Top 20 Reasons Moms of Kids With Special Needs ROCK

Saw this on a friend's blog and had to share!!

Top 20 Reasons Moms of Kids With Special Needs ROCK

1) Because we never thought that "doing it all" would mean doing this much. But we do do it all -- and then some.

2) Because we've discovered patience we never knew we had.

3) Because we are willing to do something 10 times, 100 times or 1,000 times if that's what it takes for our kids to learn something new.

4) Because we have heard doctors tell us the worst, and we've refused to believe them. Take THAT, naysaying doctors of the world!

5) Because we have bad days and breakdowns and bawl-fests, and then we pick ourselves up and keep right on going.

6) Because we gracefully handle the stares, the comments, the rude remarks. (Well, mostly gracefully.)

7) Because we manage to get ourselves together and get out the door looking pretty damn good. Heck, we even make sweatpants look good!

8) Because we are strong. Man, are we strong. Who knew we could be this strong?

9) Because we aren't just moms, wives, cooks, cleaners, chauffeurs and women who work. We are moms, wives, cooks, cleaners, chauffeurs, women who work, physical therapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, teachers, researchers, nurses, coaches and cheerleaders. Whew!

10) Because we work overtime every single day.

11) Because we also worry overtime, but we work it through. Or we eat chocolate or Pirate's Booty or gourmet cheese (which aren't reimbursable by insurance as mental-health necessities, but should be).

12) Because we are more selfless than other moms. Our kids need us more.

13) Because we give our kids with special needs endless love, and then we still have so much love left for our other kids, our husbands, our families. And our hairstylists, of course.

14) Because we inspire one another in this crazy blogosphere every single day.

15) Because we understand our kids better than anyone else -- even if they can't talk; even if they can't gesture; even if they can't look us in the eye. We know. We just know.

16) Because we never stop pushing for our kids.

17) Because we never stop hoping for them, either.

18) Because just when it seems like things are going OK, they're suddenly not OK, but we deal. Somehow, we always deal -- even when it seems like our heads or hearts might explode.

19) Because when we look at our kids, we just see great kids -- not kids with cerebral palsy/autism/Down syndrome/developmental delays/whatever.

20) Because ... well, you tell me.

Wow it's been a long time once again!!

I really need to keep this blog more updated!! I have spent this weekend working on setting up workboxes for my 2 homeschoolers. I will post pictures when I am done. I hope this is the answer to us staying on top of school work and the kids knowing what they should be doing when. I am using file folder boxes and hanging files instead of boxes so it takes up less space and it's portable since we are a family on the go.

A family update- For those that don't know our DD #2 has become a medical mystery to the doctors at this point. A year ago we started seeing specialist at CRS Flagstaff. We saw the Neurologist and he wanted her tested for Muscular Dystrophy so when she had the last surgery on her feet in January 2011 they also did a muscle biopsy to test for MD. That came back clear, she also had a brain MRI and that came back inconclusive. Next step was seeing a Genetic Specialist. So last month we saw Dr Amato at CRS Phoenix and had genetic testing done. We are now waiting for results. So at this point in time she has mild cerebral palsy but we aren't sure why. The doctors really want to know WHY she has all the issues she has and to be honest we would like answers too.

It's been a LONG 10 year road starting with the club feet at birth and weekly cast changes. Then the doctors originally telling me ohhh she's just behind because of everything going on with her feet. To then when FUSD did testing on her to go into K we were told she was mild mentally retarded. Then to be told oh no it's not that she has a severe language disorder both expressive and receptive and she has mild cerebral palsy. To last year being told we think your daughter has Muscular Dystrophy. Now being told yes it's CP but we don't know why.  I have certainly learned to just turn my fears over to God because he's in control anyway.

another week of deals!

So the deals this week weren't as great as last week. I got cap'n crunch for $1.77, Poore brother chips for $1.77(hubby's favorite& usually $2.99 each), not in pic but banquet dinners 88 cents each(Kat and Ben like these for lunch), ragu for 99 cents each(reg price is 1.99 each), Pam cooking spray 99 cents each(reg price is $4.29 each), Chris had to have the mac n cheese it was $1 each but makes for a quick portable lunch, apple juice for $1.29 each, canned veggies 17 cents each(I bought 18 cans & they are reg price $1.59 EACH) and cat litter 20 lbs for $4.99 each(instead of the $12.99 sale price for 40 lbs I paid earlier this month).

So far this month I have saved $52 in coupons since I started using coupons again 8/29 and they are just from ONE set of Sunday papers and ones I have printed off the internet, sure I bought 6 papers but they have been worth EVERY penny!!! I have also saved $295.37 from in store savings(sales and clearance items). I have saved an average of 56% on my groceries so far this month. This doesn't count what I have bought at Sam's club but that has been very little this month.

WOW I have scored the deals this week!!

I scored some awesome deals this week!! Cap'n crunch cereal 15 oz boxes for $1.27 each after coupons, 1 liter sparking Arrowhead water FREE after coupons, travel size tide FREE after coupons, pace salsa for $1.17 each after coupons. I went to Alberstons and spent $11.39 and saved 31.40!! Then at Frys first trip I spent $19.14 and saved $17.27, 2nd trip I spent $26.37 and saved $16.98(not as many deals and coupons this trip). At Bashas I spent $4.38 and saved $23.50!! Today at Target I spent $10.22 but I saved$11.24(not counting the savings on the dishwasher detergent that was on clearance). So far from the 8/29 newspaper I have now saved $34 in coupons for a net savings of $21.07 after what I paid for the newspapers.

So starts a new way to budget...

I was looking online at crown financial and decided it's time to get the debt paid off. So that led to trying to figure out how to control our monthly spending. Using the cash envelopes isn't an option for us because we use Amex and pay it off monthly. So I came up with dividing what we have budgeted for the Amex into different categories.

I am using a coupon file pocket and have my budget divided into eating out, groceries/household, cat stuff, gas, school stuff/field trips, fast food(those days we are just too busy to eat at home), misc, newspaper and clothing/medical(since this is a category that isn't always the same each month I combined the two).

I gave myself a budget for each category and each category has a pocket and sticky note to keep a running total of what I have left in each category. I also keep all my receipts for the month so we can see what we are spending our money on.

I also went thru Sam's club the other day and wrote down the prices and sizes of the things we usually buy there so I can compare it to sale prices at the grocery stores and see if sales + coupons= a better deal than Sam's.

Coupon Binder

So after looking around at different ways to organize coupons I decided to go with the Coupon Binder idea. So here is what I came up with I used The Krazy Coupon Lady as my starting point. So here is the pile I started with, a binder, sheet protectors, dividers and the 9 card protector pages.

The inside of my binder, yes it's actually 2 separate three ring binders inside, thinking this will make it easier to find coupons I HOPE!!!

The left side of the binder where I will keep the current weekly ads.

How I have my coupons organized. Yes no coupons yet I just started up again and haven't had a chance to get a Sunday paper yet:) by Sunday night this will actually have coupons in it. I have 36 different categories

Page with all my frequent shopper cards :)

I print my weekly lists from www.practicalsaver.com So each store goes in a page protector with the coupons for that store. I also highlight the items I plan to buy.

Our first try at muffin tin lunches.

goldfish, yogurt, blueberries, grapes, pbj and chocolate chip bunnies

Pics from the June trip to Emerald Cove RV Resort

Pics from the trip to Phx

We stayed at Legacy Golf Resort July 5-9

What is it w/ appliances and stuff dying lately??

Yesterday I discovered that my bathroom scale and the food processor were dead. The food processor had been killed by Ben! He broke the plastic piece off that locked it in place and made it turn on. Then today I'm sitting back in the bedroom eating my lunch and hear "OH CRAP!!!" come from the livingroom. Go running out to hear this hissing sound, Dan had hit the line in the compact fridge with his knife while trying to remove ice. So that was the end of my almost 15 yr old fridge from college days.

So off to Sears with me to buy a new compact fridge. Thankfully they had one in stock so we once again have a working beer/soda fridge. I also got myself a new bathroom scale at Target this afternoon. With doing weight watchers I need to be able to do weigh ins. NOw to order a food processor from overstock.com :)

Wow I forgot about this blog!!! guess it's time for an update

Lots has happened since my last post!!! But think we'll just start with what going on now. We just spent 5 days in Phoenix this last week. Kayleigh had eye surgery on Tue. Then Kay, Kat and Ben had Shriner's check up appts Friday afternoon. Everyone is doing good according to Dr Santora :)

I am also starting down the path to eating healthier, getting more active and getting this weight off. This is day one :) My motivation is potential health problems when you are overweight.

Surprise we're going to San Diego in the MOrning???

For those that didn't hear there was a fire aboard the USS George Washington the end of May. My brother serves on that ship. So we were already planning to drive over to San Diego to see him on May 29th. Well after the fire we knew they'd get to San Diego earlier. Sure enough about 5:30pm on the 27th my mom gets a phone call from her cousin saying he can see the ship in the distance. So we made the decision to go ahead and go the 28th so we could get the kids settled in the hotel room before getting ROb.

Wed 5/28- We drove over to Chula Vista on 5/28. Left Flag around 10:30 am and pulled into the Comfort Inn & Suites parking lot about 9:45pm. Sure we made an hour stop at McDonald's in Anthem, AZ for lunch and met up w/ my niece Lacey. Then potty and gas stops along the way. We also made a 2 hr pitstop for dinner in El Centro at Applebee's and met up with my mom's friend Jan and her Dad. The kids were so good in the van on the trip over there!!

Thur 5/29-Then morning of the 29th we were kinda lazy getting up and around. We finally got packed up and headed out around 11 am. Headed to NAS North Island to get a pass to get on the base. Drove on base to figure out where we needed to be to get my brother. THere was a nice grassy area w/ tables so we decided that was a perfect place to eat lunch. The kids had a blast running around. THen we decided to go explore Coronado Island and found a park where we spent the afternoon hanging out till time to head back on base to meet Rob. We headed back to the base and timed it almost perfect for walking over to the ship's security check point. Headed back to the hotel to relax and check into the other room. Then decided to go get dinner at Black Angus that night. Chris was running around and did a face plant into the carpet and gave himself a BAD rug burn on this forehead, he's still got a bruise there 13 days later!! So I had t take him out to the van to get him to calm down. After dinner we hung out at the hotel and relaxed.

Fri 30th- Rob had to go back to work so my mom's cousin took him for us since he works there on North Island. We had another lazy morning and decided to go to walmart and get a few things. Then we had lunch at Carl's Jr and headed over to Coronado and went to the Ferry Landing. It was so neat walking along the bay and there are some really cute shops there. I got the kids shirts at one of the stores. Then we headed over to the base and about the time we were getting close to the parking area by the ship ROb called and said he was off so we met him in the parking lot. We went back to the hotel for a while and then headed out to dinner. We met my mom's cousin, wife and son for dinner at La Bella Pizza Garden. It was VERY yummy food. After dinner we decided to go shopping. My brother bought me a tomtom gps for my van. I WUVS him!!! THen it was back to the hotel to get kids in bed and then relax.

Sat 31st- Got up and went to seaport village. We had lunch at the pier cafe and mmm yummy margaritas and fish tacos!! We walked around and did some shopping too. THen we all rode the carousel before leaving. The traffic getting back to I 5 was a MESS!! Thanks to the rock n roll marathon. We decided to go find the shopping center with build a bear and barnes and noble. It was a really nice outdoor mall. THen we got jack in the box for dinner and ate in our rooms and just hung out the rest of the night.

Sun 1st- We slept in again. I got me and the kids donuts at Yum Yum donuts, they were REALLY good!! Then we packed up and went to the Chula Vista Nature Center. That is such a neat place and VERY inexpensive!! Then we went back to the hotel and mom took the kids upstairs while ROb and I got lunch next door at Wendy's. We ate lunch outside by the pool. THen went swimming. That afternoon we relaxed in the room and my wonderful brother brought up the Captain and some cokes. We went to Carrow's for dinner and then just hung out that night in the hotel rooms.

Mon 2nd- Had to get up EARLY to take ROb to his class. First place we went ended up being the WRONG address. SO Rob had to call and find out where he actually needed to be. Thank goodness he had bought me that tomtom!!! We fed in the cross streets and poof I was on the way to the correct place. Turns out the class was over in Point Loma. But we actually managed to get him there on time even in San Diego morning traffic!!! After we dropped him off it was back to the hotel to pack it up. I got the van loaded in about 3 trips. We hit the road about 10 am to head home. Had lunch at Carl's Jr in Yuma. Of course MANY potty stops along the way and a few gas stops. We grabbed a quick dinner from mc d's in Anthem. Got home about 7:30pm.

http://s89.photobucket.com/albums/k228/Kaylersmom/?action=view&current=78bc7f69.pbw http://s89.photobucket.com/albums/k228/Kaylersmom/?action=view&current=64e7812c.pbw

Dr appt trip to Tucson & Phoenix

We left Wed heading to Tucson to stay the night at Comfort Suites Sabino Canyon. Ok that hotel is HORRIBLE!!! We stayed there before and it was ok. BUT this stay was BAD!!! FIRST we get put in a room and the bathroom door lock is broke and won't open from the outside once it's closed. THEN they FINALLY get their act together and get us a new room and the darn a/c doesn't work right. IT got SOO stinking HOT in that room and the a/c WOULD not come back on!!! I got nada sleep that night. Also the carpets were GROSS the kids feet were BLACK from walking around. Just EWWW WILL not stay there again!!!

Thur morning was Ben's appt w/ Dr McDonough-Means. Found out yes he has a language disorder but also has a motor planning disorder. He also has allergies. So he is on the dairy and additive free diet now too. Then it was back to the hotel to pack up and go get lunch. Had lunch at McDOnalds so the kids could play and my mom could watch them while we took Kathleen to the dr. Dr M & M said Kathleen is doing great but to be better about the diet and supplements.

After the appt we went back to get mom & the other kids and hit the road to drive up to Scottsdale. Got up there and checked in and WOW I was guest of the day! I got a little cooler bag, water bottle, beach ball & piggy bank. We got all settled in the room and headed over to the mall to eat dinner at The Yard House. Yummy food like always :) Then we went upstairs to Build a Bear because Puppy needed more shirts. I ended up getting a U of A shirt, Dbacks shirt and hat for him:) Chris was very happy:) THen we ran into The Disney Store to see if they had a Jesse doll and they didn't. So back to the hotel to get to bed.

Up early Fri morning so we could get Ben & Kathleen over to the Shriner's clinic at Maricopa Medical Center. They both had xrays done and we waited for our turn to be seen. Finally we got called back and the kids first saw Dr Pond one of the interns. He said Ben was doing GREAT!!! Then looked at Kathleen's feet and wasn't happy with how her left foot was doing. Mentioned surgery down the road. Then went to look at the xrays. While back there he talked with the kids surgeon Dr Santora. So they both came back in the room and Dr Santora looked at her foot and said I don't think we should wait on the surgery. So we'll be going back to Salt Lake City to have surgery on her foot again this summer. This will be her fourth surgery.

After the appts we went back to the hotel to check out and head over to the AZ Science Center to see the Titanic and Dino exibits. Grabbed a quick lunch and went to see those. Both were amazing!! Then we hit the road to get an early dinner at Cracker Barrel. Poor Ben was asleep when we got there so we had to wake him up and that led to TOTAL meltdown:( I ended up taking him out to rock him. Thank GOODNESS for their rocking chairs!! He finally calmed down and we enjoyed lunch. Then we stopped at Happy Valley to get Kathleen a webkinz and she picked out a webkins purse/carrier. Then it was head up the mountain to get home. Got home around 7pm that night. We were all dead beat tired.

March trip to Tucson

Wow long time no updates!!

The last year was CRAZY around the Shearer house. In April we were told Kathleen is mildly mentally retarded and that just sent my head spinning for MONTHS!!! In May 07 we went on a much needed vacation to Disneyland. My brother got off a plane from Italy and off to Disneyland we went. We spent 3 short days in the parks before we had to head back home. The kids had a BLAST!!! We had a great time too.

Ben started speech therapy over last summer for a moderate speech delay and continues to get therapy once a week. He is doing great and such a big kid and spitting image of my dad!

Chris is one busy 3 yr old always playing with his trains or watching Noggin. He amazes us daily with the things he can do.

Kathleen is loving school MOST days. She just started going to a mainstream Kindergarten class 2 afternoons a week. We also finally learned exactly what is going on with her. She has been diagnosed with mild cerebral palsy, mild mental retardation and severe language disorder. She started out this school year in a Life Skills program and just blossomed so now we're pushing for inclusion with her peers.

Kayleigh is loving the 3rd grade and doing very well in school this year. She's a great big sister and helper around the house.

I am staying busy with MOPS this year as the publicity team leader. I keep the web page up to date http://www.fcfmops.org/ and publish a newsletter once or twice a month.

We also moved the kids play area to the backyard back in October.

What a morning!!!

While I was in the shower little Mr. Benjamin decided to play w/ the phone and managed to dial 911. So as I got out of the shower the phone rings and its dispatch letting me know there had been a call to them. I knew it was Ben because he was the only one that plays w/ the phones. The gal knew who we were because of the caller ID they have and she knows Dan. Anyway she said Ben was very cute on the phone jabbering away to them. Once she knew we were ok she said to have a good day. Well about 90 minutes later I hear a knock on the door and look out to see the sherriff truck sitting in my driveway. Yep it's the standard wellness check after a 911 call from a child.

All I can do is chuckle and shake my head at this one. BUt have to say we made it to child #4 before an accidental call to 911.

Picture of us at the Fire dept Christmas party

Wow the first professional picture we've had taken of just us since ohh I think Fall 1997! Yes Dan had to wear his uniform because it was also their award ceremony. The picture on the bottom is the one from 1997.

Room Re arrange day

I am moving all the kids into one room for sleeping and then we'll have the other room as a family room/play room/guest room. Here is a picture of our new family room/tv room for the older kids. Here is a picture of all the beds in the room.

Meet Buddy the Betta

The lamp is on to help warm up his water.

Ben got his cast off!

He got his cast off the 8th of September. His foot looks great now!! Here is a before and an after pic