I’ve been a slacker; when it comes to the blog, that is. My life is far from Slacksville. In fact, it’s so crazy right now that I amaze myself in writing this.
Today is Halloween. Kids are excited. We have a little pirate and the Grim Reaper this year. Isaak says he’s too old to go trick-or-treating, but his best friend is coming over to join us, so I suspect he will change his mind when he gets here. I remember being this age (going on 10). It is about the time you want to appear old, but deep down, you’re still a little kid. I seem to remember still going TOT-ing once we moved to Washington, so when I was 12. I still wish I could go. I’m short enough. I wonder if I dressed with a mask, so you couldn’t see my old face, if I could get away with it!
It’s been an interesting school year so far. I’m running an elementary program for students with high-functioning autism and Asperger Syndrome. I like to say I have 9 “Isaaks”. The kids come and go from the general education classes; some of them more than others. I really enjoy it, feel totally confident doing it, but it is a lot of work. I’m worn out. I started to take on private clients, but it was too much. I was becoming mediocre in both things because I just didn’t have the time to devote to either. Too much on my plate. So, I’ll concentrate on school for now, and then decide later if and when I’m ready to move into private consulting.
Isaak has had a really rough start this school year. In all our years in school, we have never had to pick him up for out-of-control behavior incidents. We’ve done it three times this year so far. We have not been able to fully help the school learn how to *prevent* the behaviors and being consistent in doing so. I have lots of stories, but will refrain from posting. We did have him stop going to the middle school for math because the curriculum in this district is just, frankly, horrid. It’s very language-based and abstract, and he was struggling behaviorally (not with the math, of course). Instead, he now does an on-line Algebra program at school and will get his high school credit through that. He seems to really enjoy it, and it’s the good, old-fashioned number-math that we all know and love.
We are really trying to give the school a chance to succeed. Dave says that while we could take him out and put him in my own program where he would receive the trained support he needs, if we leave him where he is and help this school learn how to support him, it will not only benefit Isaak, but also any other kids that come after him with similar needs. I don’t really like him being a guinea pig, but this is sort of what we’ve had to do in the past, and it’s OK. We’re going to give it a little more time, hope things will come together, and give him and the school a chance to succeed. Plus, keeping him at his neighborhood school really is the optimum desire. So, I’ll keep you posted.
Audra/Maggie is growing up quickly. He turns 8 in November, and she will be baptized on December 9th. She’s really excited, of course. Her best friend has a birthday a week or so before her, so they think they’re going to combine and have a double birthday party. They are very cute together. Completely opposites. Kyndall is very shy and quiet, such a sweet girl; and then there’s Audra, bouncey, talkative, dominant, but caring and loving. They are quite a complement to each other. She’s on a new swim team (closer to home), and I suspect will start doing meets soon. She also has started private art lessons which she absolutely loves.
Dave was hired by the city police department and heads off to the police academy next week. He’ll be gone for 4 months, coming home on some weekends. Should make for an interesting few months around here since I have really been relying on his help to keep things together with my working schedule. I’m sure it will work out, and I’m in a good “groove” now and think I can handle it (ask me again in two weeks!).
Overall, we’re just busy and really trying to make a good life in our new area. We miss our family and friends up north, but we feel good about where we are and what we are doing.
I lost my awesome camera this summer, so I don’t have pictures to post. I’ll get out my cheapy and try to get costume picts tonight. 
