 2007."This is the first setback in our long struggle. For nearly four years now families who have made the choice to attend this great public school have been forced to live under the uncertainty of whether or not the school will be open from year to year," said Fernandez. "WEAC is going to extraordinary efforts to close a school staffed by their own union members, and the state DPI and Department of Justice have been their willing accomplice in this crusade."In the litigation, WEAC raised questions about the "moral character" of parents who participate in public education, a legal maneuver that threatens the right of every parent in Wisconsin who seeks to participate in their child's public education. The Coalition filed an amicus brief with the court defending WIVA and the right of parents to be involved in their children's education. Fernandez said this issue is far from over."As long as a parent's right to participate in the public education of their children is being threatened, we will continue to fight for children, parents, and teachers involved in public virtual education in Wisconsin," said Fernandez. "This is the best public school option for thousands of children in Wisconsin in over a dozen such schools. Just because the teacher's union finally found a court sympathetic to their ridiculous arguments, doesn't mean we're going to go away."WEAC has tried to shut down two public virtual schools in Wisconsin. A court dismissed a lawsuit brought against Connections Academy in Appleton in 2003. Although this suit was brought two years ago, the immediate closing of WIVA school was only first sought by Wisconsin Department of Justice representatives during oral argument in October.The Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families consists of hundreds of parents, students, teachers and supporters concerned about the educational opportunities available to Wisconsin families. Wisconsin has many virtual schools whose existence may be threatened by this ruling. Thousands of students from all over the state attend these schools and many other public schools use on-line instruction.
###
WEAC Bullies Bar Schoolhouse Doors
By Rose Fernandez
Wednesday, Dec 5 2007, 02:33 PM
I wrote last month about the oral arguments I witnessed before the Wisconsin Court of Appeals in the lawsuit by WEAC and DPI to close my children's public school.
Today, we got the ruling. Here it is for those of you so inclined. WEAC finally found judges who bought their shell game. WEAC won.
A truly great school lost. Over 800 WIVA students lost. Our veteran, stellar faculty lost. Options in public schooling lost.
All virtual public schools are on the chopping block. All charter schools are in their sights. All public schools that use non-licensed staff to help teach are about to have a rude awakening about what it means to have WEAC in charge.
WEAC has bullied its way in. Parents who think they have some amount of say over IEP plans or placement decisions or just about anything in public schools should think twice about that.
Parents are under attack in Wisconsin public schools. WEAC and DPI will talk a good game about quality and standards and their role as supreme judge of both. But it has nothing to do with that. It has to do with WEAC, the bully. WEAC is protecting cash flow.
Well, parents are wiping the spit from our eyes today and seeing things more clearly than ever before. We are not down and we are not out. For WEAC it may be all about money.
For us it is about our children and we aren't about to cower to a bully
As a WIVA parent I am particularly disappointed and angry today. However, I think that all parents should sit up and take notice that WEAC and DPI do not have interest of the child in mind when they make their decisions and formulate their policies. They are not to be trusted. I am especially disappointed that DPI refused to stand by the school that they had chartered. WEAC's officially stated today that "Today’s decision calls upon the Wisconsin Legislature to make virtual schools accountable to the students who use them and the taxpayers who fund them." WIVA has been accountable to the students and the taxpayers. Isn't it just like WEAC to now deflect responsibility for their actions unto the legislature? I agree that the legislature should clarify the laws that DPI has failed to administer
but the bottom line is that WEAC wants to close a thriving, successful school because it threatens their agenda. They want to have absolute control over educational reform. Well, they have had their chance for many years to come up with solutions and options to meet the needs of children and now they resent the fact that they aren't calling all the shots. All concerned parents and others interested in helping each child be able to be truly successful in whatever learning situation is determined to be the best for that child should send a message that it is our tax dollars and our children and our community and they don't get to call all the shots.
Siberian Husky puppies!
Kiowa had her babies on Sunday! We are having way too much fun with these cute little babies!!
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