Two Deviated Points;;Ooops ,no funding for you..Sorry.

I got a call last week which I have internalised until we sorted out the implications and ramifications. It appears that Mr 5 has an IQ of 74, Vineland 68, Verbal 77 Overall performance of 73. Regardless of what this might mean in the "real" world; to DET and the CEO, it means absolutely SFA. Nada, Zilch. No dice. With regards to any sort of funding to help him at school..Let alone him qualifying to go to the specialist school part time. Whilst I am happy that his IQ scored high, this is within the two deviated points allowed so he well may be a 70 or 69.5 and has been marked up..We will never know because once the scores indicate over the required level a written report is not done. So I have scores and I will have a written speech path. Report and hopefully a diagnosis report from his pediatrician and that is all the school will have to help them learn to teach him..It ABSOLUTELY SUCKS. The school can use existing funding the help him but this won't happen. We need to find a really good S/P to take over from his EIP S/P as once at school he cannot access the program and we need a S/P who will work with the teachers. We need a teacher who can think outside the square and can modify and adapt the curriculum to his learning capabilities. Over 80% of the tasks and things he has learnt to date have been via inventive and round about ways rather than the norm.
The special education unit at the Catholic Education Office really needs a kick in the pants as apart from not being advertised on the CEO website ( what don' t they want add. needs kids in their schools? ) the amount or lack of empathy I received was contaray to the ideologies of the teaching of Catholicism, let me say that. No one seems to want to tell me what paperwork they require to even help them to help him..I am more than happy to get reports needed but TELL ME WHAT IT IS YOU NEED!!! Apart from the principal not returning my calls , I had already told him Mr 5 had missed the funding bus so of course we are of no consequence because we are not worth any extra $$$ to the school. I have to contend with trying to get an IEP (individual education program) for him and convincing him to let me have the teacher I want. This is my son's step into the stage of formal education, I need a director who can direct and motivate him, a venue he is not afraid of and an audience who appreciates his interpretation of life.

Girls Weekends...Don't you wish you knew what goes on??

Well, I am back in land of the breathing, not living exactly as still have asthma, but able to function. The weekend away was GREAT!! Nice food, great company, lots of laughs, nice food, great books, lots of laughs, no kids or hubbies. I can recommend Cafe Medici on the Docklands Boardwalk for a great meal and if you are into people watching, a great source of fun and commentary. Gold Class cinema at the casino is to die for, I had never been, only heard of it, and although very decadent..Is worth saving for a special occasion or night out. I could not believe the number of families a the Casino complex, near the food court and Circus galactic or whatever they call it..If we are taking out kids to places like this for entertainment; is it any wonder the country has a gambling problem. I think you should not be allowed to take kids any where near the complex..The idea that the "children's entertainment area" is even in a casino, lends itself to the question of underage kids getting into the casino to gamble..I saw at least 3 of dubious ages heading towards the main complex. But, hey that's my issue, I don't even bet on the Melbourne Cup or buy Tattslotto tickets. Anyway, we shopped(or two of us did) the other being pregnant, decided that staying in the apartment with free access to Foxtel without a child asking for Nick Jnr or Disney was relaxing enough. She also had a nap, totally uninterrupted. After three plus hours of shopping, I had vouchers from my birthday to use to..We came back to sit, eat and read for hours and hours of uninterrupted bliss until we went to the piccies.Sunday was Girls Day In at a place called Natskin which has all sorts of packages, we had manicures, pedicures , full body salt scrubs and full body massages...So much luxury was absolute bliss and they are really nice people. Not much for manicures, my nails are short and long nails and kids don't go together, plus I garden a bit so it was quite an experience. Have had the other treatments before at Daylesford and love them. You are soooooo sleepy when you return. I was in bed by 8.00 that might and slept through until 07.45!!!!!

Charlie And The Chocolate Factory..Or how to ruin children's Literature

Have now seen the Johnny Depp version of "Charlie And The Chocolate Factory" a few times now on DVD (don't ask, if I tell you, you will have to be buried in the yard with the others who asked)and I am unimpressed...Very much so. I have been told that they have used Dahl's original story line with the underlying premise as to why Willy Wonka becomes a chocolate guru along with much more of the original book....But for the life of me am unable to locate this "original" work anywhere (still trying though). I loved the 1960/70 Gene Wilder version as do my kids and the version of the book everyone knows to date is great also. But this film is something else, directed by Tim Burton, with only writing credits to Dahl, it is rated PG13(USA) as it has violence,language and sexual references. One liners like "never come between a squirrel and his nuts" emit a chortle from the parents but are lost on under 10's ,I think. It is "Clock Work Orange "like in cinematography and none to easy for kids to follow. Johnny Depp REALLY does look like he took make up lessons from Marilyn Manson and as Willy Wonka is just plain rude and not mischievous like Wilder was. But I guess Depp had to develop the character the way he saw it...But what was he on when he read the script, is my question.

I would NOT recommend it to any child under 10 despite all the hype, it's not an under 10-12 film, definitely not for the littlies. The magic of the waterfall room is missing, the children are more than just naughty.They are destructive, the wonderment of each new room visited is lost as somewhere along the way Wonka insults someone or has these scary "flashbacks" which without giving away the story; would stop any under 10 ever visiting the dentist again let alone having orthodontic work done. Totally unimpressed, people and I think Nestle should remove itself from promotion of the film.

I am still sick, on antibiotics and have asthma pretty bad, Mr Almost 3 has been diagnosed with ...SURPRISE SURPRISE ....Asthma....Activity induced...Great, just like Mum used to have. Bonus is I grew out of it at 14 and it came back during pregnancy 1# and is now virally induced like Miss 8"s who has almost grown out of it...Or is so damn healthy she doesn't catch colds or such any more(touch wood).

Two and bit days(have to count today as it's not over and never been one to wish a day away) till the GIRLS WEEKEND AWAY. But who's counting....
Ok that 's it, people, don't forget to eat your brussel sprouts and teach the budgie to say rude words. Bye

Coughs, Capital Punishment,Harry Potter and Me

I have a COLD ...all say AWWWWWWW, I am coughing and such, I have taken my sure fire "Ease A Flu" natural stuff and eliminated the runny nose, etc part of the thing but my asthma playing up and as Mr Almost 3 has been coughing also, decided to make a Dr's appointment for later today for us both. OK ,onwards and forward.

Read an interesting article in Saturdays "Good Weekend"(September 3, 2005) in an incisive piece entitled "Sympathy For a Devil" , Alex Kotlowitz looks at the crime, trial and outcome of a capital offence in the town of Indianapolis, USA. The crime was captured on the shop tape, the culprit confessed, and as the State Prosecutor told a reporter..."There isn't a jury in the world..That would not recommend the ultimate penalty in this case, the death penalty" Out of 38 death penalty states in the USA, 33 of them leave the final decision of of death with the jury not the judge. Jurors are given a 24 page questionnaire about the death penalty as part of the elimination process, they all told the court that yes they could vote to end a persons life...a mandatory condition to sit on capital crimes cases. In the end, all 12 rescinded on the death penalty and gave life imprison instead. It make interesting reading, given that Australia gave up such ideals decades ago but there are still those who call for its reinstatement. The advent of DNA testing and errors in evidence processing have left way for multiple appeals on various grounds in many areas of crime. The Govenor of Illinois has, since 2000, had a moratorium on executions due the high number of wrongful convictions...Where would we be today if Lindy Chamberlain had been convicted under a capital offence and met the death penalty??? The NT Government would still be paying compensation until Hell froze over!!! Articles like this need to be bought to the forefront of the argument against capital punishment as it is logical, non subjective and shows the truth in human nature.

I finished Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince, yes I know I took my time but a good read needs to be savored like a fine wine..OK. I had actually decided that if it was like the Order Of the Phoenix I would not continue reading the HP series...but Rowling has lifted her game again. Might be just me, but I enjoy descriptive prose, I like to know what a room looks like and what the characters are eating and where they are going and what the surrounds look like. Maybe as Order was set mainly in the one place or that HP was getting frustrated and therefore so was I, that I did not enjoy it. But I have been reinvented in HP after the HBP and will read the next installment with gusto. Thank you JK Rowling for a great read!!!

COUNTDOWN..... fours days till GIRLS WEEKEND AWAY... And yes as per every other year I have got sick just in time to go. Being anally retentive and having a GREAT dislike for change I think it is my bodes way of reacting to the forthcoming change and saying " hay what do the think you are f&^%$(ing well doing? Going away, leaving spouse and children to fend for themselves for 48 long arduous hours? Am a tad concerned, 1st year I went hubby bought a DVD player, last year he negotiated price and signed papers for the new house, what will I come home to this year is anyone's guess???

Seven Things....

I got tagged by Brian to do the meme of SEVEN:

SEVEN THINGS YOU PROBABLY DID NOT KNOW ABOUT MR. BRIAN
1: Mr Brian is really the reincarnate of Hemingway
2: He actually loves the drive to work as he puts on gospel music and sings aloud during the trip..And you all thought his observations were what he wrote about...hahah
3: He once was lost for two days, he was found in his boxers wandered about Washington in a disoriented state, asking "where's George Porgey?" I wanna anuther drink"
4: He has been to Area 51, don't ask, he can't remember.
5: He has a night light and has it on all night
6: He like to sleep in jammies with feet in them and a flap at the back
7: He has been to Ibiza on a mysterious interlude with an international man of intrigue and dubious vocal skills, David Beckham.

SEVEN THINGS I HAVE NEVER DONE AND MAY NEVER DO:

1: Bungey jumped
2: Windsurfed
3: Wild water rapid trip
4: Lesbian relationship
5: Have un questioning faith in the decisions of the Catholic Church
6: Taken illicit/illegal drugs intravenously ( too scared of needles and being out of control)
7: Enjoy or understood the enjoyment of football

SEVEN THINGS I DID NOT DO THIS PAST WEEKEND:
1: Kiss a woman
2: Smoke (anything)
3: Drink alcohol
4: Go swimming
5: Sunbathe
6: Wear a G string
7: Wear high heels

SEVEN TIMES I HAVE ALMOST DIED OR BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED:
1: Was born 3 weeks premature, weighing 4lbs, 7oz, 19 inches long....Spent first 2 months of my life in hospital with the Drs telling my parents the best thing for them was my mum to get pregnant again ASAP as I was not going to live.
2: Aged 2, at my brothers baptism , wandered about draining beer bottles of the guests ( this was a LOOOONG time ago and when people thought it cute to give littlies a sip of beer)I got alcohol poisoning and was in hospital for a week.
3: Aged 3 onwards....Constant bronchitis infections complicated by asthma, 2 bouts of pneumonia.
4: Age 5 or 6:Jumped from the verandah roof because my cousin told me I could fly if I believed in fairies as they would help me. As I was taken to hospital, she told me I mustn't believe in fairies otherwise I would not have been hurt. I broke both ankles and various other bones in my feet.
5: Age 9?:Fell down the stairs at school and hit my head, got up and slipped in the blood from the split in my head, fell and broke my wrist.
6: Age 15; Self imposed dietary regime, less than 1000 calories a day, whilst walking 10 kms to school (got off the bus 5 stops early) playing softball, tennis, swimming squad, and doing drama and dance. Rode bike 10 plus kms per night. Got extremely run down, got pneumonia and was hopitalised for 3 weeks.
7: Age 22? Trip back from Wagga Wagga with then boyfriend ( now husband) he fell asleep whilst driving, I was asleep, awoke to sensation of the car traveling sideways, spun across double lanes we were traveling in, onto double lanes of oncoming traffic. Hit NOTHING and NO ONE HIT US. Not a tree, not a car, not a truck.

Finally, seven people to tag:
1:Guruann
2:More Australian Ramblings
3: Creative Mechanisms
4:Crritic
5: Not the 6 O' Clock News
6: Jamie
7: Caz

If people are too busy, whatever, its ok...Just a bit'o fun. Remember the the first section is about the tagger, the others are about the taggee. Enjoy and say hello to your cat. hehehehehe

Anagrams

Got this little lot from "Lets Talk About Dyspraxia" the newsletter of the ADASG, it was sent as an e.mail, author is unknown but as the editor says someone has WAAAAAAY too much time on their hands or is absolutely deadly at Scrabble.

DORMITORY rearrange letters to DIRTY ROOM
PRESBYTERIAN rearrange letters to BEST IN PRAYER
ASTRONOMER rearrange letters to MOON STARER
DESPARATION rearrange letters to A ROPE ENDS IT
THE EYES rearrange letters to THEY SEE
GEORGE BUSH rearrange letters to HE BUGS GORE
THE MORSE CODE rearrange letter to HERE COME DOTS
SLOT MACHINES rearrange letters to CASH LOST IN ME
ANIMOSITY rearrange letters to IS NO AMITY
ELECTION RESULTS rearrange letters to LIES-LET'S RECOUNT
MOTHER IN LAW rearrange letters to WOMAN HITLER
SNOOZE ALARMS rearrange letters to ALAS, NO MORE Z'S
A DECIMAL POINT rearrange letters to I'M A DOT IN PLACE
THE EARTHQUAKES rearrange letters to THAT QUEER SHAKE
ELEVEN PLUS TWO rearrange letters to TWELVE PLUS ONE

Three truths and A Lie..Now the truth

OK , here it is the winner is Jamie I am shocked that anyone could consider that I would have told a Federal MP to FO (snigger,snigger snigger). No folks,unfortunately most of the contact I had with MP's was work related and although I had much cause and many opportunities to tell them where to go...I DID NOT!!!

1. Yes, I did extra subjects in Year 12 (it took 14 months to get the then VISE approval)and wanted to study vet science but hated maths and had mastered physics, biology, etc much to surprise of the teachers who thought it implausible any one could apply a maths solution without a Math 1 or 2 background. So I did English, Literature, European History, Legal Studies, Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Drama. And they still wouldn't let me into study vet science even with a score of over 380. The count used was first four subject scores added and 10% of others.

2. Yes, I have impersonated a police officer. I was 19, at uni and was driving home from uni and inadvertently got stuck on a left hand turn /straight ahead lane at a set of lights, sat there as I was going straight ahead, with the guy behind beeping and gesturing to the point I thought he'd have a seizure. I was on "P" plates (probationary license) and was not going to go through against the lights. Lights change, I travel on and Mr "Bust a Blood Vessel" follows me in his Mercedes (see I remember all) When I stopped at shops near home I realise he was still there, I got out to go to the shops and Mr Bombastic approaches bellowing fit to bust a gut. This guy had followed me over 15 kms in order to vent his tiny mind!!!! After he kept yelling, "what have you to say for yourself??" I told him I was sorry but he could have turned when the lights changed, he just kept going and going, So I told him to "shut up, buzz off cause I was a cop". So there you go...Next thing I know, four hours later, there is a knock on the door at home and my dads friend Ben is there (Snr Sgt at the local copshop) Mr Mercedes has gone and complained; not about me saying I was a cop...But about the BEHAVIOR of the cop who was in the wrong lane LMAO. Remember I was 19, dressed..Let's call it Army Surplus grunge...And at the time had pink hair...This guy actually believed me. So after a "talking to" from Uncle Ben, all was forgotten. The guy was a wanker anyway, words of Snr Sgt Ben not me.

3. I DID fail my learners FOUR times....The learners was a written test with questions like "who do you give way to if you are car A" together with a diagram, and road signs where you had to write what you had to do when you approached them. There was one easy as pie test every one wanted to get but they are given out randomly. Being naturally left handed but having that forced out of me at school..I have trouble setting a table, let alone working out left from right in an abstract model like on paper( no, I cannot read road maps either without them facing the direction of travel)so I failed the test four times because I could never work out who gave way to whom. Don't worry though, it works when am behind the wheel of a car. *hehehehehehe*

So there you are.

Three Truths and A Lie

Can't help myself really ;I cannot; with these little jaunts into my life via various medians. Got this from Jamies NEW, IMPROVED Blog and thought it sounded like fun. I will give you three statements about me and you have to choose which is a lie.
1) I completed my final year of high school with excess of the usual 5 subject load permitted
2) I have impersonated a police officer
3) I failed my learners permit 4 times (written format)
4) I once told a federal politician, to his face, to "F&%$ Off"

So people, your choice, which is the lie. Please feel free to explain why you think it is a lie, I'd be interested. I will announce the lie tomorrow and explain the rest for the curious. Until then, don't forget to change your undies. LMAO..God ,I'm in a funny mood today..Watch out!!!

The Word According to ???????????

The Courts, long though they be established and steep in Law...Are wrong,
The judiciary, except for the ones still living in the 17th century, and despite the fact they they are considered by the rest of mainstream society to be learned enough to be given the position..Are even more wrong,
"Socialist bleeding hearts like Fr Norden" are wrong, wrong, wrong for believing what his Church and God taught him and believing there is good to be found in everyone. He is a Socialist because I say so, a bleeding heart because he cares for those I don't care about.
Any one who has ever done any thing wrong, does not deserve a second chance..Because I say so.
People who question what I say, on an intellectual level...Do not deserve my glorious response and they are wrong too.
Any one accused of anything is guilty; even before a trial ;because they are wrong and I am right,
Any one convicted of anything never serves enough time in prison and has no rights in society because I say so,
Any one who I say should be punished by capital punishment, should be, because I am right and they are WRONG,
Any one who disagrees with my ideals is wrong or a caviar communist or a socialist bleeding heart or a leftie commie calathumpian or all of the above and is wrong also
Any one convicted of a crime is a cretin, so sayeth me
For I am ????????, the man with no mates, accuser of the innocent, savior to the redneck,and model for the downfall of human rights.
I am the word , the tosser and the politically defunct.
(Amen is not allowed as that implies religious belief )

Hysteria, Mobs and other Manic Afflictions

I have to wonder about the mentality of some folks, I really ,really do. Given that this subject has been taken up by various other local blogs such as Not the 6 O' Clock News I just had to vent my spleen on the matter instead of continuing a ongoing commentary in the comments of other blogs. The situation being that a convicted pedophile was apparently in Sunbury some time ago visiting his family, he has been paroled and is under parole conditions. I cannot condone nor understand the actions, drives or mindset of such people but he served his time and was paroled, albeit he committed the crimes in another state and came to our town to visit family..He was here a few days. Enter the great white knight of the people, JAKAS (Jack Also Known As Steve) Medcraft: local COUNCIL representative and self appointed advocate of all he believes to be wrong with the world ( the Word According to JAKAS). Any way one thing lead to another and a mob developed out side the home of this persons family and he was not even there!!!! The people who were there were local and took their children there also...Now let me get this straight, you are concerned for the welfare of your children, you take them to the house where there is no pedophile, to witness verbal abuse and mob mentality of the family who live there who left with crying and distraught children...This taught your children what exactly?? That dad is a YOBBO???

Given that the whereabouts of the parolee would have been known to the police as parole conditions would have been such that he would have had to report to them...I doubt the police would not have been checking the whereabouts of the parolee. I do not think that they would have given out the address as it would have been contary to the Privacy Act and endangering the lives of the occupants, plus would have caused the police to have to watch out for this KKK style rally which was insidiously organised.

I cannot understand the ideals of such people, as the sister of someone who was sexually abused, I know for a fact that victims want to forget the past as much as possible; closure comes with the incarceration of the perpetrator. This sort of action does nothing for the victim and they rarely , if ever ,attend such gatherings. The ideal that they are doing it for the victim is a furphy as the victims in this case are not local nor even in the SAME STATE!!! Protecting your children, from what ...a 70 plus year old man worn down by years in prison with the label of "rock spider" who would have spent most of his time in lock down security for his own protection, from an old man whose every move would have been monitored by family and police..Oh, yes and the Bogeyman lives under your bed too , I bet.

Victims do not want nor need the sort of vigilante style protest as demonstrated in our town on Sunday, I do not want my town associated with the term "red neck", I do not expect my locally elected officials to undertake my "protection" in this or any other manner like this, I do not want nor need the dangerous, insidious, underhanded fears of a self appointed white knight to speak for me or mine. I was bought up to believe that forgiveness is divine and if the victims are able to move on from this , who are we to undertake their so called cause for our own perceived publicity gains?

Do do do do do do What is It??? 

Four in a row., name now known... Way to go, little man

Now I am not one to judge a child's successes on the amount of friends they have or such, I just want Mr 5 to have a friend; a real friend, some one to play with as an equal and such..For the experience as there are no kids at his kindy going to his school next year. Suddenly he has not one, not two but FOUR , count them people..They are on my fridge door...PARTY INVITATIONS over the next four weekends!!!!!! Admittedly, one is a joint brother/sister one whose parents are old, old friends of ours but they all count...Sounding pathetic now aren't I???

To see him go from the dejected boy of several weeks ago who stood in line whilst invites to another child's party were being handed out..To be told "I don't want you at my party" to the boy who told his pediatrician this morning that he was going to FOUR parties..Complete with five fingers..Makes me sob. This same boy who today almost wrote his name in the doctors office at the doctors behest and the same guy who attends all his toileting needs (almost) by himself (thank you to the gods of Hot Wheels and Lego for bribery incentives) is going to FOUR parties.
So after the Drs' visit and dropping Daddy at work, off we went to Mattel ( I have a membership card for the Toy shop there, nah nah nah nah)to get presents for all these parties we are going to attend, plus a few bribes for Mr Almost 3 who is in TT (toilet training) in a BIG way.

My little boy is growing up on Wednesday I had to order his school uniform and we still do not know if he will qualify for the specialist school part time. So we are traveling in a void at the moment, he will attend the mainstream, either way, just what help he will get if there full time is unknown until January 2006...So if he gets nothing we have to find a speech therapist who will travel to the school and work with the teachers. Just a tad short notice, I think.

Any way on a brighter note Mr 5 has been busy in the yard making things, any one who cares to tell me what they think the picture preceeding is,please do..I know what it is, but do you know the mind of a 5year old???

Ten Things You Need to Know About My Sons World

Carrying on with the theme of a few posts ago, I decided to list ten things (although there are probably more) about Mr 5 and dyspraxia that people probably do not know. There are many people with dyspraxia in the world; some are diagnosed and others are not. Given that Dyspraxia awareness Week(1st -8th September, 2005) commences here in September, I thought it an opportune time to help increase awareness via my blog.

1. Dyspraxia affects more boys than girls, often it is not picked up as soon as it should because of the the adage "boys develop slower than girls". If you think something is amiss, say so; if you feel the Dr. Dismisses it..See someone else. I always have said "Your right, your child, their voice".

2. Poor gross and fine motor skills, however dyspraxic kids such as Mr 5 become dab hands at avoidance and manipulation away from things they cannot do or afraid to try. They will feign non interest when all the other kids are climbing, cycling, kicking balls, etc but be watching carefully to try and learn. One on one play away from others sometimes helps until they master some of the skills needed..We kicked a soccerball about in the yard for most of the year, he only started trying it a kinder two weeks ago.

3.Poor handwriting is one of the most common symptoms, these children do not need to be told their handwriting is poor, they can see that they are not as good as their peers. Dr Rosemary Sassoon (Handwriting expert)believes they should be judged against their own best efforts and to progress in a relaxed way. Mr 5 hates pen/pencil work and is still learning to hold a pencil in the proper manner. Tracing letters formed from dots helps to keep lines straight and pressure off the actual order the letters come in. (courtesy of "Let's Talk About Dyspraxia" Issue no36)

4. Sequencing is also a problem, he does not understand the sequences of time, actions, or those involved in learning (number and letter sequences) pattern recognition is difficult. If told we are doing/going somewhere after lunch and it is 0900, he believes that in eating lunch now brings the "after lunch" event to fruition. He does not recognise the consequences of actions, such as running in front of a moving swing, car, lawnmower. There is a "blank" as to what happens if I do this or that...even if asked, he is unable to reconcile the cause/effect relationship.

5. Dyspraxic children are very aware of their perceived limitations, I say perceived; because Mr 5 today does things he would not have tried a year ago or 2 years ago. His SP has taught him that a "try is as good as a do" in all things. We encourage and celebrate all trying and accomplished tasks, in doing so teach him that it's not the completion of the task that matters but the attempt.

6. Dribbling by some children is, often, not related to any one thing. It could be a excess of saliva, new teeth, learning a new sound or just need for oral stimulation. Mr 5 dribbled when he was getting his first ADULT bottom tooth (about 4 weeks ago) after nothing for months, when he learnt the letter "p", when learning a new physical task, and generally when he forgets to close his mouth...He is just gently reminded to wipe his mouth and close it. Until 3 months ago he had a "chewy" which was a piece of surgical tubing, knotted at each end, which if he felt the need to chew something, he was directed to.

7. Eating can be a trial for these children, many will resort to routine foods they are comfortable with. Mr 5 rarely ate meat until a six month ago...It was hard for him to chew and chewing was not his forte. They will balk at any changes in diet, and often want the same for breakfast, lunch and tea. Mr 5 has always been a big milk drinker, likes juice (but this is limited to breakfast) he prefers peanut butter to Vegemite, likes cheese in slabs, not slices and I have been lucky that he loves fruit. I discovered from the SP that these children often like sauce with food (tomato, BBQ, whatever) as the sauce helps to break up the food in the mouth as they chew. I never had this occur but at the age of 2 ,Mr 5 would tip his cup of water on his plate and eat the sodden food..Makes sense now.

8. My experience and that of other parents I have spoken with; tells me there is something amiss with the sleeping habits of dyspraxic children. Now this is only MY OPINION, not medically proven to my knowledge, as dyspraxia cannot be diagnosed until 2.5-3years of age. But it seems most children who later are diagnosed with the condition were really bad sleepers in the beginning, sleeping for 45 minutes in the day only, from day one was Mr 5's story. Consequently, you have an overtired and irate bub. What is going on in these little brains that is so important that they cannot sleep? And is the lack of the ability to sleep related to the misfiring synapses which are believed to be the cause of dyspraxia?? Like I said, only my opinion but I really wonder.

9. Because you see a parent in a shop, park, where ever, yelling at the child to "come back", "be careful" does not mean the child is naughty or disobedient. Dyspraxic children have a problem with receptive language..That is they have trouble processing commands to actions. So the repeating of the command reinforces the action, perhaps together with the signing or actually showing the child what needs to be done.

10. Expressive language is often a problem too, together with a vocabulary which is marred with errors and an inability to make themselves understood, dyspraxic children often resort to grunting, pointing or even taking the person to the item they want. Patience, alternative methods of understanding, and the encouragement to "use the words" all help to increase the usage of words, number of words used, ability to use them in context and not only the child's willingness to use the known words but also the wanting to know "what that named".

This is but a small part of what I have experienced since Mr 5 was diagnosed, it is not the "be all and end all" and will never encompass all I know or have learnt. It is not a medical text nor do I have any real medical knowledge, only what I glean from reading more about the condition. It serves only to inform, encourage and generally let people know that the condition exists and that there are ways to help and there are rest stops along the trip, complete with drinks and ice creams.

COUNTDOWN.................

ONLY 2 DAYS TO GO NOW............. NOT SURE WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN BUT SOMETHING WILL HAPPEN (OR 2IC WILL BE REDUNDANT!!!!)
I SOOOOOOOLOVE BIRTHDAYS MAYBE CAUSE EVERY ONE I REMEMBER AS A CHILD WAS FUN AND SUSPENSE FILLED, SO AS A TREAT I AM GOING TO LIST EVERY PRESENT I EVER GO FOR MY BIRTHDAY....DON'T WANT TO KNOW...TUFF. YOU MAY NOW LEAVE THE BLOG.....GONE ARE YOU?? GOOD, WE DON'T WANT YOUR TYPE HERE ANY WAY. NOW EVERYONE SITTING COMFORTABLY?, FINGERS READY TO SCROLL? PREPARE FOR A TRIP INTO MY PAST........................................................
1ST 3FOOT PANDA BEAR, WHICH I STILL HAVE

2ND SQUEAKY BELLY TEDDY WITH MOVABLE ARMS AND LEGS...STILL HAVE IT, HIS NAME IS "TED"

3RD PUZZLE BLOCKS WHICH HAVE A DIFFERENT PART OF A PUZZLE IN EACH SIDE...STILL HAVE THEM TOO

4TH HANDKNITTED JUMPER MY MUM MADE AND MY FIRST BOOK : FARMYARD ANIMALS. THE JUMPER WAS LIGHT BLUE ANGORA TYPE WOOL AND I HATED IT BECAUSE IT MADE MY ARMS ITCH, I STILL HAVE BOTH BUT NEVER MADE MY DAUGHTER WEAR THE JUMPER

5TH MY OWN PUPPY, A PURE BRED AUSTRALIAN TERRIER, WHOM I CALLED MITZI...SHE LIVED TO THE AGE OF 19.

6TH I GOT A BIRTHDAY PARTY, I INVITED GIRLS I WANTED TO BE FRIENDS WITH AT SCHOOL...3 OUT OF 5 CAME AND THEY PLAYED BY THEMSELVES.

7TH A "VELVET" DOLL, THEY HAD HAIR THAT COME OUT OF THE BACK OF THEIR HARD SO YOU COULD HAVE LONG OR SHORT HAIR ON THE DOLL..I GAVE IT TO MY COUSIN.

8th A "BABY CHRIS' DOLL THIS WAS THE SAME AS THE VELVET DOLL BUT A BABY, FUNNILY IT WAS TWICE THE SIZE AS THE VELVET DOLL EVEN THOUGH IT WAS A BABY. NOT SURE WHAT HAPPENED TO IT. OH AND I GOT A DOLLS CRADLE FOR THE DOLL TOO.

9th MY FIRST SET OF DERWENT PENCILS AND A DRAWING PAD

10th MY GUITAR, I HAD BEEN LEARNING FOR 3 YEARS ON MY TEACHERS ONE.

11th 2ND SET OF DERWENT PENCILS (WATERCOLOURS)

12TH A PARTY...TOOK SIX YEARS TO GET OVER THE LAST FIASCO AND DID NOT WANT ANOTHER..THIS ONE WAS FUN.

13TH CHEMISTRY SET

14TH WATCH

15TH EARS PIERCED

16TH BRACELET (I WAS AT BOARDING SCHOOL OS, AND MUM SENT IT TO ME)

17TH TRIP TO TASMANIA (SCHOOL CAMP)

18TH BRACELET..I CHERISH THIS ONE AS IT WAS THE LAST BIRTHDAY PRESENT MY MUM GAVE ME, ITS IRREPARABLY BROKEN BUT I STILL HAVE IT.

19TH DAD FORGOT MY BIRTHDAY AS IT WAS ONLY A FEW MONTHS AFTER MY MUM DIED, I PAID FOR MY FLIGHT TO QUEENSLAND AND STAYED FOR THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS..BUMMING ABOUT

20TH MY FATHER GAVE ME $100, I PUT IT TOWARDS MY END OF UNI TRIP

21ST A PARTY AND THEN TO THE SNOW THE NEXT DAY ...OOOOOOOOHHH

22ND A TEDDY BEAR(BIG ONE) I HAVE A THING FOR THEM....2IC HAS BEEN GIVING THEM TO ME FOR BIRTHDAYS, CHRISTMAS, ANNIVERSARIES FOR MUCH OF OUR BC LIFE TOGETHER...AC WE DECIDED I HAD ENOUGH AND WOULD HAVE TO SHARE THEM ANYWAY (NOT.WON'T AND DON'T)

23RD-30TH TEDDY BEARS AND OTHER STUFF
30TH PARTY AT A RESTAURANT(I organised it myself)

As I don't want to a) bore any one to death
b) let any one know how old I will be
the birthdays stop at 30 I am thinking of taking upon myself the policy of my friends father who has been 27 for as long as I have known him despite his oldest daughter being 44!!! So I am and always will be 25.

Some fun and some nice things....

This is just nice, I thought. Believe it
But I also liked Hillary for President 2008
And one for the kiddies....Pootin Tootin
Look just go to Justsaywow for some laughs ok???

Breath slowly and deeply.........................

As I have ranted before ; I have some big ISSUES with the parents at Mr 5's kindy. Today was "Grandparents Day" or as amended "Special Persons Day" at kindy from 0830 to 1000. Now our children have one grandfather(Granda) and one grandmother (Nana). Given that many families do not reside in the same locale, suburb or often state as their parents , I found this "day' to be more about the parents wants than the children actual needs. Little if any benefit could be found in the twenty plus odd "extra"adults in the room pandering to their little "dearests" whims. Yes, maybe I am bitter ;as my father being an older parent who lives over 60kms away and has a life totally of his own (good on him at almost 80) could not possibly fathom the need to travel so far for so little..What ,a cup of tea and a biccie!!! He prefers to see his grandchildren at home or at his place, he has not the need to show them off in front of others like trinkets, he knows how great they are!!! My MIL lives 30+km away, she is widowed and does not drive, she does not fare well on public transport and a trip here would be too much...Collecting her for the event would have been logistically impossible, plus she has umpteen specialist appointments.

So despite the photos with grandparents and hugs and such which my son missed out on because all our family live too far away to come as "special people", he was relatively unscathed by the event. His "special person" today was one of the aides, as it seems most kids had someone there today. I think it a shame that parents neglect the fact that just because their family unit is such a way that all are the same, its like the celebrating of Mothers and Fathers day at kinder or creche...So many children come from split homes or re married ones where there are step parents or some are even in the care of family other than parents. It happens, just because it is not within the realm of your little Barbie, peachy-keen, Tupperware,love my new Dolce jeans world..Does not mean it does not exist. I feel sorry for such kids as it only makes them more aware of what others perceive to be their differences. The best thing I can offer such children ( and parents) is to be themselves; 'cause that's was pisses off the establishment of designer label ,wearing heels with jeans,dinners out without the children, blond tipped brigade of fakes we have the bad luck of having to share this world with.

Now on a nicer note, I found this song on Supermoms site, she kindly printed the words and I will try and set up the link for the film clip and the song...It 's wonderful with Fathers day coming along and made me cry when I heard it. And if you find C&W a bit too much, have a listen anyway.

Butterfly Kisses" Bob Carlisle- lyrics and video link
Bob Carlisle - Butterfly Kisses Lyrics

There's two things I know for sure:

She was sent here from heaven and she's daddy's little girl.

As I drop to my knees by her bed at night

She talks to Jesus and I close my eyes and I thank god for all the joy in my life

Oh, but most of all

For butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer;sticking little white flowers all up in her hair; "Walk beside the pony, Daddy, it's my first ride."

"I know the cake looks funny, Daddy, but I sure tried."

In all that I've done wrong I know I must have done something right to deserve a hug

every morning and butterfly kisses at night.

Sweet 16 today

She's looking like her mama a little more everyday

One part woman, the other part girl.

To perfume and make-up from ribbons and curls

Trying her wings out in a great big world.

But I remember Butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer; sticking

little white flowers all up in her hair.

"You know how much I love you, Daddy, But if you don't mind I'm only gonna kiss you on the cheek this time."

With all that I've done wrong I must have done something right to deserve her love every morning and butterfly kisses at night.

All the precious time

Like the wind, the years go by.

Precious butterfly.

Spread your wings and fly.

She'll change her name today.

She'll make a promise and I'll give her away.

Standing in the bride-room just staring at her.

She asked me what I'm thinking and I said "I'm notsure-I just feel like I'm losing my baby girl."

She leaned over

Ând gave me butterfly kisses with her mama there,

Sticking little white flowers all up in her hair

"Walk my down the aisle, Daddy-it's just about time."

"Does my wedding gown look pretty, Daddy?

Oh, with all that I've done wrong I must have done something right.

To deserve your love every morning and butterfly kisses-

I couldn't ask God for more, man this is what love is.

I know I gotta let her go, but I'll always remember

every hug in the morning and butterfly kisses.

.All lyrics are property and copyright of their owners.

Not sure how to load the song here but if you follow this link and type the artists name in the search field, you can cry along with every one else.

PALS or Poison?? You decide???

Have to really wonder about people who have sites which incite hatred and malcontent in others . I mean ,each to their own and all that but to hide, what I see as subjective, prejudicial and bias, beneath the guise of justice reform is a bit of a joke.

The site linked to this title is about people against lenient sentencing..Therefore it probably should allow for debate and educated suggestions. Instead, we have the ravings of one individual whose attempts at literary genius make the Cookie Monster look like Bronte'. How do I know it is the one person? Simple matter of syntax, hyperbole, idiom and the underlying supposition that what this person writes will be read by like minded ,vigilante type militants.

Now, I am for punishment of the guilty and agree the judicial system on all levels requires some overhaul. But we are speaking of a system steeped in history, legend, laws, Acts of Parliament, tradition and old school mentality, a system which has taken centuries to get where it is and still does not seem to move in the century in which we live. The lamblasting of judges as being the "softest judges on the bench" and the name calling of convicted persons is tantamount to childish tantrums because no one is taking notice. Perhaps they are, and they are probably the wrong people.

The matters referred to and the instances cited are idiosyncratic of someone who dislikes Catholics or all religions ..."The illustrious Fr. Peter Norden, because of my stand on criminals who set about destroying lives and families with their ruthless actions and total disregard for respect, not to mention Law and Order." Law and Order capitalised is a TV series, I think.

"Further to an earlier story on Gerard McNamara, the former Catholic school headmaster who pleaded guilty to indecently assaulting seven students in the early 70Â’s, it was disappointing but not surprising to see the pathetic comments and subsequent sentence that Judge Jim Duggan handed down."

If you are going to play with the big boys you need to play by their rules, judges are immune to criticism , they are constantlycritiquedd and by wordsmiths of a higher calibere than the author of such childishness could ever hope to achieve. Thinking that the criticism of priests in a quasi vendetta type median will suddenly turn about years of inbuilt "thick skin" in the realms of thejudiciaryy is a joke. Hey, some of them might even be Catholic themselves.Itss not all a WASPS club now.

Another outstanding matter of some note; or maybe it's just me because I am a woman; is the strange absence of any reference to domestic crimes or sexualassaultss against women . There is the one reference regarding the conviction of John Sharpe who killed his wife and child. But nothing on any domestic or sexual crimes against women..This ,to me is a telling omission. Telling of what I am unsure but the site is very subjective in its content.

Why am I wasting time writing about a site which is tantamount to a bullys school yard rants?? Only because it and many others show a side of human nature detested by many, that of the verbal vigilante, the scrawny guy who has sand kicked in his face and wants retribution of a physical kind, the over zealous Bible referring so called "church going" Christian who advocates antiquated credos like "an eye for an eye" and name calls those who disagree with the sentiment. The Neanderthal, myopic who cannot move out of the 18th century in terms of criminology and science, someone who cannot understand the diversity between socially created crime and recidivist crime. Some one who claims to care but really doesn't.

Who is out there??? I wonder

Tell me, tell me , tell me do, who's been looking at my blog today..Have all my friends have fun at play?? Or whatever crap that Miss Helena on "Romper Room " used to carp on with. I got this off Jamie who got it off Brian who got it off Scotty (whose blog I do not know but if Brian will let me know I will publish it and give him more credit)

"Do you read me?""If you read me on a regular/semi regular basis, leave me a comment and let me know. Then post this in your blog and find out who reads you. You'll be surprised how many different people read you, and you never know who you might become friends with."So, I leave it to you. Leave a comment, please!

Just curious as to who is just reading with naught much to say...Still waters run deep, you know. And I'm guessing I may be one of the blogs referred to in Sunbury On Line but as Ann tried to point out about blogging ,many do it for many reasons and under many guises. Thanks Guru, but as I am obviously an "anonymous or unidentifiable individual" SOL saw fit not to print Ann's link to my site. I'm supposing here, that many in Sunburys blogsphere know who I am and if not you can PM me at Sunbury Community Forum and I will let you know..But I'm guessing you know. It never occurred to me to be of any consequence to write under a non de plume but it matters to Jason at SOL...So if you want to know, just ask.

I have had a very strange week in all, we have lost several tropical fish ( one Gurami, three Angelfish and a silvertailed shark) over several days. I may have been over zealous in my feeding...(I do so like to watch them eat) so 2IC says it may be a build up in potassium from food leftovers. (NOTE: I have relegated Mr Supamum to 2IC, LOL, I like it) So once we stabilize the water and retest it , we will be getting some more fish. Tetras (angelfish and the like ) are hard to keep any way...That's my excuse and I'm stickin' with it.

Mr 5 has mastered (almost) proper pencil grip with the help of a big, fat, triangular pen grip you get for occupational therapy and such, if we "warm his fingers up " first with some work with things like playdough or modeling clay, he can replicate the grip but has to be reminded. His O/T was rapt today with his grip, we spent much of Sunday playing with modeling clay and colouring in, so it fell into place as I did not know what was in the agenda for today's session. YAH FOR ME.

CONGRATULATIONS to Mr 5's S/T who is pregnant and not just a bit either, how insular are we that a person we see weekly and sometimes more and who plays such an intricate part of your child's life is 5 MONTHS pregnant and we don't notice until someone else tells us??? I really wonder about what else I am not in tune with after this little oversight. Saving grace is, it wasn't just me who didn't notice.

OK COUNTDOWN NO1# COMMENCES NOW....I HAVE A BIG BIRTHDAY COMING UP AND IN SIX DAYS I WILL BE .............................. ONE YEAR OLDER THAN I AM NOW. SO JEN, IF YOU ARE READING THIS (AND I KNOW YOU ARE) DO NOT TELL ANY NUMBERS BUT PLEASE TELL ME IF 2IC HAS A PARTY PLANNED OR NOT. I AM DYING HERE.

COUNTDOWN NO2: WE HAVE ONLY 4 WEEKS TILL THE ANNUAL "WHAT HAPPENS IN DAYLESFORD, STAYS IN DAYLESFORD" WEEKEND, EXCEPT ITS NOT IN DAYLESFORD THIS YEAR (MAKE ANY SENSE, NO?? GOOD, IT'S AN HAD TO BE THERE JOKE) SO 4 WEEKS FROM NOW THREE GIRLS WILL HAVE 2 NIGHTS CHILDFREE(EXCEPT FOR THE ONE WHO IS PREGNANT), GO SHOPPING, HAVE A GREAT "GIRLS DAY IN " MASSAGE/PEDICURE/MANICURE/FACIAL AND GENERAL LOUNGE ABOUT AND HAVE PEOPLE DO NICE STUFF TO YOU SESSION. BUT WHO'S COUNTING THE DAYS, NOT ME.

Words of Silence...Welcome to My Sons World

I have decided to explain more about Mr 5's condition as it, as all conditions/disabilities do, affects other aspects of his life (and ours).
By the age of 2 you are not talking, you are attempting to talk with ummm, errrr, ummmmm together with intonations which sound like you are trying to have a conversation but in another language. Your granda would say he "talks like a Chinaman" (apologizes to any one of Chinese background or origin) You do not walk until 14 months and spend a lot more time awake than asleep. You would sleep for exactly 45 mins in the day from the time you are born, we attended two sleep clinics (one day stay , one overnight stay) to little or no avail. Your night sleep pattern was 7.00 and you would wake at 0500. When you are still feeding at nights you will wake every 3 hours. "Roll over feeds" did not help with the early waking. I suspected something by the age of 2 but little can be done as males are "late developers" in speech. Remember, this was my second child and I could not possibly put it all down to his sex. We found a speech pathologist and whilst she was good, she was more intent on play orientate speech( which did not always work) and telling me I was doing a "wonderful job" with him. After a visit to the local MCHN with no:3, she asked about your progress and I let her know that I thought something was amiss and was not happy with the SP we were seeing. Over time we refered onto a developmental pediatrician, and by 3 and a half you are in the local early intervention group. Initially your diagnosis was developmental verbal dyspraxia (DVD)with global developmental delay(GDD), that is to say you are delayed in all major gross and fine motor areas as well as speech patterns being irregular. You are unable to tell any one you loved them till he was almost 4, 97% of what you say is unable to be understood by others because the "mispronunciation" is irregular. That is that what might be "bup" for cup , will next time (5 minutes later, 5 days later or 5 months later) be "tup". There is no consistency with the mispronounced words unlike a speech impediment such as lisping. We are lucky that we interact a lot with our children and listen carefully (most times) to what he says so we can try and ascertain what he is telling us. People say I understand him extremely well and always have, but I am with him the most so I had to learn. The condition also encompasses "lost words" that is the word or the knowledge of the word may be there one day but it may "disappear" on another day ...The pathway for the retrieval of that word is lost,ipso facto so is the word. We have yet to have this happen on a permanent basis, only on a irregular temporary basis.

As you can imagine the frustration for a two year old learning to speak is a lot, let alone a two year old who cannot make his needs known or clear. Put that sort of pressure on three year old along with delayed motor skills and toileting and you have a problem. You have lashing out, you have determination to get things for himself rather than ask, attempts to go where he wants instead of asking...Because it is easier than trying to make yourself understood and feeling you have not achieved anything.
At four, you are a boy who is reluctant to try anything new, painting, drawing and art work you just avoid because you feel you cannot do it and are now so very aware of the skill levels of your peers and the perceived inadequacies of your own. You develop safe guards for not attempting these things, crawling about with you forehead on the floor and inciting others to follow suit, throwing things and an old favorite (when you are accomplishing toilet training) needing to go to the toilet.
By five, you are so very aware of things, so alert to the differences between yourself and other children. The fact that your speech is still hard to understand and that the other children call you "baby" hurts you, you are unaware of the consequences of your actions so are a risk to yourself and others, you will try to avoid any or all activities involving structure and or sequencing (apart from jigsaws which you are a absolute wizz at) you'll open doors, windows in an attempt to go outside when every one is inside, and vicea versa. Your toileting skills are where they should have been 18 months ago, but the other children still torment you if you have an accident. Learning new skills is something you do not like to do and numbers and letters are beyond you right now. Your interests revolve around Toy Story characters Buzz and Woody, Thomas the Tank Engine and trains in general, cars and bikes. You dislike ball games but can kick a soccer ball left footed. You like to climb but get stuck on the descent as you forget where to put your feet. You like to try and talk with the other children but they ignore you or use you to chase them when no one wants to be "it " in a game of chasey, they do not reciprocate and take a turn. You stand sadly by as birthday party invites are handed out in front of you and on one occasion stood inline awaiting yours, to be told.."I don't want you at my party"as the mother stood by and shrugs as if to say " what can I do?".

You will struggle to learn most things and the biggest smack in the face your mother got was when a MCHN said "you know he'll never go to uni, don't you?". Well, my darling, blue eyed dream,,, you will do what ever you can and we will get you by whatever means possible. Uni is not the be all and end all..If you want it, you will get it. Because the biggest part of you is your heart and within that lies the strength of determination...You are determined enough to open child proof gates...You can do ANYTHING.

WTF,.......

I was on a total roll and was adding to my last post about Govt interference in parochial and independent schools and I hit a key when I dropped my pen (which one ,who knows) and lost the post and the connection...Now I cannot be bothered getting back on my soap box to restart my rant.

I am in a creative frump right now..I cannot write, just cannot, nothing comes , zilch, nada, zero. It's not writers block, the ideas are there, the words , the syntax, the prose..It just isn't coming out...Maybe I have the equivalent to cognitive constipation or something. Is there a cognitive laxative I could take or do I just read some Jackie Collins and hope it'll loosen up the synapses???

I often write stuff as I think of it, but I'm thinkin' and nothing is coming out of the pen when I put it to paper...Oh well, might as well go fold some washing...........

I am also awaiting the reply from the kinder committee regarding my letter to them of a month ago, I waited until the next meeting so they could have their little "discussion" about it. I know I will get some long winded attempt to justify and minimise their actions but I have nothing to loose now. As another mum ;from the other kinder where the teacher was also; said yesterday "our boys have lost the best thing they ever had in losing X, we have nothing to lose by taking them on" I agree, I am not at the kinder to make friends or influence people..It was for my son.
We have decided to go full on and it will eventually get to the papers along with a tribute to the teachers 15 years in early childhood education. We cannot understand how a similar incident could happen last year to another teacher and that Hume City Council are doing nothing about it ..it is not the parents, so much, (as apart from being IDIOTS)as they are rarely the same from year to year; but the other staff at the centre.

The spaceshuttle landed safely but the program is grounded until they sought out the heat tile problem....Great ,they can put a team in space (one an Aussie) cannot help their own poverty stricken, ain't is a wonderful world?