Making SPD Progress

 

Hello! What, you thought I had quit writing on here? As my kids have gotten older I've realized that the stories I share aren't just mine, but they are are their's as well. Which has made it hard to know what to share, because in a few years when they read posts are they going to want the stories I've shared to be on the internet? Cause I have lots and lots of good stories I could share. Just ask me about the night Lincoln slept in the chicken coop. For reals.

Since we've started learning about Bentley and his sensory processing disorder (we're still learning) I've been even more conscience and reserved about sharing his quirks online. It's been a couple years and I've read a lot of books and he's gone to a lot of therapy and while this isn't a problem he can be cured of we are dealing with it and making progress. So I'm going to start sharing what has happened in hopes that in 5 or 10 years from now he can look back and read where he started and what he has become. And maybe someone experiencing similar problems can find help in our try all the things approach. Bentley put in a lot of hours with the occupational and physical therapist this summer, and he would often exclaim, "OT and PT are ruining my life!" Which at the time they might have been since our entire schedule revolved around appointments and he still has to do it every single day. But we have seen a different kid emerging out of him because of OT and PT. He is stronger and more confident which helps in so many other areas. So here's they plan. I'm going to tackle each sense and walk through the issues, the solutions, and the progress.

What's a job?

Chod's days at Utah State are coming to an end. He is still working on his PhD, but with Phil's retirement goes his funding. And while he could still be employed through the end of the year we realize that job squatting really isn't the best way to go. So he's been job hunting.

I have tried to explain to the boys that Dad will be getting a new job...

The first thing they want to know is what the new job's team will be. As in football team. You know, right now it's the Aggies, so what will the next team be?

1. Not every job comes with a football team.

2. Once an Aggie, always an Aggie.

Next, they're curious about what Dad will be studying at his new job. You know, learning.

3. Not every job is a graduate degree. 

It's at this point that I realize that they don't get it. And it is time for us to leave college life behind and introduce them to the job scene.

Idiots

Today, we were heading to Gracie's 2 year well child checkup when a car pulled out of Wal-Mart (and you know how I feel about that), drove south on a northbound lane, cut across double yellows and stopped diagonally across the center turn lane, blocking me access from both turn lanes ahead.

We sat there behind the car while the turn lights were green, not able to go anywhere. I wanted to lay on the horn, but I settled for calling them idiots.

My Lincoln in the back heard what I said and innocently asked, "Mom, why did you call them idots?"

"Because they are. They broke multiple laws and were driving dangerously.

"But mom you don't know that they are idiots. Maybe she has 2 kids in the back seat who are fighting. They're fighting over a toy. And she tried to take the toy away so they would quit fighting, but took her eyes off the road and drove where she didn't want to go. So maybe she isn't an idiot. Maybe her kids were just fighting"

Maybe.

But it was a he and there were no kids in the car. So I'm standing by my idiot claim.

Instagram v. 44

1. Even though he's not 8 he got special permission to make a PineWood Derby car (after I had agreed to make the prizes they threw "since you are making the prizes we have permission to let Bentley race"....who is the winner here?) He took 4th and was pretty proud of Black Awesome.
2. How bad guys eat.
3. Bentley's first piano lesson. Even though I have 0 musical ability I'm thankful I married into some.
4. Just harassing the help at Lowe's. Suggested they spend more time readying blogs and surfing pinterest so they can better serve customers.
5. Our newest 4 eyes.
6. Taking the bathroom down to the studs and starting over. Lincoln asked, "Is that why you let Grandma and Grandpa come? So they can DESTROY our bathroom?"
7. Taking matters into my own hands. And driving mom crazy.
8. Bathroom progress.
9. Bentley's thank you note to Grandma and Grandpa. Also known as a guilt trip.

Instagram v. 43

1. Found him kicked back watching Martha Stewart's cooking show eating handfuls of Total. Which part would you consider abnormal?
2. Lincoln's masterpiece.
3. These are begging to be knocked off for a Ghoul's Night.
4. The Leonardo.
5. Mary's Little Lamb trying to get into the elementary school.
6. This is basically custard, don't let the yogurt name fool you.
7. Trying on Halloween costumes. Trying to convince the boys to be Frankenstein and Dracula.
8. How to turn a frown upside down. Serve Ogre Warts (cheerios) in swamp water (milk) for breakfast and pack this for lunch.
9. On our way to Boo! Bentley asked if I had posted these cups on Instagram or Facebook.
"No, just on Crafting Chicks." I replied.
"Oh phew we're safe, no one ever looks there." he explained.

Instagram v. 42

1. Bret showing his ninja skills
2. Then the rain came.
3. Followed by the sun. A family that plays together stays together.
4. Chod looks for any excuse to ride the boys bikes.
5. A blue fish for the birthday boy!
6. Old Navy's newest mannequin. Right before he got yelled at.
7. Crafting Chicks survive Vegas public transportation and a downpour.
8. Our matching Donny shirts.
9. Tri School Trot. Bentley set his goal to run 12 laps, or 3 miles and he did it!

Instagram v. 41

1. Sick kids and no milk in the house = Friday night escape.
2. Run Chod Run. Top of Utah Half
3. Hard at work
4. Game day. Flag flying and a the driveway already for the 1st Aggie football game of the season.
5. I've been an Aggie fan long before they had a winning season. Flashback to Utah vs USU 1999.
6. Wilkins Reunion at Peterson Barn.
7. Wilkins Ninja Warrior
8. Lincoln climbing the net
9. Derek using every ounce of strength in his toe nail to complete his challenge

Instagram v.40

1. Someone forgot to pack clothes (or rather they were packed and he unpacked them to fit in all the toys he wanted to bring) so he got to wear these shorts all reunion weekend. Including to church.
2. Purdue grad student on vacation and reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid
3. She's a fan of corn
4. Just took the right incentive to get Bentley to tie his shoes. New shoes and not being allowed to wear them until he could tie them was all it took.
5. Rough group.
6-7. We visited every bull on Main Street in downtown. The boys loved it.
8. First Day of Second grade and the beginning of dual immersion.
9. Big check mark next to my visiting teaching.

Bentley's 1st Day of 2nd Grade

 Today Bentley started 2nd grade, and Portuguese Dual Immersion.

He is kind of excited about it.

Super Stephens Reunion 2013

The Stephens Reunion had the theme of "Super Stephens" and the kids had so much fun at Super Hero training.

They had to be lightning fast through the obstacle course, dead on with the marshmallow guns, destroy kryptonite, have stellar x-ray vision, and agile with Wiggle-Lo.

At the end Grandma and Grandpa told each grandkid what their super power was.

Bentley-obedient
Lincoln-courage
Gracie-cheerful