Where did the paddle go?

I'm sad to say I missed when talk about this first came out in June of last year. It's come up again due to numbers coming in on the amount of tickets being written to elementary students. Yes, that's right - elementary students. If you haven't seen what I'm talking about the article is here Tickets in schools, What the heck has happened to our society. Now misdemeanors are handed out like once "swats" or "paddles" were when I was a kid. I'm glad to say this isn't happening in the district I'm in, but heard some teachers would love for it to be implemented here. I am totally against this of course, but the way kids are today I see where the teachers are coming from. We live in a sue happy time and everyone wants things their way.
I don't remember when we all became a society of making the mighty dollar more than spending time with family. I long for the days of the Blue Law, when most stores were closed so people could either go to church, visit with family or just rest altogether.
People want to complain about the parenting some kids aren't getting and I don't imagine it not to be true, but we as a society helped by taking the one day parents can enjoy being a parent by making them work. Also, what the heck happened to the paddling days anyway. When I went to school if a kid got sent to the office we all knew what that meant and let me say it didn't happen often. They got paddled.
Kids are not stupid as my son will tell you. He saw it at it's best when he would be bullied, but always when a teacher wouldn't "see". They are smart and no the school can't really do anything. They make a phone call to the parent and then it's up to the parent. The same parent that is practically working all hours to provide for their family.
I wish they would give US, the parents, a choice for our kid. I'd say paddle him. They so far have been great kids in school, but if it came to it well there are consequences to their actions. That is what these kids don't get!!!
So instead of teaching them in a different way about consequences, they get a ticket, a misdemeanor and the parent is really the one who pays. Kids get embarrassed so send them to get paddled AT SCHOOL. Paddling would be a great consequence only because the probably get embarrassed.
Alright enough of me on my soap box. Have a great weekend.

Those pics of candy toss

So I realized I forgot was lazy and didn't ever upload my few pics from candy toss. I'll have to say it was quite enjoyable being atop a firetruck with our Santa and tossing kids, big and small, candy. My kids and I have done it every year since I joined the firestation.
These 2 teenage boys of mine had such a blast as did I. Alli doesn't do the candy toss with us, she hates the sirens and well, with autism it hurts her ears. So she stays with dad or Nana and we go. So my teenage sons and I do our small, but fun part. The best part of our my time doing the toss was hearing my oldest son say, "it makes me happy seeing the kids happiness". Yes this from the child I had to go over flip pages with in elementary to learn to read facial expressions, and who hated loud noises just as much as his sister does. Yes this is my other child with "autism" and he has come leaps and bounds. Whether or not he has autism it would have still made me beam with the comment he made to me. The fact that he has autism only made it a sweeter moment.
My youngest also had a blast and it touched him when he saw a small girl glow after capturing Santa's attention.
When our season of candy tossing ends we get a little bummed, but we remember we have next year. I hope the older they get they still want to go with me like they do now. I get excited at the innocence of children when they see Santa - I think it's what keeps me so young :) lol

New Year's Resolution

So I've decided to be more diligent on my blog. I know everyone says that, but at first when I started this it was my own kind of therapy. I am very motivated in the causes to which I belong and a firm believer that one person can make a difference. I choose to try and be one of those people and hope my children believe they can do it too. It's true by the way. I've seen countless acts of one person coming up with an idea and putting it into action. I have come a long way since 2008 when I the phrase "time heals everything" made me cringe. It's a true phrase I'll give you all that, but at the time when things are at there lowest it's not comforting to hear. At those moments usually it's hard to see past a day let alone to see solace in the future. A future you are clinging onto by fingernails to hope gets better. I've been on twitter off & on for years now, but can say like friends that come at times you need them I have met some crazy, hilarious and innovative people. Some from the world of autism who have comforted and given me insight to my 2 children. Some from the EMT world which I hope after school to be a part of. Some just those that agree and disagree with my politics. For whatever reason I came here to write, I am greatful. I know I won't be sticking to ONE certain topic because I mean really - who only wants to talk or read about one topic. (and if this is therapy lol. I don't typically need therapy on one thing) Either way this is a New Year.

Christmas spirit

So the fire department I am a member of does this wonderful thing called a candy toss. We decorate our fire trucks and ambulances, to a safe degree, and head to some neighborhoods and parking lots with Santa aboard and toss kiddos candy! This is my 3rd year doing it with my kids. They are teenagers now and still love going. It begins tonight, but we are not quite 30 degree ready. Lack of gloves, and heavy duty jackets are needed before we start tomorrow night. I'm glad my kids can find the joy in making others happy and feel how rewarding it feels to watch others have a good time. I'm so glad my children get the spirit behind Christmas. Pictures of our toss tomorrow:)

It should be for the kids

Well, this year has started off rocky for the boys at school. Ben is already having trouble getting his work turned in & it is only the first six weeks. ugh Then my poor Chris who always makes A's and B's is doing fine. Yes just fine. Last year I was contacted that there would be budget cuts in the district and they were no longer offering "co-teach" classes. What does that mean? Well, it means my son now gets lost in the sea of students in his class - while he requires a little extra help. I've already checked his PIV and he is not doing great. This kid stays on top of all his school work. Never had any issues with school work before. So I am a bit pissed irritated. First they label my kid and now they can't get him the attention he needs in class. I've never been to a school board meeting before, but tonight will be different. I've only dealt with counselors, teachers and diagnosticians. I figure they get their "rules" from someone so why not go and hear how this meeting works. I'm hoping it's informative enough for me to meet up and have some things changed for my son. He deserves the best education and it is their job to provide it. I do my part & they should do theirs.
Besides some other parents with a special needs child are having their own issues with the school district. I want to see how well the people in charge board actually listens. It's a democracy after all. I vote them in and I can vote them out.

Our Heroes Game

Well, I got tickets to the Astros game for the kiddos and I through the station. A whole group of us went and it was a blast. They were letting all those in uniform out to stand on the field. My kids wanted me in the stands with them so - that's where Mom was. It was just amazing to be there. My second year in a row to go as part of the department & I really like most of the people I work with there. So with our little flags waving the military, police, EMS, and firemen took to the field. It was an awesome sight. To see so many showing appreciation - I love taking the kids to those types of events. Once the guysgang came up to the seats they sounded like little kids. As I recall they did last year too. Talking about the players that spoke to them & who happened to walk by. lol It was cute. We all had a great time just enjoying time together and relaxing. The Astros lost the game, but the whole experience was the talk from my kids on the ride home :)

lessons - really?

I have yet to understand even at my age, why we don't get our life's lessons. Why sometimes there are some people that must get hurt repeatedly & still with no sight as to the problem? It's sad - really