Our life....

The house is quiet and I can't sleep which is irritating because I work a 16 hour shift tonight and then another shift 8 hours later...So,I figured I would blog and tell you some more Holstein news.

Alison is doing much better. She was actually able to enjoy Megamind with us last night and I think she may have actually ate real food! She has had no temps for 24 hours and has been resting a lot, so I think we are out of the woods with her now.

Edwin is doing well with his new meds, no real side effects but not the results that I would like to see yet....maybe I am still waiting for that magic autism pill. When is that coming out anyway? haha! It would be handy if we could get that before his first ISTEP.

Tobey Jude is a walking miracle this week. We have had sentences, he has identified letters and colors....VERBALLY!!!! Last night he told me "Good night,love bug!". We have been warned that this may just be a "honeymoon" period and not to get our hopes up. But, man that is hard to not get your hopes up on something that you pray for everyday.

I am getting ready to take on 2 new women with special needs at my job. The 2 guys I have are super easy....sweet,funny,loving and an absolute joy to take care of. But, the 2 new ones....they are in a whole different league. These 2 have severe mental issues and because of absolutely no family what so ever to guide them through life and to get them the help they need, they have been tossed through the system and failed by it. Because of paperwork not being filled out by their "family" and no services being given to them they are just left to function in our world, and our world makes no sense to them. I only get 8 hours of week with them and that is all they get.....8 hours! When they are in need of full time care and could possibly be a danger to themselves or others.

Being totally honest....some disabilities scare me. I know that they may sound insane with how much I am involved with special needs. But mental illness can be freaky and if it is ignored....threatening. I really had to think and pray about this one, but I am going to give it a try. I was a little shocked that they even asked me to take them on...honored,that they think I am up to it...but shocked.

So, I am off to start the day with the kids and go to ameeting at Church, take Olivia to dance, get the house ready for company and then off to work. I am now getting to the point that I am looking forward to Mondays! Have a good one.

I'm baaaack!

Hello again my friends....sorry to have left you for so long. We have been busy!!!!! So, here we go!

Alison was in the hospital last night. We thought that she had the flu, we were wrong...after several "diagnosis" and test we were finally told Pneumonia. So, she is resting and on a ton of drugs.

Edwin got suspended last week for punching his teacher....so banner moment there. He had a Dr.appointment today and will be on new drugs in the morning for his moods. I am sure his teacher is anxiously awaiting his return in the morning!

Tobey has become a whole new boy under the new Dr.s care. First off the boy is sleeping!!!!!!!! And his language in the past week is at least 50% better. There has been a difference in school too. He has had no aggression towards himself or anyone else! So, that has been a huge blessing.

So, here is something that you may not know if you don't have special needs kids. Switching meds is super scary at times. You know when you put them to bed that they may wake up a different kid. It may make them more active, it may turn them into a zombie. They could have a seizure or they may have no effect at all.So, you just have to watch them super close and pray for the best. Now, when you have 2 kids on med changes? Well, you are insane and should be getting your own meds.Not for the weak my friends.

My job is going great and I LOVE it. But, I am dragging and we are having a hard time figuring out family time and time with the hubby. We are both simply exausted and it is hard to find time to even talk hardly. We are giving the kids a few more chores and I have CJ helping out with housework and I am buying more convenience foods.So, I am hoping that helps with giving us some more time.

Tonight after we dined on pizza (again) we had a King cake with the kids. Olivia was the lucky kid that found the baby. Emily and Melody fought over the necklaces...they both wanted purple. I have always had a thing about New Orleans....I think we should go there on our next family vacation. Eddie however doesn't see my fascination with it....No beads for him...haha!

Friday night to make up to the kids for being to freaking busy this past week we are having a slumber party!!! We are going to watch Mega Mind and dine on the finest fried food that money can buy, or have taco's. The kids are super excited and so am I to be honest. I have missed the fun stuff with them.

So, that is all for tonight...time to medicate the kids and hope that everyone sleeps tonight...

Oh, quick update on the fish. Tobey put an entire box of Pet Fresh carpet deodorizer in the fish tank. So, after cleaning the 20 gallon tank and Edwin praying over them...they are all alive still 24 hours later! Even Kermit the frog who I think may be autistic....hey it could happen. I seem to attract them!

Precious Stones

So, This Saturday at 1 pm, Cj, my husband and myself will be hosting a potluck dinner at Living Stones Church for all Precious stones families...families with members with special needs.

If you interested, please RSVP on my FB or Eddie's FB. Hope to see you there!!!

We are still alive and kicking...

So, we made it through the worlds longest weekend and still alive to talk about it....Eddie and I worked our tails off and we are recovering.

I was up for a full 46 hours with only a couple of hour long naps....I swear by the time early Monday morning came around I was acting like a drunk....

Lena had an amazing time at her dance and even kissed a boy on the cheek...she was glowing after her day of feeling like a princess. Again I thank you Kris for spending the day with her and giving her the attention that I couldn't that day....I love you!

Olivia was thrilled with her dance class, and feels so grown up having her own activity that no other kid in the family has.

The kids had a great weekend with their Aunt Abby who was kind enough to stay the whole weekend with the kids while Eddie and I worked insane hours. Thank you Abby and I love you too!

Eddie and I had our "date" on Sunday morning and went to Church alone with no kids...we kept joking that they were probably still going to call our number and have us pick up Emily. Anyway, Church was even more
amazing than usual and after the service I told my pastor that I was honored to know him. Eddie and I are so blessed to have our Church family in our lives and loving our family. I have no idea where we would be with out them...

Monday morning when all we truly wanted to do was sleep in we took Abby, our nephew Caleb and Emily and Melody out for Valentine's breakfast. Eddie took a horrible picture of me and posted it on Facebook, which he will pay dearly for...but we had a nice time. We then did some shopping and headed back to the house. We switched sitters (thank you Terri...I love you!) and I went to a meeting for work and then we took Tobey Jude to a new Dr.

So, here is the latest on Tobey Jude....We are putting him on new drugs for his activity and for the non-sleeping issue. They also gave us a sedative for when the non-sleeping gets extreme. There is an issue with his ears and we are going to put tubes in pretty soon, but for now antibiotics. We got a referral for a behavioral therapist, so that is awesome! And the seizures for the time being we are not too worried about unless the become extreme or more frequent. She said if this was a normal kid with seizures, that would be first on the list. But with Tobey we have a lot of other things before that on the list that need handled first. So, I am thrilled with the new Dr, she didn't overwhelm us, she listened to us and valued what we said...went great. We have also decided that sometime this year we are going to do genetic testing on at least Tobey and Edwin, maybe all the kids. There may be a possibility that there is Fragile X or a chromosome problem with the combo of Eddie and I. And it maybe something that we can help to make sure that it is not passed down to future generations. I know that there is some quirks on both sides but it is so hard to tell....years ago things like special needs weren't talked about, they were hidden away. I can't imagine.

Eddie got me the Golden Girls for Valentine's and a lot of chocolate and the neatest singing card. I got him a cross necklace, a couple of movies and an outfit. We got the kids treat bags and stuffed animals and they got cupcakes for dessert yesterday, so they were happy. So, all in all we had a good Valentine's but so glad that it is Tuesday!

Today I have a lunch date with Sarah and I just love those! And then back home to being a housewife and grounding the children...sounds like a great day! Atleast it sounds like an easy one!

I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday!

3am!!!!!!!!!!!

Melissa Holstein here with yet another 3am blog...because Tobey has managed to wake up everyone in the house except for Alison and the cat. Of course it is a day that I will not get to go back to bed until late Sunday night because of swing shifts! Nice.....

So now I sit here listening to the kids watch Monsters Vs Aliens for the 3,000th time.

So, I had a great day at work Friday...I am not really sure if you can call it work, I just love hanging out with these guys. So, while I was at "work" I took 1 guy to Church to fold bulletins, and I played Wii bowling and I made them a snack...easy 4 hours. Tonight I work the overnight, which will probably be boring as all get out. So, I think I will clip coupons, make a grocery list and actually read a book! Party on Wayne!

So, getting someone to help clean up was the most brilliant idea I ever had. I walked into the cleanest kitchen EVER!!! And I didn't have to do it! So, thank you CJ and I will see you Monday! I thought I was going feel like cooking in it, but I just want to enjoy the beauty so I sent Eddie out for Long John Silvers which was the bomb.

Today Kris is going to be a fill in Mama and take Lena to get her hair and makeup done for her dance tonight. I am eternally grateful since I can't be in 2 places at the same time. So, Lena is going to get to enjoy a non-rushed appointment with no kids around and all the attention is lavished on her. She deserves it...

I was in hopes that Tobey was done with the scratching phase, but no luck. I guess within minutes of coming home yesterday he gave himself the worst scratch ever, so today I am picking up some of that scar therapy stuff because I think the new habit is here to stay. I am already preparing myself for the dirty looks at Wal-mart today.

The kids and I enjoyed watching Charlie Brown last night, I don't know if I have told you but we are big fans here. Anyway, I started thinking last night that Lucy is a horrible Psychiatrist and that Charlie Brown needs some major anti-depressants. I mean really, the poor kid is near suicidal and the parents and teachers haven't noticed his demeanor. I know, it is only a cartoon....but some of those kids have some real issues.

So, I guess since the kids have voted that I don't need sleep I am off to face the world and get ready for the day....pick up the sitter, buy Lena shoes, make valentines with 4 kids for school, go grocery shopping, go to the bank,take Olivia to her first dance lesson, take Lena to the dance, clean the house and then I am off to "work".....See you Monday!

Valentine's Day...

So, as I am sure you know Monday is Valentine's Day....Usually Eddie and I make a quick dinner for the kids and then have a nice dinner for us and watch a romantic flick. Last year we watched Couple's Retreat and Eddie made surf and turf. This year? I have no idea what we are doing...Eddie will have just finished a 78 hour work week and I have a full work weekend, so we may just sleep.

We both work overnights on Saturday night so we will have a sitter here at the house. So, the plan is we may sneak off to breakfast together before we go to the early service at Church.

As you know I am a fan of the Golden Girls...so I told Eddie the only thing I want is the box set of the series....it comes in Sophia's purse, how cute is that? The kids are getting treat bags with little teddy bears and I will give them cupcakes for dessert Monday night. I am getting my 2 guys (the guys I take care of at work) treat bags too. But, I have no idea what to get Eddie....hopefully I have time to shop on Monday. Oh my gosh I have become one of those people, you know the ones that crowd the card aisle because they can't read a calendar!

We are trying a new Dr. out on Monday for all of us...Tobey will be her first Holstein that she gets to see....if she does well with Tobey we will give her a lot of business. I am in hopes that she will listen to us and not just medicate the heck out of the boys...now if she wants to medicate me, I am ok with that! Just kidding.

I finally have come to the conclusion that I can not do it all, and I am getting some help from my dear CJ tomorrow with the housework. She is going to help us out for a few hours a week. If everything goes as I plan it in my head I can get everything done...but life doesn't go like you plan. Yesterday Emily got a little sicker and needed some Mom time, Edwin's bus was an hour late, Eddie found out that he is not getting the weekend off, Tobey had 2 meltdowns (no seizures though) and then it is 8 at night and even though I have accomplished so much with the kids...homework, dinner...keeping them alive. I have done nothing with the house. Today? I am going to work on it, but I had about 25 minutes of sleep with Tobey. If I was smart I would have done housework when he was playing at 3 in the morning...but I am not smart at 3 in the morning. Never ending....

So, that is for today....I hope you have a great one!

Just another day....

So, I left everyone hanging about Eddie's job. He has decided to look for another job in the same field, Eddie is a machinist...technically he is a supervisor of machinists. And last week when he got in trouble for sending his crew home because of the blizzard coming, that was the final straw. So, after we get back from Disney he is going to start looking to switch...Anyway, there it is.

Olivia is home sick today and sleeping soundly. Emily has also been under the weather this week but she is already doing better. I am busy still cleaning the house after last weekend and will probably finish getting everything caught up on Thursday night....right before the kids mess it up again for the weekend!

Tobey has not scratched himself since Thursday, hopefully that was just a phase that he is done with. We have been super careful with the situations that he is in and trying to not let him get over-stimulated.


Edwin got in trouble in school yesterday...so, on to another method. We have been offered the services of a Behavioral Therapist through my job, so we are going to talk to him next week for both of the boys...Obviously we are messing up somewhere. It is so nice to have a job where I can find these resources....

I have noticed something else about myself while doing this new job...I am great at not giving in with Edwin and pushing him to be his best. He gets himself dressed, he can make his own dinner (microwave and sandwich stuff), he is on honor roll and he just gets no excuses...including Autism. But then with Tobey Jude, I bend over backwards....and I simply am not doing him any favors. Even though my heart is saying "oh, look how cute and helpless and innocent he is" my mind needs to say "The boy needs to be independent". And with this I am an epic fail. I think I feel sorry for him and just want to protect him from the world...and yes I know he is only 6. But it took the kid nearly 3 years to learn how to write his name, how long is it going to take him to learn how to tie his shoes, or take his own bath? So, I am going to make a plan this weekend for some goals for Tobey to learn how to do some things and then see what his teacher is working on.

There are days when this whole parenting thing is the toughest job ever, and you feel like you are messing them up no matter how hard you try. But, then you get that little glimpse of them praying at dinner or being good at the store...and you pat yourself on the back. And then the phone rings and it is the school calling to tell you that Edwin is threatening to kill his teacher because she made him sit down...it is a vicious cycle! Have a good one my friends...... I am off to go cry on the floor while laying in the fetal position....haha!

Whoa, didn't think that would happen....

So, after my first full weekend on the job...I still love it. Because of privacy acts I can't say much but one of the guys reminds me of Tobey and the other one reminds me of a big teddy bear. They are already feeling like family to me, and I can't wait to see them on Friday.

But, after seeing how they live I have had to do a lot of soul searching about the boys. Tobey will obviously need 24 hour care and Edwin will need some assistance and Eddie and I assumed that we would just have them live with us. This was a no-brainer and set in stone. Now? I am not so sure if that is what is right for them.

We have all seen those people that are from group homes and they are living in sweats and haven't been shaved. There are people starring at them in the mall as they are being shuffled from store to store. I knew that there was no way in heck that my sons were going to end up like that...it would kill me. I have heard the horror stories of special needs adults being hurt or even worse and it breaks my heart.

But, the people I work for that is simply not the case and these adults are treated with love and respect, and able to have their own lives and jobs. I want Tobey and Edwin to find their own lives and not just be limited to what I think their lives should be. So, I started the paperwork today to see about putting them in this program...there is a long wait for funding. In fact if you applied in 1997, they are now getting you the money you need for these kind of programs!!!! That is just insane!

So, today we took Emily, Melody and Lucy Sky to Petsmart today. I promised to take the girls over the weekend but the new job took more time than I thought it would. So, anyway to celebrate going to Disney in 52 days we bought 2 Mickey Mouse platys! They actually have the design of Mickey's head and ears on their fins ! Really cute and on sale for $1.49....we also bought one of those tiny frogs, for no real reason. I just wanted one. We named him Kermit. We are supposed to feed him blood worms which are extremely gross and they come in these frozen cubes that you have to thaw out!!!! Yuck!

Well, the kids are going nuts...see you later!

The New Job...

So, yesterday was my first day at the new job, and I loved it! At first I had to discuss with the boss about all the paperwork and some of the not so fantastic parts of this kind of work. But then I met the 2 guys that I get to take care of and they are AWESOME!!!! And now, I am in shock that I get paid to take care of these 2 guys! I mean they are just cool to hang out with and they appreciate my cooking...what more could I ask for?

So, now I get to show my new bosses what I do best and that is finding things for these guys to do...First off I need to find a bowling alley that can accommodate a wheelchair on the lanes, and then I am going to work on finding them some charity work...maybe at the Humane Society or something.

The kids survived without me...Even though Eddie gave them Taco Bell for dinner last night (what is really in those things?) and I think Olivia slept in her clothes. The house is still standing but is in need of some attention. Eddie's sister did a great job of helping us out and I will be eternally grateful.

When I got home last night Edwin said "I actually missed you!" So, how am I supposed to take that? I will take it as a compliment....I actually missed him too. I missed everyone like crazy but I did a great job of not calling home 60 times....

So, the itinerary today is get the house clean, work on laundry (again!!!!), go grocery shopping, and then go to work. To be honest...work is a lot easier than home! I may actually be able to get through a chapter today! Eddie who worked a 10 hour shift last night is going to a job fair this morning....his job situation is a whole 'nother blog.

Tobey has a whole new quirk now that is driving me nuts. He has started scratching the heck out of his own face when he gets mad, so if you see him don't be alarmed...this is one of the many joys of Autism. The rough part is as soon as we think he is healing them up he gives himself new scratches and short of making him live in gloves I don't know what to do to help him....so I guess we will make another appointment. I think I am going to try a behavioral music therapists outside of town. I would tell his Dr. but it would end up being more meds...and I just don't want to keep putting the little dude on stuff. He is not broken, and I don't like 'losing" him to meds all the time.

So, I hope you have a great day....see you later.

The Blizzard of 2011

I know, I know...original title, huh? Hey I have been stuck in the house since Tuesday with 7 kids!!! What do you want from me?

So, I knew this blizzard was coming and I was extremely prepared this time....I bought the cases of diapers, toilet paper and of course...Coke! So we were golden here. I was also smart enough to get new crayons, coloring books, a craft kit (that had 300 pieces!) and a new Disney flick. Ok, it was Snow White but, it is new to the little ones.

I had loaded up on baking supplies with this vision of doing a ton of baking....and then I got majorly sick yesterday. So, I didn't get out of bed until 3 pm and was only able to make dinner yesterday as my contribution to the household. So, today I get to clean the house and do about 10 loads of laundry! I still don't feel great but there is no sick days when you are a Mom and have 7 demanding bosses.

Speaking of the 7....one of them is sick...Tobey Jude. Now, here is a little known fact about Autistics. When some autistics are sick, they can act totally normal! I have no idea why, but Tobey is very calm today and a little more verbal. Now don't get me wrong he is not laying on the couch with chicken noodle soup. But he is wanting lots of hugs and wants a lot of playtime with siblings.

Tomorrow is my first day at the new job...I am a little nervous, but not too bad. I am confident in the job...I am nervous about home. I have the kids in a good routine, and Eddie is more of the type to throw in a pizza and call that dinner. I am more the type to make sure that they have at least 2 sides that are vegetables and get to bed on time. The issue becomes when the kids know this and use it to their advantage. The most guilty ones? Emily and Melody....oh, the look cute in their matching clothes, acting all innocent and sweet. But they have their Dad wrapped around their pinkies and they know it!!!! To be fair, I am wrapped around Tobey's.

So, we let Alison go on Facebook...let me correct that. Eddie let Alison on Facebook. And that my readers was a mistake! Eddie and I have a lot of stress right now with his job, a new job for me, 7 kids and then the challenges with the boys. So, we ended up having a fight. Now, the fight lasted about 15 minutes and I don't want to admit that we fought in front of the kid...but we did and we are human! So, anyway guess who was on Facebook? Yep, Alison! Our child with the biggest mouth! So, the next day I get on and low and behold there was several messages asking about our marriage! I am still waiting for the in-laws to say something to me! So, for the record... we are not divorcing, married couples do fight and Eddie and I are good! And the next time we have a "discussion" I am either taking it outside or cancelling Alison's Facebook account.

So, that is all for today...I hope that everyone is safe and warm out there...see you later!