If Only I Had Super Powers....

The Cheapest Voice Output!

2012-01-25T17:02:00.000-08:00

I showed you before how to use powerpoint for simple augmentative communication boards. But check these powerpoints out which add voice to the communication board!

Art Choices with shapes

Art Choice with photos

All done with Powerpoint!

Prerequisite skills include use of a mouse/trackpad (or access to a touch screen) and some understanding of symbols (photos or Boardmaker pictures). Use this form of AAC to have your student/child make art choices and add voice to their choices! This can be expanded to become as many boards as you'd like.

If this works (and people can successfully download it), let me know. I will follow up with a tutorial if it is desired.

Communication Specialist

2012-01-21T11:35:00.000-08:00

That's it. I'm changing my title. I want no longer to called Super Woman CCC (Certificate of Clinical Competence)-SLP (Speech Language Pathologist). I don't just do speech therapy. I don't just help students speak.

And I have one parent in particular that I absolutely cannot convince that doing basic sign language and low tech Augmentative Communication is helping his non-verbal son with Autism. I received a note recently on "homework" saying that, "my son is not deaf so I certainly won't be practicing sign with him."

I help people communicate. By whatever means that I can. For most of my students, that is with their voice. But for some, using their voice just isn't happening and these kids need a way to communicate other than through extreme behaviors (grabbing, pulling, biting, spitting, etc.). Even for students who have verbal skills, I spend much of my time working on non-verbal communication: body language, eye gaze, social cues, social routines.

In spite of what this parent says, I can't make a child speak. But I'd like to think that I can really help them communicate by some means.

If he'd ever be willing to read these, here are a few articles I'd like this parent to consider:
Autism and ASL
Using Sign Language to Help People with Autism Communicate
Alternative Augmentative Communication for Children with Autism: PECS and Sign
AAC and Autism
Faced with the Communication Challenges of Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorders and AAC

If you have any other articles or stories for me to share, please leave them for me in the comments. Because this is one less critical person that I'd like to be dealing with right now...

Need reminders?

2012-01-15T17:40:00.000-08:00

Edited: I read that the google docs were not working for some. I have changed the link. Please let me know if you can open the google docs to download these visuals.

Do you know a child who needs frequent reminders for transitions?

Ha! Ha! That was a rhetorical question!

After repeatedly asking teachers to use visuals with my students with auditory processing difficulties, I realized that they too needed reminders. Visual reminders. So I gave up and made the reminders myself.

These are easy enough just to write down on file cards and hold up when needed, but I decided to get all colored and fancy.

So, I've decided to share with you as well. Cuz I'm nice like that.

You can use these any way, but I suggest laminating and then placing on a ring for easy flipping. Use before transitioning to a new activity within the classroom/home and (this one is key) when transitioning from the playground to lining up.

Hope these printables are helpful!

10 minutes
5 minutes
1 minute
Time is up

Famous again?!

2012-01-14T14:31:00.000-08:00

I began blogging in 2008 with the novel idea to be the "first and best" Speech Pathology blog on the internet. I may or may not have been the first, but I couldn't find any others on the internet at that time (and I searched and searched)! I'm sure I'm not the best, but I have been around a long time....

As fun as it is to get awesome ideas for my therapy from other speech blogs, I can't help but think, "Hey! I was doing this first!" ;) And maybe it's the lack of positive reinforcement that can account for my blogging frequency decreasing dramatically over the last 4 years.

Regardless, however, I have been honored twice in the last year. The first was begin listed amongst the 20 Best Speech Therapy Blogs.

Most recently, however, this blog was named as one of the 50 Best Blogs for Communications Majors.

I'm honored! And if things get less crazy at work, my husband's health improves, and my kids get involved in less extra curricular activities, I will thank you all by blogging more! ;)

No Boardmaker? No problem!

2012-01-08T14:35:00.000-08:00

Due to a nasty combination of old laptops in our district, plus old Boardmaker CDs that are somewhat incompatible with said laptops, many special educators in my district have given up on trying to use Boardmaker.

Don't get me wrong, I love Boardmaker and use it almost every day, but truthfully that is mostly out of habit. Everything (almost) I do on Boardmaker I could do without it. Possibly with even nicer results.

Seriously.

How? By using tools you probably already have access to in addition to google images or digital photos.

Here's a little tutorial I just put together on Powerpoint:

Communication boards sans Boardmaker

1. Open Powerpoint, could also be done with Microsoft word, but Powerpoint gives you the incredible option to add voice and make this a voice output device! (if anyone knows how I can share a powerpoint on this blog, I would be glad to share what I've made!)

2. Choose a table. I like the 9 square table.

3. Here's the best part...find an awesome image on google images and right click and "copy".

3. Paste the images onto your Powerpoint table. Size them to fit in the boxes. Lay them out however you'd like (easily moveable later).

4. Add text to go with the images (important step as the goal of literacy is always important!)

5. Ta da! Even better than a Boardmaker board because of the realistic pictures!

(This process is even better if you can take digital pictures of items within your classroom/home and of the individual doing tasks.)

6. Make sure to print and laminate (or put in a plastic sleeve). You can also cut the pictures up individually for PECS and/or sentence strips.

Great process for anyone without Boardmaker (or anyone that wants to add voice to their communication boards)! Make something awesome and share it with me!

Books read in 2011

2011-12-30T15:07:00.000-08:00

I have to give myself a major high 5. Unlike last year, I rocked my reading this year. 63 books.

63!

I'm listing my favorites by category, with the entire list at the bottom. And out of ~~laziness~~ simplicity, I have only summarized my 2 favorite books of the year. All others you can follow the links to read about on Amazon.

Books related to special needs, Speech Pathology, etc
The Brain that Changes Itself- Tied for all time favorite book of the year! Story after story about the plasticity of the brain and ways that we and others can change our brains!

Knowing Jesse

Mockingbird

Schuyler's Monster

Non-fiction (historical)

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Blink
What the Dog Saw

Non-fiction (inspiring)
Unbroken-Tied as best book of the year for me. The true and amazing story of a man ready to give up time after time with his horrid life circumstances (shot down during WWII, prisoner in Japanense internment camp, etc.), yet ends up as a changed man and evangelist.
Half the Sky
Born to Run
The Year of Living Biblically

Fiction
Cutting for Stone
Bel Canto
The Girl Who Played with Fire
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest
Alas, Babylon
Room
The Forgotten Garden
Shantaram

How did I read so many books? Mostly, this accomplishment was from the shocking realization that I can listen to an audiobook while doing P90X. ((Gasp!))

Half the Sky*****
Girl Meets God****

Room*****
Born to Run*****

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks****

The Forgotten Garden****

The Worst Hard Time****

Born to Run*****

The Paris Wife***

Shantaram****

In the Garden of Beasts****

A Dog's Purpose***

Alas, Babylon*****

State of Wonder****

The Lacuna***

Unbroken*****

Bel Canto*****

Mathilda****

Sang Spell***

All Quiet on the Western Front****

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest*****

The Girl Who Played with Fire*****

Blindness****

The Little Stranger**

From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler***

The Miserable Mill****

We Need to Talk About Kevin*****

The Evoluation of Calpurnia Tate***

Matched****

Bad Mother***

The Lotus Eaters****

Speak***

Incendiary**

Cutting for Stone*****

The Little Prince***

Bunnicula****

The Pleasure of My Company**

Chocolate and Vicodin****

Poppy***

Half Broke Horses****

The Wide Window****

Knowing Jesse*****

Blink*****

Weird Sisters***

What the Dog Saw*****

A Girl From Yamhill***

Mockingbird*****

One Thousand White Women**

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing***

The Trumpet of the Swan*****

The Year of Living Biblically *****

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane **

Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen **

A Field Guide to Burying Your Parents **

Hoot ****

The Brain that Changes Itself *****

A Nest for Celeste ****

The Other Wes Moore ****

The Incredible Journey ****

The BFG ****

The Housekeeper and the Professor *****

The Pact ***

Stones Into Schools ***

To Kill a Mockingbird *****

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire *****

Schuyler's Monster *****

Confessions

2011-12-22T13:56:00.000-08:00

Photo by Chris Nixon: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sansbury/6112158484/

Sometimes I get tired of telling kids to stop picking their nose/teeth/private parts and just try to look the other way.

I fast forward through the slow bits of p90x to get it done with sooner.

I count audio books listened to as books I've read.

I drink a Diet Coke everyday and begin to panic when I'm running low and there are no sales (cuz I will NEVER pay grocery store normal price for soda!)

I "accidentally" forget to look under my kids' beds and dressers when inspecting their clean up job.

Sometimes... Rice is a veggie at dinner time.

I bought the kids almost nothing for Christmas and really hope the extended family got them a few fun gifts.

I almost never clean the bathroom. I keep hoping someone will surprise me with some free maid service and I wouldn't want to clean right before the maid came. ;)

I go to sleep before my kids do on most nights.

The only background music I can stand is Christmas music.

Clutter stresses me out more than deadlines.

I screen 99% of all phone calls, and the 1% of the time that I pick up, there us a 100% chance it's a telemarketer.

I have possibly taken perfectly good zip lick bags out of the trash in my classroom so that I can wash and re-use at home.

Spill it... what do you have to confess?

How to "transform" my pathetic year into glittery goo.

2011-12-17T15:35:00.000-08:00

As much as I'd love to create a sappy, woe-is-me post, I've decided to stick my chin up, put on a fake smile, and throw glitter obnoxiously around until everything looks pretty. Cuz I really like sparkles.

Goo: Professor X had a $70,000 surgery that led to no pain relief and increased pain for several months following the surgery as he recovered.
Glittery goo: We had a $100 co-pay for a medical procedure that cost 7000x that much! And he now has some cool scars that make him look "dangerous". ;)

Goo: I lost 11 hours/week of assistant time (over 50%) at work.
Glittery goo: I now have a great excuse as to why I don't have time to Medicaid bill!

Goo: The kids minds rotted substantially on screen time.
Glittery goo: I had much more time to read and listen to audio books!

Goo: My couponing endeavors have gone caput since the airing of that ridiculous show "Extreme Couponing" and the frenzy it created. I can no longer collect items for our holiday boxes for needy families or give away freebies to co-workers.
Glittery goo: I spend less time at stores and arguing with cashiers.

Goo: I have daily Kindergarten lunch/cafeteria duty... Something I've avoided for 9 years.
Glittery goo: I've actually bonded with some of these kiddos. Even ones that I will never service for therapy.

Goo: I have been publicly critisized by co-workers and parents for things I felt were completely unjustified.
Glittery goo: My new principal has been awesome at helping quell these storms and decrease tension.

Goo: The education system budget cuts have devisitated our ability to adequately provide assistants and services to kids that really need more help.
Glittery goo: I get to run around the school with my super powered "siren hat" putting out kid fires instead of actually doing therapy.

Goo: Professor X has had no improvements and is doing quite badly.
Glittery goo: He has applied for Social Security Disability and in a mere 36-96 months may get some money to help pay for all the things that would help him (and the family)!

Well, there you have it. The end of a cruddy year (almost). I look forward to even more crud next year as the school budget decreases even more (!!), parents and co-workers become even more upset, and Professor X gets even more frustrated at his constant pain.

The end. Poof! (and I vanish into sparkly fairy dust)

Speech & Language Homework

2011-12-14T17:07:00.000-08:00

I know there are multiple free download for speech homework, but none have satisfactorily met my needs. For the last 2 years I have been custom writing my own speech HW during every. single. treatment. session. (And I know this for a fact, because I've been taking data on my HW assignments and return rates.) This, of course, is difficult when I have less than 30 minutes to do therapy, behavior management, and transition the students back to class. Plus, my assistant is having a very difficult time with writing homework.

So... at least for this week and next month I have developed some speech homework that can be generically applied to many of my students.

You can download for free a generic articulation homework, December homework, and 3 weeks worth of January homeworks (leveled).

Hope you find these free printables useful!

Year-round Articulation HW

Level 1 December HW
Level 2 December HW

Level 1 January HW 1
Level 1 January HW 2
Level 1 January HW 3

Level 2 January HW 1
Level 2 January HW 2
Level 3 January HW 3

On and Off

2011-12-13T15:56:00.000-08:00

I had a lot of fun today working on the /f/ sound, the concept of on/off, and turn taking with two Kindergarten students.

We made "presents" (and discussed shapes, colors, sizes) and "bows" and practiced taking them "on" and "off". The boys then had to request what color marker they would like and if they wanted it handed to them with the cap "on" or "off".

Hee hee! I wish more of my therapy time could be this spontaneous and play-like!

The Musubi Man

2011-12-03T12:58:00.001-08:00

*Gasp!* I actually have done something this school year besides while and moan about my caseload, lack of help, and toxic work environment (trust me, no one is more shocked about this than myself).

I created a new vocabulary and articulation unit to go with this month's book, The Musubi Man. The Masubi Man is a Hawaiian Gingerbread Man tale, with lots of opportunity to increase cultural awareness, new vocabulary, and compare/contrast skills. As an added bonus, it takes me into my own mental vacation of warm breezes and tropical waters.

Download my vocabulary for the book, as well as a list of /r/ and /s/ words in the story:
Musubi Man download

After reading the story and learning the vocabulary, it is time to use the Gingerbread Man unit I posted about two years ago. Then compare and contrast the stories for great language therapy fun!

And thanks to my new time suck addiction that is Pinterest, I have some additional fun Gingerbread Man links and activities:
Mrs. Ayala's Gingerbread Man Unit
Babbling Abby's Gingerbread Man Unit
Gingerbread Cookies Sorting Activity
Gingerbread and Snowman Sorting Activity
Gingerbread Story Sequence Cards

Speech Club and Mad Libs Monday

2011-11-02T14:30:00.000-07:00

I created a new Speech Club this year (and handily tied it to my "professional development" so that my principal would support this new endeavor).

All my 3rd-5th articulation only students meet with me daily from approximately 8:45-9:00am to do a quick articulation drill (school officially starts at 9am). They practice their good sounds with me, with each other, and later with their teacher and parents.

Because it has become part of their routine, these students are at over 90% attendance and about 50% homework return. My hope and goal is that with this consistency, I will be able to graduate many of them from speech this year.

Every Monday we do "Mad Libs Monday" (the inspiration for this post): The students fill out a short Mad Libs that I have created with words containing their target sounds. I tried using pre-made Mad Libs sheets, but they took too long, so I had to remake them to be shorter and simpler. The students first try to think up their own nouns, adjectives, verbs, etc. But when they are stumped, I provide them with lists from Artic Tickle Stories. The students then read the mad libs to me, to another student, to their teacher, and to a parent.

This activity helps students to learn:

-words that contain their speech sounds

-parts of speech/grammar

-reading fluently with good articulation

-using good articulation outside of the therapy room

Download what I've made so far:

Monday Mad Libs instructions

Mad Libs waking up
Mad Libs Making Lunch
Mad Libs 3
Mad Libs 4
Mad Libs 5
Mad Libs 6
Mad Libs 7
Mad Libs 8
Mad Libs 9
Mad Libs 10
Mad Libs Halloween
Mad Libs Thanksgiving
Mad Libs Holidays

thank you!!

2011-10-26T15:25:00.001-07:00

Thank you everyone for all of the kind words.

It is nice to be heard. And even better to be encouraged!

I have a question for the blogosphere... does anyone know how I can post some links to pdf files? I have some custom made materials that I'd love to share, but am not sure how to do that for free. Advice?

Why I'm hiding from this blog

2011-10-22T13:01:00.000-07:00

Why am I hiding from this blog?

Because I feel like a total hypocrite.

Last May I reported 10 reasons to be a school-based Speech Pathologist.

And it was true. It really was.

But now?

I'd advice against going that route.

For reals.

My pessimism stems from so many changes that have occurred recently. Most importantly these include:

Last year my school had 3.5 full time assistants to help our extremely needy students mainstream into their general education class for most of the day. This year we have 1.
These students without sufficient support are blowing out and hurting themselves and others. Multiple times per day.
The teachers are angry at the special education team because we aren't "dealing with" these issues and behaviors.
I had 21 hours/week of speech assistant support for the last 9 years. In September, I had 1 hour/week. Now I (thankfully?) have 10 hours/week.
Daily 35+ min lunch duty that I've never had taken out of my schedule before, now my duty because our "vice principal" position was eliminated.
My printer was taken away.
Then, to top it all off, I had a parent complain to the assistant superintendent that I was doing "picture therapy" instead of "speech therapy" to their non-verbal student with whom I'm providing AAC and picture exchange support (per their IEP goals!).

Almost every single one of these issues stems from lack of funding for our schools.

I am tired.

I am frustrated.

I am teary eyed. A lot.

And although I have cool new ideas to share with the blogosphere, I may be hiding under my covers a little bit too.

/s/ vocabulary for 3rd graders

2011-09-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

I came across an incredible resource last spring: Flocabulary (no, I am not endorsed by this site at all but if they contact me, I'd be happy to test out all of their products!). At the time, they had free lists of key vocabulary that children at each grade level should learn--a sample can be found here. The website sells printed and digital instructional materials to help children learn vocabulary through rap music, workbooks, and videos.

I used the free vocabulary lists to design articulation sentences for several grade levels.

The following is a printable list of my /s/ vocabulary sentences I plan on using with 3rd grade level students who struggle with articulation and/or vocabulary:

3rd grade /s/ vocabulary from Flocabulary

My summer vacation (mad libs style)

2011-09-09T16:37:00.000-07:00

My summer was ___(adj)___. I did lots of ___(adj)___stuff. My family went on __(plural noun)__ to the West Coast and East Coast. We went in an airplane, train and even by __(noun). We saw lots of __(plural noun)__.

All __(number)__ of us even went camping for __(number)__ days and got really __(adj)__. While camping, I taught Marvel Girl how to ride a __(vehicle)__.

I learned how to crochet a __(clothing item)__; unfortunately, it has been over __(number)__ degrees and we are way too __(adj)__! I also learned how to __(nationality)__ braid Marvel Girl's hair; unfortunately, she got it cut __(adjective)__ just in time for Kindergarten to begin.

I painted my bedroom __(color)__ and kitchen cabinets __(color)__. The bedroom smelled funny for more than __(number)__ days!

We had our shed lock __(past tense verb)__. But the __(adj)__ thief didn't __(verb)__ anything.

Finally, Pooh Bear and the rest of the family bought a __(adj)__ mini-van to carpool __(number)__ __(plural noun)__ to __(place)__ and back.

Now summer is over and I feel __(adj)__.

Do this mad libs with an unsuspecting victim and let me know how it turns out! ;)

Where in the world is Super Woman

2011-08-04T11:48:00.000-07:00

I was away for 30 of the 31 days in July and traveled many thousands of miles by car, train, bus, and plane. Can you recognize any of the places that I've been?

(On a side note, upon return home I found the house to be infinitely more cluttered and dirty than I remember. Is it possible that a mess monster visited us while away???)

These are a few of my favorite things...

2011-07-24T07:24:00.000-07:00

I'm a very frugal gal and have been an extreme couponer long before it was popular.

But for a few select items, I am a brand-snob. Mind you, I try to wait until a sale and then stock up, but there are certain things I cannot buy generic.

The following is a "vacation-style" post to help keep my mind off of the upcoming stressful year I am dreading.

1. Diet Coke-- just for the taste of it. Preferably from a fountain dispenser with lots of ice.

2. Press 'n Seal Wrap-- after an unfortunate bat-stuck-in-the-storm-window incident while in college, I vowed never to go generic on this stuff again.

3. Contingo water bottles-- we own 7 of these and I'd buy more in a heart beat if I found them for the right price. One handed, non-leaky, BPA-free, watery-goodness.

4. Crayola crayons-- I go through hundreds of crayons per year. I will no longer settle for the cruddy generic crayons. Not even for free.

5. Mr. Sketch markers-- not only are there no other markers that draw as well as these (with the possible exception of Crayola), but nothing smells as good. And you know you've done your job well when children leave your room with little dots of color all over their noses....

Spill it reader. What brand names are just worth it.

Proclaimer: This post was sponsored by no one. These are my real opinions. If a brand I mentioned would like to compensate me for my free advertising, I would be happy to accept payment in the form of free products. However, unless they do me wrong, I will continue to support and buy these items.

Ninja/Action Unit (June)

2011-07-05T10:25:00.000-07:00

I was so excited about this unit! Unfortunately, June is a month of catching up, last minute testing, language samples, and end of the year field trips and parties. This means that I was only able to use 2 of the awesome ninja books I had checked out from the library.

I used The Boy Who Cried Ninja and Wink-The Ninja Who Wanted to Nap for working on vocabulary and story retelling. I was disappointed that The Boy Who Cried Ninja had very little in fact to do with ninjas, but it did make for a great book for 1st-3rd graders to work on retelling skills. Wink-The Ninja Who Wanted to Nap had awesome illustrations (simple, cut paper style), but the story was pretty confusing for my younger students (Wink was trying to avoid his fans so that he could rest) and did not make a lot of sense if you are unfamiliar with the other book by the same author: Wink- The Ninja Who Wanted to be Noticed.

Since ninja vocabulary seemed to be completely unnecessary for my life skills classrooms, I worked on verb/action words for Bingo. This was very successful, and I almost wished I had done it earlier in the year since verbs are such an important part of language.

Overall, it was fun to put books together on a topic of my choice and not worry about state testing, grade level curriculum, etc. for my theme. Maybe next June I'll try out some of the other ninja books, or go for a new topic of my interest all together! Suggestions for ninja books or for fun topics for next June?

I don't want to play

2011-07-03T17:34:00.000-07:00

Dear administrator,

I take it back.

You can have my printer.

And my reasons for being a school based Speech Pathologist.

I really don't think I can continue to do this. Not with 70 students, 19 of whom are young students with extensive needs for Augmentative Communication, Picture Exchange, and Positive Behavior Support. Not with 4 regular education students with daily visual schedule, extensive libraries of personalized social stories, and weekly (sometimes daily) meetings with their assistants to work on behavior ideas. Not with 6 less hours of assistant time next year (reduced from 21 to 15). And certainly not if you really plan on following through with the proposed 45 minute extra recess/lunch duty that you announced on the last work day before summer. The meeting that left me in tears and nauseous (I'm still nauseous even now).

6 hours less of assistant time and 5 hours less of service time (45 minutes per day + transitions) means 11 hours less speech therapy per week. That is the equivalent of 22-88 student therapy times affected. 88!

So, something will have to give. Many somethings.

I can't reduce many of my obligations for legal reasons. I can't eliminate my 113 yearly meetings. Or my 35 evaluations and write-ups.

The first thing to go will obviously be my sanity. My lunch will be gone. Paperwork time (which is at least 1/3 of my job) will disappear. The next to go will be service times. Next my group sizes will increase substantially. So substantially that by the time I pick the students up from class and settle them down, there is little reason to even bother seeing them. They would get more out of staying in class for that half hour.

I've calculated the cost of this new duty. The tax payers will pay me almost $5000 over the next school year to referee the students at lunch at recess. If I had been providing speech therapy during that time and billing Medicaid, I could make $5400+ in revenues for the district. If families wanted to pay for private speech therapy during that lunch period, I could personally make about $650 (per WEEK).

Don't mistake my feelings about the importance of supervision at recess and the need for order and help in the cafeteria. However, I strongly feel that the district is misusing it's resources by putting the only employee who can EARN the district money, and who already is stretched way too thin on this daily, torturous duty.

Please, please reconsider. My summertime ulcer (and search for another job) will cease if and when I hear the word.

With hopeful thoughts (and a sick bag on hand),

Super Woman

PS: I promise to give up my printer in exchange for this relief

Please save my printer

2011-06-17T10:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Head of Special Education,

I just received notice that almost all printers in my school would be taken away, so that printing could be centralized and the district can save money on printing/toner cartridges. The printers to be removed included both the ones in our classrooms and the laser color printers.

I know that this would be a huge hardship for me, and I'm guessing the other special education staff as well. Please consider the following my thoughts as to why my printer is vital to my classroom:

1. I use it daily to make copies of materials that I have created with a group. I can hand draw a game based on speech words and then use the "copy" feature of the printer to make copies for each student. Or I can quickly stick the targeted word cards into the copy feature and print for the student. Because my groups change every 30 minutes, I would not have time to do this on the regular copy machine and still get it to the students for their daily homework assignments. This requires me to have and use the scanning printer that sits next to my computer. Both my assistant and student teacher this last year found this tool to be invaluable for providing quality follow up and homework for the students

2. I print out confidential materials daily and do not want these going to a centralized location where other staff may be looking at the papers. Many times I am printing late in the afternoon/evening and the doors to the computer lab are locked by this time.

3. I use the color printers daily to print out Boardmaker pictures, visual schedules, communication boards, circle time activities. Some argue that a color photograph is a more concrete level of representation than a black and white photo/drawing (the following list shows visual representation from most concrete to least concrete):

3-D exact object (Ex. goldfish cracker = goldfish cracker)
3-D representation object (Ex. bubble wand = blowing bubbles)
Color photograph
Black & white photograph (Zerox)
Color pictures (drawings)
Black & white pictures
Outline drawings (ex. Board Maker black& white)

Additionally, The Fitzgerald Key is a method of coding words/pictures for AAC representation based upon category to ease both understanding of the words and speed for finding these words. This system requires color.

People	Yellow
Verbs	Green
Descriptions	Blue
Nouns	Orange
Social	Pink
Miscellaneous	White

4. On a frequent basis I need to print a social story, lesson, or articulation word list in the middle of a 30 minute session. I cannot leave the students unattended to go pick up this printing from the other end of the building.

5. Finally, there are times in meetings that a page has not been printed, or an additional piece of special education paperwork is needed. I need to print these immediately and have ready access to them for the meeting, without worrying about whether the computer lab doors are locked.

I understand that money is very tight right now, and that budget cuts are inevitable at this time. However, thank you for considering letting me keep this valuable, valuable tool!

Love, Super Woman

Vehicle Unit (May)

2011-06-15T16:45:00.000-07:00

My May vehicle unit was kind of a bust.

It worked out great for my self-contained students, their low-tech AAC, and our daily Bingo games... I was also able to use some basic category file folders for air/land/sea vehicles.

However, it turns out there aren't any decent vehicle books beyond the preschool level (if there are, please give me titles!). And that is really a bummer when I have students up to age 11.

My favorite books used were:

If I Built a Car (my kids loved this at home too)

The Big Road Race (stolen from my kids' bookshelf)

After the unit was over, I found a few books at the library that I might want to try out next year:

Otis

Toot Toot Zoom

Also I had, but never used, Good Driving Amelia Bedelia. Had I read this to the students, I'm sure I would have found some good language activities with my older students.

Suggestions? What vehicle books do you (or your kids) love?

Articulation Printables links

2011-06-14T09:12:00.001-07:00

As I create summer speech homework, I decided it would be great to have a running list of great places to find worksheets for the summer.

Here are my favorite articulation printables so far (suggestions welcome!):

mommyspeechtherapy

Speech Therapy Web

Speaking of Speech

SETT zipfile (tons of boardmaker artic boards)

Bowen lists and pictures

Great compilation of worksheets from the Greenwich SD

Preschool fun (cycles approach)

Bossy R (tons of R worksheets!)

I have to laugh, or else I might cry.

2011-05-20T13:57:00.001-07:00

How many other professions get to write texts such as the one I wrote today...

Top 10 Reasons to be a School-based Speech Pathologist

2011-05-16T15:32:00.000-07:00

I had not intended to work in the public schools.

I actually fled teaching after a one year nightmarish career as a high school science teacher.

The plan was that I would finish my Master's degree and begin working with adults in a rehab center. Adults like my father after his stroke. Or the sweet ladies I worked with in grad school. But I couldn't find a job in that area. Or in any area with adults. So... I ended up back in the school system from which I had previously fled.

And then I moved and took a one year internship studying Augmentative and Alternative Communication. This was going to be it! My big break! My chance to get into a truly amazing career.

But still...I ended up back in the public schools. And part way through that year, I realized I loved it. I have experienced many forms of pediatric speech therapy (hospitals, rehab, in-home private, consult). But I have not tried to change job settings in nine years.

And so I'm faced with a dilemma. How do I convince my student practicum Speech Pathologists that the schools are where-it's-at? The commonly perceived idea in SLP grad school is that working in the schools is "settling" (and I have to admit that initially this was true for me!). And three of my last four student teachers have ended up taking non-school jobs.

This year has without a doubt been my most challenging year. Not only has my case-loud increased by 33%, but the severity of my students' disabilities have increased even more. And the budget cuts mean that we have less support for more and needier students. So to convince both myself and my student teachers that the public schools are a great place to work, I have developed a top ten list.

Top 10 Reasons to be a School-based Speech Pathologist:
10. Cute aprons and theme day apparel (not to mention jeans to work if I so desire).

9. Special Olympics and other fun field trips.

8. Work with disadvantaged kids who otherwise get little help (because of lack of family support, lack of finances, or both). Make a direct impact in the community. Foster social-justice.

7. Work with children for up to 6 consecutive years. Watch them progress, grow, and develop over time and even continue relationships with students who have "graduated" from services.

6. Work with a huge array of children and needs: Autism, Augmentative Communication, Articulation, Language, Hearing, etc.

5. Create my own materials focusing on books or activities that I enjoy.

4. Competitive salary with hospital and rehab based Speech Pathologists (and possibly more). Great benefits. Regular, steady paychecks.

3. Focus therapy on topics that directly impact the lives of my students (school curriculum, making friends, grade level, materials, etc.).

2. Work directly with kids 1-5 days each week, and greet almost every student on my caseload daily.

1. SUMMER VACATION

Bug Unit (April)

2011-04-29T14:24:00.000-07:00

I began April thinking that there were very few bug books that were appropriate for my students.

Turns out I was wrong.

I actually checked so many books out from the library, that I could only use a percentage of them.

Kindergarten and 1st grades: The Very Busy Spider, The Very Quiet Cricket, The Very Clumsy Click Beetle
1st and 2nd grades: The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Leo the Lightning Bug
2nd and 3rd grades: Gotta Go! Gotta Go!, Diary of a Spider, Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly

For all these stories we focused on vocabulary, repeating lines, and story retelling (with visuals).

And of course there were Bug Bingo Bingo boards...

Overall, I was pleased with my bug month (appropriate for my K-3rd graders, my 4th and 5th graders were focused on class curriculum vocabulary).

Great tongue twisters!

2011-04-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

Not only are these tongue twisters loads of fun, but the site has alphabetized them as well!

Perfect activity for those speech students who have almost perfected their sound but need some fun phoneme-rich practice at home.

Samples include:

Working on /k/ sounds?

Comical economists.

Cows graze in groves on grass which grows in grooves in groves.

Crisp crusts crackle crunchily.

Kris Kringle carefully crunched on candy canes.

Working on /s/?

The sawingest saw I ever saw saw was the saw I saw saw in Arkansas.

Say this sharply, say this sweetly;
Say this shortly, say this softly;
Say this sixteen times in succession.

Sinful Caesar sipped his snifter, seized his knees, and sneezed.

Differentiating /s/ and /sh/?

Selfish shellfish.

She sells seashells on the seashore.

Shy Shelly says she shall sew sheets.
The shells she sells are seashells, I'm sure

This is it. Last Auctionable Cookies! (April)

2011-04-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

This delicious recipe is not only my last Auctionable Cookies of the year, but possibly the last ones ever (since my son's school decided not to put on a school auction).

But last does not make least. Not even remotely.

These cookies are to die for delicious. And if only peanut butter chips didn't run at $2+/bag (ouch!) I'd be making these ~~daily~~ often.

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies (from How Sweet it Is)

1 cup butter, at room temperature

1 1/2 cups sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups flour

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup peanut butter chips

1/2 cup chocolate chips

Cream butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla until fluffy. Add flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt and mix until combined.

Fold in peanut butter and chocolate chips. Refrigerate dough for 1-2 hours. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350, roll into balls and set on baking sheet.

Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes.

Plant unit (March)

2011-04-23T07:43:00.000-07:00

For the month of March, I worked on a plant unit with my language students. My Life Skills students focused on Plant Bingo and the other grades worked on plant within the context of books. The 5th grade teachers reported that this aligned nicely with their science studies as they were working on life cycles and further preparing for the state science test.

The students first focused on plant vocabulary:
Then we moved onto story books that focused on plants in some way and learned vocabulary throughout the books (which may or may not be directly plant related).

Vocabulary Sheet from A Plant Named Spot

At the end of the unit, most students worked on story retelling by using story maps and other visuals that they had created.

My favorite books included:
Kindergarten & First Grade: Growing Vegetable Soup, Planting a Rainbow
First-Third Grade: The Tiny Seed, A Plant Named Spot
Second-Third Grade: From Seed to Plant
Fourth-Fifth Grade: The Empty Pot

Unfortunately, I did not get to use Jack's Garden with any students this year (and also did not get to The Gardener--not pictured). Hopefully next year I can incorporate these books.

April's theme... Bugs

Our family crest

2011-04-06T16:25:00.001-07:00

Have you ever seen a picture that so perfectly fits your family, that you would like to make it into your family crest--large banners, flags, and notepads displaying you in all your "glory"?

I now have.

And I've created a banner for all the world to see what the Super Family is all about:

Chocolate

and

Pain

(not necessarily in that order)

(all photo credit given to Chocolate & Vicodin)

Maybe if the UN passed these cookies out, there could be World Peace?

2011-03-18T18:01:00.000-07:00

March 2011 Auctionable Cookies

I first tried this recipe about 3 weeks ago, and I've made the recipe 3 times since then. They really are that fabulous. They've sustained me through Professor X's trial procedure (which ultimately went well and he's planning to have the electrodes permanently implanted!!), some incredibly rough times with students, and even rougher times with co-workers.

If I can get through my tearful days with these cookies, surely peace is possible?

World Peace Cookies (from Dorie Greenspan's book: Baking)

1 1/4 cups flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 stick plus 3 Tbs butter
2/3 cup light brown super
1/4 cup sugar
1/4. tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. vanilla extract
5 oz. bittersweet chocolate, chopped, or 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips

1. Sift flour, coca, and baking soda together.
2. Beat the butter on medium speed until creamy. Add both sugars, salt, vanilla and beat 2 minutes more.
3. Pour in the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until the flour disappears into the dough. Tosss in chocolate pieces and mix only to incorporate.
4. Put dough on a work surface and divide in half. Shape each half into a log that is 1.5 inches in diameter. Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and regrigerate or freeze.
5. Heat oven to 325.
6. Slice the cookie logs into rounds that are 1/2 inch thick. Arrange on baking sheets.
7. Bake for 12 minutes and let cool.

This is the device

2011-03-09T16:20:00.000-08:00

This is the device that may (or may not) help my husband's pain.

This is an electrode, inserted into his spine

part of the device, that may (or may not) help my husband's pain.

These are the 6 foot cords, sticking out of his body

hooked onto the electrodes, inserted into his spine

part of the device, that may (or may not) help my husband's pain.

This is the programming device, only partially working

plugged into the 6 foot cords, sticking out of his body

hooked onto the electrodes, inserted into his spine

part of the device, that may (or may not) help my husband's pain.

This is the patient, who endured 5 hours for a "25 minute" procedure

to work on the programming device, only partially working

plugged into the 6 foot cords, sticking out of his body

hooked onto the electrodes, inserted into his spine

part of the device, that may (or may not) help my husband's pain.

Plant AAC Bingo

2011-03-05T09:36:00.001-08:00

Going with the theme idea I have recently incorporated into my therapy, I am switching around circle time with my Life Skills students. I am working on basic vocabulary (this month with a plant theme) while teaching them to play a group game, "bingo".

Most of these students are unable to find "3 in a row", so I've made their job easy. The first person to match 3 pictures, gets to push my "Bingo!" button.

A large percent of the class is non-verbal, or minimally verbal, so I've designed specific pages for the devices in the classroom: 2 Go Talk 9+, 1 Go Talk 20+, and a Tech Talk. There is also one (not pictured) Vantage Plus in the class. Here are all the materials I use to play Bingo each day....

The students practice saying the vocabulary words as well as "I do", "I want...", and "Bingo!".

After about 6 weeks of playing, I would estimate that 30% get the idea of the game (match 3 pictures to win), but even those who clearly do not understand the game are learning how to match the velcro dot to the picture and are less likely to throw or crumple their game board. Slow progress.

After 6 years of doing the exact same circle routine in this class, it is a relief to do something new. Now I am brainstorming other group games we can play in circle time. I thought of tic-tac-toe, but envision that almost no students would understand it. I need a game that you can win on sheer luck. Possibly, a simple Memory game with theme vocabulary?

Happy Dr. Seuss Day to me!

2011-03-03T15:31:00.000-08:00

This week, schools across the United States are celebrating Dr. Seuss Day.

Even President Obama has officially declared it!

And even though I learned this week that not all of Theodore Geisel's artwork were child-friendly (cough cough), my co-worker and I treated ourselves to new Dr. Seuss teacher aprons. Which we have been happily wearing all week.

I adore the aprons that this woman makes. I figure that if I can get one new one per year, I'll have a wide assortment by the time I retire. ;) Hope she's still selling them by then!!

Auctionable Cookies. Feb 2011.

2011-02-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

I've lost track of what number I'm on for my auctionable cookies. But these are my hearts desire.

I call these Sara's Addictive Coconut Cookies.
(Cuz Sara gave me the recipe. And they are addictive. Clever 'eh? )

1 cup butter
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 Tbs milk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
2.5 cups flour
12 oz chocolate chips (Sara's recipe calls for white chocolate chips, but I didn't have any)
1 cup coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
sweetened coconut for rolling cookies in

Cream butter and sugars. Add everything else except for extra coconut. Roll into balls and roll in the extra coconut. Bake for approx 12 minutes at 350 (or until very slightly browned)

Tar Heel Books and Creating your own!

2011-02-24T15:31:00.000-08:00

Have you seen the site Tar Heel Books?

There are 15,000 books that have been created for and by beginning readers on this site! The books are organized by topic, rated, and sortable. You can even check off your favorite ones for easy finding later.

The books are adapted for easy accessibility (switch users can turn the "pages" easily). And you can add voice (adult, child, etc.) with just the click of a button.

In addition, you can register for a free account and create your own books (or better yet, have your student create a book).

This website inspired me to check out creating powerpoint books (which I've heard of, but had previously never tried to create). So far, I've made one about "I see...", one focusing on the letter of the week "u", one with initial /p/ sounds, and one social story. Fun!

And , it was so easy! I even recorded my own voice on each page so that the auditory was clear.

Here is a tutorial on how to make your own Powerpoint books. My only difference, was that I recorded my messages this way, instead of using the prerecorded sounds.

Now, if I could just figure out an easy way to easily share these books with you, I would. Suggestions?

Therapy Thursday: Froggy Gets Dressed

2011-02-17T15:31:00.000-08:00

I'm attempting a new idea to stream-line my therapy preparations: month long themes. I know these are common in classrooms, but since I see most of my students only twice per week, it makes it much more difficult to carry a theme on for only 3-4 weeks. Plus, there is the added complication of the age ranges from 5-11. Because of the huge range of skills to be worked on with my population, I need to have a vast array of materials.

I've decided that at the end of the month, I will take all the file folders and books I've used for the month, and file it under "February". Then next year when February comes around, I'm all set.

February's theme is "body parts" (cause of the "heart". get it?)

And although I had to stretch the theme to include "clothes I put on body parts", I decided to use "Froggy Gets Dressed" as one of February's books.

Here are all the materials I've been using for this story:

Using Boardmaker picture prompts, most of my students can help ask the repetitive question, "What did you forget?" And then choose the clothing item that Froggy forgot and use that in a sentences.

These pictures are laminated and have velcro on the back. They can be used to answer the "What did you forget?" question or used to retell the story with picture by picture words.

My verbal students always practice retelling stories. They brainstorm "first, then, then, and finally" and draw the pictures to help them recall the story elements. Sometimes I video or tape record the retelling for us to analyze.

After we've exhausted reading and retelling the story (around the 3rd therapy session on this book), I finally pull out a game. Any of my students that can match pictures, can also play "Froggy Gets Dressed" bingo. Some students use only one word answer to describe the picture, while others are asked to use an entire descriptive sentence. My students who need to work on auditory processing/comprehension need to find the picture without visually matching it first. This can prove tricky.

It's funny to be doing a book about getting dressed for winter when the crocuses are blooming. But we did have some flurries yesterday morning...

Sometimes I park far away (gasp) on purpose

2011-02-11T15:35:00.000-08:00

Here's the situation. There are far too many people with handicapped stickers. Or maybe there are just not enough handicapped spots. Or maybe it's all of the above.

Consider a trip to Costco and the reason Professor X rarely goes there. There are approximately 10 disabled parking spots in the lot. Sounds like quite a few, right? Until you realize that every member of the AARP visits Costco. Regularly. Is it the free samples? Or the cheap hot dogs? (Yes, that is the reason I go, but we aren't talking about ME here). So Professor X gets to Costco and prays that one of the aforementioned spots opens up.

After chicken fighting with an 88 year old for the space, he gets out of the car and must now decide how next to proceed. Even the *best* spot is at least 30 feet from the store's entrance. Far enough that walking there with his cane will be excruciatingly painful. And if he gets to the front entrance of the store and there are no vroomy carts, then he has to hobble back to the car and go home. He'll be in pain for 2 days from the effort and won't have even entered the store.

He could, on the other hand, pull out his wheelchair and cover the distance easily (as ling as he doesn't wheel behind a car that decides to back up and can't see him in his chair). But then what does he do with his chair at the front entrance when he picks up a vroomy cart? Park and lock it up on the "wheelchair rack"? He could take it into the store, but then where does he put his boxes and boxes of items? On his lap of course. And this gets heavy and cumbersome quickly. Especially in Costco.

(Did I mention that my 5 year old is probably sitting on his lap through all this because she missed the Kindergarten cutoff by 2 weeks?)

So let's assume all goes well and he gets a vroomy cart and buys some delicious organic coffee and garden burgers. Now there is the less than small matter of getting everything out to the car. Which is at least 30 feet from the entrance. Probably more.

You get the idea. Shopping trips become nightmarish quickly.

So what is the moral of this story? Sometimes I purposefully do not take the close parking spot. Even when I could. Not because I'm a saint or a fitness buff, but because I realize someone else out there might need that spot a whole lot more.

I'm famous!

2011-02-09T16:06:00.000-08:00

Somehow, this lax blogger not only got listed in the "20 Best Speech Therapy Blogs", but was 1st on the list!

The review of my blog actually says "This incredible speech therapist..." It then lists 19 other blogs that I really need to go check out. Way back when I started blogging (back when dinosaurs roamed the earth and I had to walk up hill both ways to school. Barefoot.), there were few if any other SLP bloggers. Things are changing!

Wow. Way to stroke a super-girl's ego.

Makes me almost want to start blogging more often. Almost.

The Boy Who Ssssssurvived

2011-02-04T13:37:00.001-08:00

For my Harry Potter friends, Professor X has now supplied me with a list of /s/ practice sentences to accompany the Star Wars /s/ sentences.

The Slytherin seeker was the first to see the snitch.
With a simple "Stupefy!" the student was able to stun the summoned imp.
Professor Snape snipped the seed in half, added it to his cauldron, and stirred his potion slowly.
Cedric skipped a step as the staircase shifted beneath his slippers.
To Harry, it seemed like everyone was staring at his scar as he entered the store on Diagon Ally.
The spiders sped away from the basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets.
Hermione saw seven stars in the sky when she looked at the ceiling of the dining room.
Ron was spooked at the sight of a centaur casting a spell.
Hagrid told Harry, "Save your strength." as he struggled to swim in the syrupy sand.
The Sorcerer's Stone sat safe and secure at Hogwarts when Voldemort tried to steal it from Gringotts.

Ssssssstar Wars

2011-02-03T08:58:00.000-08:00

My geeky Professor X created a great list of /s/ sentences for all my Star Wars loving students.

If you have a child working on /s/ who loves Star Wars, have them practice these sentences (the faster and more natural the better!)

C-3PO needs R2-D2 to short circuit the Cloud City's central computer.
The twin suns of Tatooine make the sand-people scurry to seek out shade.
Darth Vader's super-star-destroyer is sinister.
Darth Sidious uses his light saber to slice up the rebel soldiers.
Han Solo sets up a shelter so that Luke won't have to sleep in the snow.
The stormtroopers march the slaves to cell block 'C'.
The Sith sent spies to the Galactic Senate.
Luke saw his sister sitting on a speeder-bike.
The rebel spies used a stolen supply ship to sneak into the Endor system.
The shield surrounding the Death Star protected it from the rebel sneak attack.
Seriously, Star Wars and its sequels are strictly superior to the subsequent prequels.

Literature-based comprehension (reading and listening)

2011-01-29T09:03:00.000-08:00

This is probably the BEST literature-based comprehension website I have ever seen to help me with my language disordered students (since I attempt to make my therapy literature based). It even comes with TONS of short passages (perfect for our 30 minutes of therapy time slots), comprehension questions, and tons of recommended read a loud books.

www.readworks.org

and the best part? Totally free for everything I need: book recommendations, printables, questions, and short passages.

Goals for 2011

2011-01-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

These are not New Year's Resolutions.

I have a New Year's Resolution.

It's a longstanding one that I've only somewhat been able to keep over the years:
I will not let my metabolism slow down and weight catch up.

That aside, these are (hopefully reasonable) goals inspired by this post from earlier this month.

Personal:
Read the Bible 6 mornings per week (I'm currently at 5).
Exercise 6 days per week (I'm actually at 6-7 right now post P90x and 30-Day Shred), but I'm not sure how long I can reaslistically continue that regimin as cold/flu season sets in.
Get 7+ hours of sleep each night (This means going to be at 9pm, which I have been pretty good about this year!).
Read 3 books per month (I've read 2 books/month on average for the last 5 years and I'm ready to up that number slightly).
Take Spanish classes (I got a head start on this and signed up for a weekend immersion class next month!).

Family:
Go on a date monthly with Professor X (Currently we go on about 2 per year!).
Go away for a night with Professor X.
Find a source for a cheap/used lightweight, fast wheelchair for Professor X.
Encourage the kids to love reading by reading great books (that even I want to read) at least 5 nights per week.
Sponsor another child from Africa New Life (I jumped on this one last week and we are now the sponsors to an adorable 4 year old in Rwanda).
Change our family story to somehow reflect something great. Something that we are all inspired to live for (Possible visit to Rwanda in the future??).

Required Reading: Schuyler's Monster

2011-01-15T11:28:00.000-08:00

I'd heard of the book Schuyler's Monster before, but shelved it in the back of my brain. However, after Chicory Blue blogged it as one of her most recommended books for 2010, I put it on hold at the library. And on Monday I attended a fabulous professional development course which gave away two copies of the book. And showed pictures of Schuyler (pronounced "Skyler"). Because the speaker had met her! In typical fashion, I won neither copy of the free books, but my library hold came in the next day and I read the book within 2 days.

Schuyler's Monster is written by the author of Schuyler's Monster Blog (and since all bloggers are awesome, he must be as well!) and is the intimate journey of his family as they fall in love with their new daughter, follow a painful journey of discovering her disability, and then fight the status-quo to give her everything possible to help her thrive, including a voice. Is is a story about the power of Augmentative Communication, a dedicated family, and caring friends and family that helped it happen (blog readers raised $10,000 to pay for her AAC device in 5 weeks! Wow!).

This was an easy and powerful must-read for all parents, educators, and anyone affiliated with the world of special needs.

Books I read in 2010

2011-01-01T19:55:00.000-08:00

Yet again I have failed miserably in my quest to read a book a week (on average). You know...like I did pre-children!

My favorites:
A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: Potentially life changing autobiographical memoir by Don Miller. Don decides that he wants to have a good "story" to tell about his life. And it makes me want me change my life story to be great.

What Strength Remains:Fantastic biography of an amazing genoicide survivor from Burundi and his journey to the United States. And back to Burundi. Inspiring and amazing.

The Art of Racing in the Rain: Sad and pensive fiction about a Northwest man surviving the loss of his wife and the battle to get custody of his daughter. All narrated by the family dog.

Outliers: I learned so much from this book!

Catching Fire: Awesome 2nd book in the triology The Hunger Games (although not as good as the first)

Books Read in 2010

A Speech Therapist's Review of The King's Speech (updated)

2010-12-30T12:34:00.000-08:00

My mother told me there was a movie out about a Speech Therapist and a king, and that it could win Academy Awards. So of course I begged her to go with me to The King's Speec h.

The acting moved me greatly. I cringed with each "stammer" that Bertie (the future King George VI) endures, in the same way that I hold my breath each time one of my students gets stuck in a stutter. The loved the unconventional and unabashed demeanor of Lionel in his speech therapy sessions, and the persistence of Bertie's wife, Elizabeth.

As a Speech Pathologist who went through years of schooling, thousands of dollars of accreditation, and piles of paperwork, I felt that I should have been outraged at Lionel's lack of credentials and coursework. But I wasn't. I was mainly just relieved that someone else was having success with helping an individual with serious disfluencies. Because heaven knows, that I am having a tough time with it! And it is the 1930's for goodness sake! I've got to give him some credit for lack of speech programs and national accreditation.

It renewed my spirit in my profession and that I do make the difference in the lives of individuals. Even after doing this job for 10 years (exactly!), I still wish I received more thanks for my job. The number of parents I've had actually thank me for helping their child (some of them I worked with daily from Kindergarten to 5th grade!) I could count on one hand. And yet again I felt sorry for myself this holiday season, in which I got no thanks from students or the teachers, whose arses I save every single day. But this movie helped get me out of my glut and made me feel a little bit more important.

updated: Professor X recently sent me a great article written by another Speech Pathologist, who has experienced stuttering.

Revealing a disability

2010-12-20T10:27:00.000-08:00

I made a decision this year to really reveal Professor X's physical disability to friends/family near and far. Although we've made reference to his chronic pain on Facebook posts and previous Christmas cards, we've never elaborated. Friends who haven't seen us in years have not yet understood how serious his condition has become.

So this year, I featured Professor X in his wheelchair for our Christmas card picture.

Actually, Professor X pointed out to me that our 2009 Christmas card photo also hinted at his physical condition: if you look carefully you can see his cane hiding behind Marvel Girl's legs.

And although we sent our cards out the weekend after Thanksgiving, we haven't received a single question or comment on Professor X's condition. Even by those who hadn't previously known it's severity. One high-school friend even commented, "I'm glad to hear you are doing so well."

I'm not sure what I expected, really. But at least now the information is out there.

Visual Schedule (Holiday Style)

2010-12-17T07:00:00.000-08:00

I have spent a huge portion of my year thus far creating a new system for visual schedules. After beating our heads against the wall for the first month of school, our team decided to try getting our boys onto schedules and using them consistently and throughout the school day. Which is NO easy task.

After trial and error and trial and trial and trial, our system is actually working out really well. And at least 2 of our 4 boys have really taken to the schedule and it is helping them get through the school day with less stress and less explosive behaviors. Hurray!!

Here is a picture of one the boy's Monday schedule. It's been all decked out in order to preserve privacy. :)

The student moves the squares to velcro below (on the lower half of the file folder) as he completes them. There are also several "choice" items he can work for throughout the day in that lower area.

I also had to create an entire "dictionary" of extra pictures for events that happen on other days, other teachers, special events, and extras in case of loss.

So far, so good. Just hope the novelty doesn't wear off and I can continue to use this system for several years to come to make up for the all the time I put into it... One co-worker even said I should patent it and try to make a few bucks off of my work. ;)

Holiday Gifts that "Save the World"

2010-12-15T06:56:00.000-08:00

Our family goal at the holidays is to try to give lovingly and intentionally. Give up and above the 10% we give throughout the rest of the year. Give to show that Jesus's birth is a gift to all.

So, we have chosen to give less "stuff" and more "us".

In lieu of a game consul or other common electronics, our family gift is a donation to Advent Conspiracy. Providing water to those around the world and missional opportunities to those locally.

In lieu of a cheesy gifts that no one would probably appreciate, this year we have chosen to give adult relatives gift donations to kiva, so that they can actively participate in making a loan that will change a life (they even get to choose whose life they will change!).

And in lieu of buckets of presents, my daughter will be receive the news that she is going to have a sponsor "friend" in Rwanda through Africa New Life (my son already has one).

With the money that grandparents recently sent us, I was going to put it in the kids' college accounts, but when I realized how after splitting it in two, it would be of very little help in college expenses, I think I'm going to try something new. I'm going to withdraw the amount in cash and put it in an envelope labeled "kids culture experiences". And then next time there is a high school musical, play, or other performance that I would otherwise have needed to pass up because of finances, I can dip into the envelope and give them the gift of experiences.

This is not to say that we will not have gifts this holiday season (we usually open our home gifts on New Years morning). I have been collecting quite a few clearanced items throughout the year and hiding them away to give to the kids. My son will receive a cool costume that I bought 4 days after Halloween at 80% off. My daughter will receive a small toy that I found in the clearance aisle of Target. The kids will get items from grandparents, aunts, and uncles. And Professor X and I? Well, we needed a new mattress. So, that was our early gift to ourselves (and OUCH, I didn't remember how expensive mattresses are!!).

Maybe this list or video will inspire you to do likewise next year? At any rate, please check out the links and pass them along. These are awesome organizations that are truly helping to "save the world".

Center for Effective Parenting

2010-12-08T16:04:00.000-08:00

I have used this blog in the past as a way of passing along some cool speech and/or special education materials. It also serves as a great reminder to myself so I can find materials in the future. Because of severe lack of time, I have given up writing "cute" or "personal" posts recently, but would still like to share information that I find to be useful.

So, here's to short, sweet, informative links! (Cheers!)

The Center for Effective Parenting has a variety of useful handout for parents regarding behavior management and ways to help their children. Since I never deal with behavior issues at all (HA!!!!!), I thought I'd pass along the link and hope you find it useful. ;)

Auctionable Cookies. Year 2. Month 3.

2010-10-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

I skipped a month posting about my Auctionable Cookies. Not sure what I made (that's why I've been blogging about them), but I'm sure they were good.

Here is my Halloween cookie treat. They are supposed to be "Black Cat Cookies" and they look like it. Sorta.

Black Cat Cookies (from cooks.com)

1 cup crunchy peanut butter
1/3 cup water
2 eggs
1 pkg. chocolate cake mix
M & M's (plain)
Red hots

Beat together peanut butter, eggs, and water. Gradually add cake mix. Mix well. Form dough into 1-inch balls. Place on cookie sheet. Flatten balls with bottom of glass dipped in sugar. Pinch out 2 ears at top of cookie. Add M & M's (eyes) and red hots (nose). Press fork into dough to form whiskers.

Bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes.

The Tale of the Turtle and the Rabbit

2010-10-28T13:47:00.000-07:00

I have felt guilty about neglecting this blog this year. In previous years, I'd have a spare moment from time to time to update ideas about speech, my family, or a rhyming thought.

This year has been nuts. Like 'pull your hair and run for cover' nuts. No budget. Increased case load. Dramatically increased number of students with significant needs. Decreased staff/assistance to help with increased case load and increased number of students with significant needs. Nuts. Crazy. Loco. Batty.*

*Currently teaching the idiom "driving me batty" to a few students.

This year I am working with two boys with significant fluency issues (stuttering). Because I learn better in story, here is my adapted "turtle and the hare" story we created to help them remember to breathe through their bumpy speech:

Once upon a time, there was a turtle and a rabbit.

The turtle was very slow and steady. He always said, “Slow and steady wins the race.” He also had huge lungs that allowed to swim underwater for long periods of time.

Rabbit, however, was fast and bumpy-jumpy. He thought that he was the fastest in the forest. Rabbit challenged turtle to a race.

On the day of the big race, all the forest animals gathered. The winner would be the first animal to deliver an important message to bear.

At the sound of the horn, they were off! Rabbit, did his bumpy jumps quickly into the woods. Turtle followed slow and steady.

After some time, rabbit saw he was clearly in the lead. He said, “I’m tired. I will take a little rest by this pond.” He soon fell asleep.

Meanwhile, turtle continued on. Slow and steady. He passed rabbit and approached bear at the finish line.

Rabbit woke up with a start. He began jumping to catch up. Just as he was to about to catch up, turtle used his enormous lungs to bloooooooooooooooow rabbit away from the finish line. Turtle crossed the finish line, delivered the message to bear, and won the race.

Moral of the story: Slow and steady gets the message across first. Not bumpy-jumpy.

Scheduling for Speech

2010-10-01T16:37:00.000-07:00

Remember in High School when you could have sworn that your English teacher threw all those essays up his stair case. The ones that landed nearest the top step received "A"s, the next steps received "B"s and all remaining papers received a "C"? That teacher was the reason I refused to take any English classes in college.

And remember college acceptance time? When those college admission officers stuck their hand into the Santa-sized bag of applications and pulled out those lucky few?

Well, scheduling 60+ speech students into a school week looks a little like that.
Only, instead of throwing papers up a flight of stairs, I throw 100 post-its onto a huge piece of paper that has been divided into multiple columns.

My goal is to schedule every student to see me at least once per week, and see either my assistant or myself the other time in the week. But, hang-on, I can't have the speech time interfere with ESL, lunch, recess, a 90-minute reading block, music, PE, library, other special education services, or Title 1. And being the last to schedule my students makes it extra-fun in a "I sure enjoy an impossible brain puzzle" kind-of way.

Although I've been serving students for several weeks, today marks the day in which I think I finally have scheduled all of my students.

That is... until someone graduates from speech, someone moves in, someone qualifies for new services, or anything else about the school schedule changes. At which point, I'll start throwing post-its again.

Other school-based Speech Pathologists: How do you create your schedule?

Educational funding, where can you be?

2010-09-25T18:11:00.000-07:00

(to the tune of Chim Chim Cher-Ee)

Educational funding, where can you be?
Our kids aren't so lucky, nothing comes free.
Educational funding, what will we do?
The classrooms are bursting, at almost 32.

And I've got an ulcer, trying to serve 62!

This one has seizures, that one's tube fed,
"You'll figure it out," is what the higher-ups said.
Six need PEC Systems, two have high-tech AT,
No time to train them, can't talk to me.

Educational funding, where can you be?
We've lost our assistants, the kids run away free.
Educational funding, what will we do?
The Kinders are wild, it's like controlling a zoo.

With budgets of ZERO, it's like teaching one too!

Donald, vision, and math

2010-09-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

I started reading the book Brain Rules, by John Medina, in an attempt to help both my students and my children (and myself!) learn and retain more. Although most of the book is review for me, Mr. Medina presents some great information and tells good stories. One piece of information that he stresses is that the visual sense is so important to being human, that it trumps all other senses. He stresses that educators should learn how to use pictures to transfer information. He describes how the movie Donald in Mathmagic Land determined his career choice.

A 27 minute animated Disney film altering the professional destiny of an 8 year old? This I had to check out.

And after checking it out, I have to recommend it to you and your children as a wonderful way to enliven mathematics for both adults and children.

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Fortunately, Unfortunately

2010-09-03T19:54:00.000-07:00

Today's post was inspired by the classic (and highly adaptable) book Fortunately, by Remy Charlip. I've considered buying the book for my classroom for several years. And as it turns out I should have--I just found out that my classroom budget went from several hundred dollars to zero-zip-nada-rien thanks to the huge educational budget cuts.

Fortunately
my husband got a phone call from his sister (who lives 3000 miles away).

Unfortunately
it was to inform us that their uncle had just passed away.

Fortunately
the service was scheduled for a day I was off of work.

Unfortunately
the service was scheduled 200 miles away from our home.

Fortunately
we have friends that live in the area, with whom we could stay.

Unfortunately
their kids (friends to our kids) were in our neck of the woods on vacation.

Fortunately
we drove the 200 miles quickly and without incident.

Unfortunately
I left my pajamas, hairbrush, shampoo, exercise clothes, and medications at home.

Fortunately
I remembered to bring one of my P90x DVDs with me.

Unfortunately
I brought the wrong one and felt sick half way through it.

Fortunately
the kids did well at the memorial service and family gathering afterward.

Unfortunately
the traffic on the drove home was atrocious.

And unfortunately
if we didn't get to the pharmacy by 7:00pm, Professor X would be without his medications until after the long weekend.

Fortunately
our car does a great job of going 80 mph.

Unfortunately
we got to the pharmacy at 7:03pm.

Fortunately
Professor X had called 10 minutes ahead of that to beg the pharmacist to stay open a few extra minutes.

And fortunately
she did!

Unfortunately
I got back home to find three messages saying my classroom had been broken into last night.

But fortunately
the intruder had taken nothing and left only broken glass, blood, and a child-size foot print. :(

Image from security and surveillance blog.

Sarcastic message of the day: I'm so glad the members of our community are so supportive of the educational funding crisis at this time by testing our security systems, reminding our custodial staff how to clean up glass, putting our hazardous body fluid containers into early use, and making sure our police department is handling situations in a timely fashion.

What a whirlwind of 2 days!

Being Autistic, Being Human

2010-08-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

I admit to being a Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me podcast junkie. I will listen to the show 2-3x in a row. And (sadly enough) it is how I know most of my current news.

I branched out in my repertoire during August. Some of the new podcasts I am checking out are:
The Kindlings Muse
Speaking of Faith
Friday Night Comedy
Coffee Break Spanish

Of the many hours of podcasts that I listened to this summer, Being Autistic, Being Human hit closest to home for me. Although this was presented on Speaking of Faith, it was not a conversation about faith at all, but rather about life and family.

During this hour long conversation, the presenter speaks with Paul Collins and Jennifer Elder about their son, Morgan, who has high-functioning Autism. It is a very real talk about joys and challenges for this family as well as the role that Autism has played in society.

I am considering recommending it to other parents and professionals to help them learn more about Autism. If you have listened to this podcast, please let me know what you think.

Slam dunk that Dryer Ball!

2010-08-29T17:22:00.000-07:00

I go back to work in two days. TWO DAYS?! And although I'm certainly ready for The Flash to begin school again, I'm not quite as sure about myself.

More specifically, I'm not confident that I'm ready to get up at 5am every morning after a summer of sleeping in. I'll be getting up especially early for the next few months because I've decided to go through the P90x program.

I have completed my summer to do list:
-paint trim throughout the living room
-make 2008 photo album (really happy with the results from Picaboo!)
-read at least one book (see sidebar for books read this year)
-grow tomatoes successfully
-go to the gym daily (when not on vacation)
-shop great deals

I am feeling good about my shopping ventures. I bought items for my classroom, my students, the holiday food baskets, and many freebies for my co-workers.

I'm particularly excited about finding cheap dryer balls. For several years Professor X has used dryer balls as sensory stimulation to help cope with his pain. We have hypothesized that dryer balls would be the perfect fidget for my students with sensory needs. Thanks to Dollar Tree, I have 10 inexpensive balls with which to test my hypothesis. The hard spikes and difficult to deform materials seem ideal tools for stimulating pressure points on the palms, arms and other areas of skin. As an added bonus, they do not bounce, so kids are less likely to spend class time dribbling them.

Wish me luck on my new ventures. Maybe soon I'll be jumping high enough from my new exercise program to dunk the dryer balls?

A Starry Summer

2010-08-16T12:38:00.000-07:00

The Star Wars saga continues in the Super house. But I have to admit that I'm enjoying it.

At his first Disney visit, The Flash refused to volunteer for Jedi Academy, but he did spend his yard sale money on a rockin 2-sided make-your-own light saber (which he proudly swung around the park for the rest of the day).

And he used his mad skillz to fight his Padawan friends at his Star Wars birthday party.

And destroyed the Death Star (pinata),

And devoured Tie Fighters (cupcakes).

We continue to have ethical debates with our now-7-year-old about "no guns" and "killing is bad" as he pretends to laser blast the entire family. Suggestions?

The Star (Wars) Shine Brighter in the Summer

2010-06-20T14:55:00.000-07:00

At some point this year The Flash decided that Star Wars was it. He talked Star Wars. He played Star Wars. He chose his birthday party theme of Star Wars. He made light sabers frequently at his school's invention center.

One problem.

He'd never seen Star Wars. (Well, aside from watching all the video clips from Lego Star Wars).

We had told him that he was too young; the movie was too violent; he could see it when he was older. Eventually, we had to set a date. So the magical rite of passage would occur once he'd finished first grade.

He finished first grade earlier this week.

Guess who has been lured by the Dark Side already?

(In case you are unsure what to do with your Master's graduation robe? It makes for wonderful dress up clothes!)

And in solidarity with other Star Warians (if Star Trek fans are Trekkies, what are Star Wars fans called?), he tattooed himself with ink: Little known Episode 1.5: Star Wars-- The Colon Wars (Anakin battles the Dark Side of his GI tract)

After a brief biology lesson, The Flash was slightly embarrased at his typo. Because, as one friend noted, "I don't want to see the 'outcome' of that episode!"

Rory's Story Cubes: Story Telling skills

2010-06-18T14:00:00.000-07:00

I've been asked to review a game recently that I'm really excited about. Unlike some of the random review requests I've had, this one actually is a language tool for my students!

Rory's Story Cubes is a set of nine solid dice with a different image on each side. There are infinite ways to play, and the GameWright website describes many ideas. One technique for the speech therapy session is for one child to roll a die and begin a story using the picture rolled. The next student rolls a different die and uses that image to continue on the story. Using this procedure, players can practice story elements: characters, setting, problem, events, resolution, conclusion.

For example, if my roll was the lightening bolt, I could begin my story, "Not long ago, a boy was born with a lightning shaped scar on his head." (Hmm... I wonder what The Flash is obsessed with?)

The next player may roll the magic wand and add, "He sensed from an early age that he had special powers. When he closed his eyes and concentrated, he could make the rain stop. When he stared at an object, it would move ever so slightly..."

Since the majority of my children with language delays are working on narrative skills, this game provides for a "fun" way to learn and improve their skills in a game setting. And because Rory's Story Cubes is visual, it is ideal for many of my students who struggle with auditory and reading vocabulary.

AND, there is even an app for my iPhone so that I can entice students (and my children) with the novelty of technology!

Overall, I am quite excited about this addition to my language activity cabinet. I may even take Rory's Story Cubes on my upcoming camping trip. The weather forecast is for (big surprise here)...rain. So my kids and I may be hanging out in the tent quite a bit. Telling lots and lots of stories.

Our reactions to rain

2010-06-07T08:49:00.000-07:00

This is how Marvel Girl continues to feel after 5 weeks of almost continuous rain.

This is how Super Woman feels about the weather.

Questions?

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

2010-06-04T13:09:00.000-07:00

The wonderful folks at CSN stores have offered me an indoor smoker to review. Which, as you will see, is perfect timing for all my indoor cooking needs. CSN stores has over 200 stores with products that range from cookware and toys to platform beds (I love the ones with drawers!). There are so many choices of items at great prices!

I knew that when I moved to the Pacific Northwest there would be a lot of rain in the winter. My first winter in fact had a record number of days without sun.

But this? Is. Ridiculous.

My flowers have fallen to the ground with the weight of the rain.
I haven't weeded in over a month (ai yah!).
Seasonal Affective Disorder has kicked back into full gear.
I daily check the extended weather report with hopes of a "partly-cloudy" forecast.

Lots of rain, means lots of cooking.

I may have to whip up another batch of these to give to my auction winner.

And so of couse I am eagerly anticipating this so I can try smoking some yummy meat inside. Because heaven knows I wouldn't want to try cooking outside right now!

Have you ever used a smoker before? What should I try first? And do you have a favorite recipe you'd like to share?

Think Beyond The Label

2010-06-03T07:45:00.000-07:00

The ADA has started a new campaign, Think Beyond The Label. I saw this commercial at the gym last week and knew I had to share.

Made me laugh. Made me ponder. Made me think of Professor X.

Auctionable Cookies. Year 2. Month 1.

2010-06-02T10:29:00.000-07:00

I have a new favorite ~~cookie~~ cooking blog. Picky Palate has won me over. And I am determined to eventually try all the ~~dessert~~ healthy recipes.

Check out these scrumptious treats that I made for my new auction winner!

Brownie Swirled Peanut Butter Oreo Cookies. 'nuff said.

If you need to find me this summer, I'll be in the kitchen. (Or the gym.)

And I'm not even slightly bitter that summer has started for many school districts across the country. Because I only have 12 more days with students. That's all. Only 12 more looooooooong days. But who's counting, right?

Teaching Tuesday: Learning on an iPhone

2010-05-25T09:31:00.001-07:00

Once I discovered all the great Speech Therapy applications that I could use on my semi-iPhone, I had to look up teaching apps for my own children.

The following are the ones I highly recommend for children of similar ages/levels as my kids (4.5 and 6.5). I've even paid for a few of them!

1. Teach Me: Kindergarten
I can't say enough great things about this program, and I noticed it's 50% off right now! It works on addition, subtraction, spelling, and sight words for children of approximately Kindergarten level. This one is a must have!

2. ABC Tracer
Again, amazing! Schools these days don't have the time or teacher-power to teach proper handwriting. I cringe when I watch my students (and my son) form letters in the most inefficient ways possible. But this program teaches kids how to form their letters. Amazing! I showed it to an Occupational Therapist friend and she was in awe!

3. Math Drills Lite
This is just what is sounds like, math drills. I like that they can be timed as I have ever intention of torturing my son this summer when lots of timed math practice! :)

4. Pop Math Lite
This is a pretty fun math program where you get to "pop" the problems and answers that go together. I may even spring for the full paid version later this summer.

5. KidCalc
On sale right now! This one has great things for everyone! Counting, flash cards, tracing numbers, a puzzle. It is a super math app for both of my kids. I highly recommend this one. Especially for it's sale price of $0.99!

6. FirstWords Sampler
My daughter really likes this, and I think it is good for spelling and phonics, but she is a little too high academically to justify purchasing it. You match letters and drag them to the correct spot and then a little reinforcer animation comes on. Overall, very cute. Especially the free sampler!

7. Computer Carl
Guide the robot through a math maze with multiple choice addition or subtraction problems. I like this game quite a bit, but my son complains.

8. Feed Me
Ashley told me about this game. My daughter loves it! Most of it is very easy for her (shapes, colors, letters), but then they throw in a fractions (!!) or time (!!) question and she can now get it right! The adorable monster "eats" your answer and makes a happy sound when you are right, or his stomach turns green when you are wrong. This game is adorable. Plus, you can down load it in many different languages (Chinese, French, Spanish, Korean, Japanense). Wow!

Any other cheap or free learning game apps I should know about? I fully intend to use these for my "home school summer school" this summer, as well as our long vacation drives.

Gifts, Remebering, and a Flirty Apron review

2010-05-24T07:58:00.000-07:00

For Mother's Day this year I requested two things:
complete car washes (annual gift request)
a Flirty Apron (on sale for 40% off with a sale code!)

My husband has a lot of trouble thinking and remembering details. Such as, oh, coupon codes....

So it was with a lump in my throat that I saw the credit card bill and noticed that we were charged full price for my gift, and not the sale price. He said he would contact the company right away to try to get the sale code applied. And, to his credit, he did contact them the next day.

But the company said they cannot retroactively apply sale codes. So I intervened. I begged, pleaded, told my husband's story, and promised to write a review of the apron. I did not want to have to return my Mother's Day gift. Thankfully, they agreed to apply the code in return for a review! I apologize in advance, as I have not wanted this to be a review blog.

My gift:

This super cute apron is double layered and contains long, thick ribbons to make it fully adjustable. There are two useful pockets. It is just the right length for my myriad of kitchen spills. My only real complaint is the that ribbons are too long for my smaller size and I will probably have to cut and re-sew them later.

To get the BEST deal on these Flirty aprons, check out the clearance section. These add up to an even better deal than I got and I'm considering purchasing another at these great prices!

Now, if I can just get my husband to remember to go to the car wash...

Brilliance Dulled

2010-05-20T07:59:00.000-07:00

I married a brilliant man.

Seriously.

Not to brag on him or anything (okay, yes to brag on him)... He has an Ivy League degree in bio-physics. After working in a lab, he switched fields all together to work as a computer programmer in a start-up company.

The man scored a perfect score on the problem solving/logic portion of the GRE for goodness sake!

Just to keep everyone on their toes, he switched fields again and entered seminary. He completed a Master's of Divinity and was working towards a Master's of Theology (and eventually hoped to obtain a PhD), when the pain went from somewhat manageable* to debilitating when the nerve pain crippled the lower half of his body and consumed the rest of his thoughts.

*Somewhat manageable here means that his cluster headaches consumed him 6 hours of each day for approximately 8 months of each year.

He went from a brilliant diamond to a dulled spoon. And by spoons, I have a double meaning. Christine Miserandino wrote an article about The Spoon Theory of living with disability. Each spoon represents innate abilities, energy, knowledge, and memory that most healthy people have in excess. Those with sickness or disability, however, have a limited number of spoons, which they are forced to use sparingly in order to get through their day.

Thankfully, I am healthy and have unlimited spoons. Because this is how my typical morning looks: alarm goes off at 5:30 and I hit snooze a few times. Get up. Go to the bathroom, brush my teeth, put in my contacts. Get dressed in workout clothes. Start a load of laundry. Make coffee. Toast a muffin. Pour a glass of water. Eat breakfast. Check email. Read Bible. Push dishes in the dishwasher. Tidy bonus room. Do 30-45 minutes of exercise. Switch laundry into the dryer. Drink another cup of water. put out breakfast for the kids. Change into work clothes. Wash face, brush teeth, put on make-up. Write a list of to-dos for the family. Kiss everyone and leave for work.

Phew! I'm tired just writing it out!

In comparison, since this time last year Professor X has been stripped of his energy and abilities. Some days Professor X seems to only has four spoons for the entire day: One spoon to get up in the morning. One to take The Flash to school. One to feed Marvel Girl lunch. And one final spoon to pick The Flash up from school. If he needs to get out of the car, he pulls out his wheelchair. Because he can't walk for more than 20 feet. And the rest of the day? Spent recovering in bed or on the couch.

It is hard to remember that on a bad day, I can do more in 30 minutes than he can do in an entire day.

And it's tragic. Not only because my children don't blink when they hear "Daddy can't do that right now because he's in too much pain", but also because Professor X now must redefine his goals. He can't remember to complete routine tasks. He forgets coupon codes. He can't think his way through simple household problems. Finishing his PhD seems impossible with all of his energy fighting pain. It's hard to even think beyond this week and contemplate what he'll be able to do this summer.

In my years in graduate school, I learned to help other people's husband's disabilities (from stroke, head injury, etc.). Not my own.

And I really, really miss that sparkle in his eye as he redefined the quantum theory of physics or the nature of God with vocabulary that was far beyond my comprehension. But, I need to breathe. Pray. And remember, it could always be worse.

I believe in Child Labor

2010-05-14T08:30:00.000-07:00

After The Flash tragically broke my $40 necklace, I was irate. I stomped so hard on the ground that I hurt my hip for 2 days. If I had super powers, I probably would have broken through our wood floor.

When Professor X and I had calmed down, we decided on a consequence that seemed somewhat fitting of the crime.

The Flash had to pay Professor X one hour of manual labor for the hour he spent fixing the necklace.

And he had to play me one hour of manual labor for the grief I experienced.

He was not allowed to do any fun activities (videos, playdates, etc.) until he had completed his work. He hated this idea and was eager to get his two hours out of the way. So here's what he did:

folded three baskets of laundry
dusted the house (primarily while lying on his belly????)
dusted the house again (to make up for the bad job on his belly)
cleaned windows

But these tasks only added up to 90 minutes. What else could he do to complete his sentence?

Weed the garden of course.

At 7 in the morning. In his jammies and snow boots. With a pair of loppers. And recruit his sister to help.

I wish I could say this was a successful task, but since he pulled out exactly zero weeds, I could not count any of this time.

Alas, before the day was done he had served his time and was very happy to have it behind him.

I know that there will be many more consequences in store for him. I just need ideas as to how he can labor for us. Any suggestions?

Therapy on an iphone.

2010-05-12T15:31:00.000-07:00

No. Not that kind.

The speech kind. ;)

I confess, I love my semi-iphone* more and more every day.
*I inherited my mother's disabled phone when she upgraded to the 3GS. So I have the cool features of an iTouch PLUS the camera and microphone of an iPhone.

In the last 2 months I have discovered a myriad of ways to use it in speech therapy sessions. Below are some of the apps that I've used and recommend:

1. The camera and video camera. Okay, not an app. But I am sooooo much more likely to take a picture of a student or a quick video when I can easily email it to myself and print it out.

A few weeks ago I made paper dolls out of the actual student photos so we can talk about different clothing types. I took the picture, emailed it to myself, and printed it in less than 5 minutes. We've been continuing that activity for weeks now!

2. Dress Me Up Lite. Works on adjectives, vocabulary of clothing and body parts, and comparing/contrasting.

3. Learn to Talk Sampler.This is a cool idea for basic vocabulary and flash cards. However, I'm not sure if I'd ever pay the $1.99 for the full version.

4. Kindergarten.com offers a lot of great picture flashcards (many for free!). These include: foods, actions, things you wear, emotions, etc. Although when I downloaded it, the Receptive Functions app was free, it might be worth the $0.99 to work on these harder concepts.

5. Question Builder Lite. This app has a lot of potential for answering a variety of Wh- questions. It is somewhat difficult for a small hand to access. So it is great in the lite version, not sure if I'd upgrade to the full version.

Some apps I'd love to try and review if someone wants to let me download the app for free (hint, hint).

iCommunicate: basic communication words and schedules for daily life

SLP Mobile Articulation Probes: over 900 pictures for articulation work

Pocket SLP Articulation: over 400 articulation pictures

Hidden Curriculum for Kids: tips for the "unwritten social rules", especially useful for high functioning kids with Autism

There is so much potential for speech and language therapy using the iPhone and iTouch. I imagine that the iPad would also be incredible for bringing therapy to the student as well as engaging and motivating them. I am having a lot of fun with mine. :)

Coming eventually.... teaching applications for reading, writing, and math.

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T08:41:00.001-07:00

It should have been made with unicorn hair

2010-05-07T15:35:00.000-07:00

Several weeks ago The Flash came to me in tears.

(This needs to be read in the whiniest voice possible) "Mommmmmmmmy... you aren't going to the school auction so you aren't going to buy the necklace I made."

I reassured him that although mommy ~~is too cheap~~ wasn't going to attend the auction, I could have a friend buy it for me. He was satisfied.

The auction was a great success. I mean, really great. They raised $30,000 dollars for the school. And now I know how this public school with 40% of the students on free/reduced lunch raised so much money.

Extortion.

This pretty necklace (which my own son made by-the-way) cost me $40.

Forty.

As in $35 more than any other jewelry I ever wear.

And if every first grade student whined their way into having their necklace purchased, the school raised $2000 on beaded necklaces made by six year olds.

To make the situation worse, The Flash claimed ownership over my new forty dollar necklace. He swiped it while I was taking a shower and slept with it the first night we had it home.

Then begged to wear it to school the next day.

The second evening, he took it from my hands and played with it while I washed dishes.

And then...

He. Broke. It.

Half the beads scattering on the ground. The clasp missing. And everyone yelling and in tears.

I still get shivers of anger when I think about the breakage. Luckily, Professor X was eventually able to string it back together and fix the clasp.

And now The Flash owes me. Big time.

Teaching weather and clothing

2010-05-05T14:29:00.000-07:00

My buddy Joe lives in the Life Skills room across the hall from my room.

Joe is a crude paper doll with velcro and simple paper clothes that can be added or taken off.

Every day my students dress Joe. He wears long or short sleeves, long or short pants. We practice talking about types of clothes.

But behold... Joe will soon under-go a major transformation. Such a great change that he will even be re-named. And twinned.

Meet Sam. And Samantha.

And check out some of their clothing options!

There are many great ways to use paper dolls, including:
1. weather vocabulary
2. season vocabulary
3. clothing vocabulary
4. prepositions (on, under, next to)
5. describing (yellow, long-sleeve)

I am just itching to laminate Sam and Samantha and add velcro so I can use them during circle.

Make your own paper dolls and clothes at this great free website.

Auctionable Cookies. Month 11.

2010-04-30T10:26:00.001-07:00

Yes, I really did wait until the last day of the month to deliver this month's cookies to the auction winner.

Yes, I did fall back to an old favorite because I was stumped for ideas and it was getting late at night and the kids were nagging me for "COOKIES!".

And yes, I did sign up to do this again for next year because the school auction is tomorrow and I had no other ideas.

Glutton for punishment? Or just a glutton? You decide.

Best Oatmeal-Chocolate Chip Cookies Ever.

(BTW: They do live up to their name)

Auctionable Cookies. Month 10.

2010-04-14T11:07:00.000-07:00

This picture does NOT do these wonderful cookies justice. Seriously.

The recipe calls for M&Ms (and I had a ton from a couponing deal a few months ago), but it should work just as well with chocolate chips. I made 3 batches of these cookies within 2 weeks. And other than giving to my auction recipient, I didn't share. At. all.

Yum.

Robbi's M&M Cookies

Original Recipe Yield 5 - 6 dozen

1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 cup shortening
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups candy-coated milk chocolate pieces

In a large bowl, mix sugar, eggs, shortening, and vanilla thoroughly. Add flour, salt, and baking soda to creamed mixture. Blend well. Add 3/4 cup of M&M candies.
Drop dough by teaspoonful onto cookie sheet. Slightly push a few candies on top of each dough ball with remaining candies.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 9 to 11 minutes, (I like to take them out a bit early before they brown).

Stuttering 102

2010-04-09T06:30:00.000-07:00

After learning about the parts of our body that control speech, my student practiced finding "bumps/stutters" (the word used will be determined by the age of the child, and his feelings about the word "stutter") in my speech. I read passages, gave directions, and told stories inserting purposeful stutters into my speech. Every time he heard a stutter, he was instructed to yell out "stutter!".

The reason for identifying stutters? It is important that the child know what he is working on. If he cannot identify a stutter in others, he probably cannot identify it in himself. He just knows he has problems talking, but doesn't know why. If he cannot identify a stutter in himself, he cannot work on changing the stutter and relaxing. (Please note that these therapy techniques are not appropriate for preschool age children who will often grow out of stuttering and do not have the same levels of awareness and control that older children have.).

Once my student was identifying all of my purposeful stutters, his job was learn the difference between tight/hard and loose/easy stutters. We practiced first with our fists.

A tight stutter was produced while I squeezed my fist. When holding a pencil, it felt like the pencil would snap.
A tight stutter includes a very tight jaw/lips/tongue, air flow blockage, and possible strain on the face. "p- p- p- encil".

A loose stutter was produced along with a very loosely held fist. It was so loose that the pencils we tried to hold fell right through our fists.
A loose stutter involves a loose jaw, lots of air, breathiness, and ease. "puuuuuuuuuuh-encil"

My student's next task was to not only identify stutters in my speech, but also report whether they were tight or loose stutters. Initially this was tricky, but he soon got the hang of it and could correctly determine what I was demonstrating.

Helpful links:
Stuttering and Your Child: Help for Parents (streaming video)
7 Tips for Talking with Your Child
How Parents Can Help Stuttering Children

Therapy Thursday: Stuttering 101

2010-03-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

In the decade that I've been a Speech Pathologist, I've only had a handful of children with "fluency disorders" (aka stuttering). And most of those have been very mild.

Although stuttering was an early focus within the field of Speech Pathology, it is a very controversial and nebulous area of treatment. Many would argue that stuttering is much more psychology than speech. In support of that theory, the Medicaid program refuses to pay for treatment of stuttering, although they will pay for all language and articulation therapy.

Nevertheless, stuttering therapy remains in my scope of practice and a school age eligibility for speech therapy services.

So... with the addition of a new student with moderate to severe stuttering, I am relearning everything I once thought I understood in grad school.

Come, learn along with me:

Picture Exchange Communication

2010-03-04T07:00:00.001-08:00

I recently attended a formal Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). This is a low technology way of augmenting communication for individuals with severe communication disorders. It helps teach initiation of language, requesting choice items, and (eventually) commenting through pictures (and often speech).

After the training, I immediately began level one with several of my students. I am very pleased with how it is going thus far!

Take a look at this PECS level 1 training video if you are interested:

Teaching Tuesday: Dr. Seuss Day

2010-03-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

re-posted from last year:

Do you search all day for moose?
Or spend time pursuing fame?
Instead, try playing Dr. Seuss
Seussville is sure to have your game.

Are you looking for a laugh
Or a Seussical parody
Give yourself a craft and a half
Don't mind the lack of sincerity.

Did you know that Dr. Seuss
(for Geisel was his real last name)
Had to author his works by means loose,
And thus delay his future fame.

He was caught throwing a wee party
During prohibition days
And swore he'd never be tardy
And "gave up" extra curricular ways.

A doctorate he never earned
Though he started for a PhD,
He married and moved, but yearned
To write stories of hilarity.

Hurray for his perseverance
Creator of "Grinch", "Horton" and "Sam"
Three cheers for his endurance
Our children reading at last, "I am!"

In honor of Dr. Seuss's birthday, I have adapted his classic
There's A Wocket in My Pocket.

Whiz Kid Games: free language and pragmatic activities

2010-02-25T08:18:00.000-08:00

My school's autism specialist just told me about a cool website for kids with delays commonly seen with Autism Spectrum Disorder and MR.

Some of the Whiz Kid Games activities include:
-helping students understand that an unexpected change in plans is okay
-choosing clothes based on the weather and what you wore the previous day
-sorting items into categories

Overall, a fun (and FREE) website.

The only thing that threw me and my students was the Australian accent, vocabulary, and grammar were slightly different from what we are used to here in NW United States. ;)

Unusual point of envy

2010-02-19T13:00:00.000-08:00

After many of The Flash's classmates chaotically pushed Professor X around the playground, one exclaimed, "I wish my dad had a wheelchair!"

In this gorgeous illustration: The Flash, myself, and Professor X (in his wheelchair) are on top of our Christmas tree. Poor Marvel Girl is watching us from below.

Facing Pain Together

2010-02-17T08:00:00.000-08:00

I'm so glad that Doreen could put into words what I feel inside on most days.

"It has exhausted me to see his unrelenting pain and not to be able to do a thing about it. I am here for him at his side, but it’s not an easy job."

Read her entire winning post here.

Teaching Tuesday: Headsprout Trial

2010-02-16T08:34:00.000-08:00

Even if you opt not to buy a subscription to the fantastic reading program Headsprout.com, I would highly recommend doing the first few episodes. I was able to get a mostly free subscription to this program when my son was younger and he learned to read at age 3.5. Seriously.

Now Headsprout is advertising a Reading Comprehension program for older children. I'm excited for him to play with the free trial.

Click here for your free trial.

Therapy Thursday: Lunar Dragons

2010-02-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

Lunar New Year is on Valentine's Day this year! Don't forget to make your dragons, parade around the house (and then have your child practice retelling all the steps to improve their language skills!).

Every year I have my kids make a new type of Asian dragon for our celebration. Since we held our festivities a week early this year, I can show off these beauties to you....

You can use the online directions here, or just go with the directions that my kids re-told.

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Auctionable Cookies. Month 9.

2010-02-09T19:10:00.000-08:00

The cookies that started it all.

It was after I made these cookies last year that I decided to donate my "cookie-making services" to my son's school auction. And I've been looking forward to re-making them all. year. long.

Because seriously, you can't get much better than these.

Toasted Coconut Shortbread by Smittenkitchen.com

First batch...oops too thin!

4th batch...much better, but still just not as pretty as the ones on smittenkitchen!

Toasted Coconut Shortbread
Adapted from Bon Appetit, April 2004

1/2 cup (about 1.5 ounces) unsweetened shredded coconut*
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks or 6 ounces) unsalted butter, room temperature**
1/2 cup plus 1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt (Updated: for unsweetened coconut, the smaller amount; sweetened, the larger amount)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/3 cups all purpose flour

Preheat oven to 325°F. Spread coconut on rimmed baking sheet. Bake until coconut is light golden, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Cool completely, then grind in a coffee grinder, food processor or blender until coarsely ground.

Using electric mixer, beat butter and sugar in large bowl until well blended. Mix in salt and vanilla. Beat in flour in 2 additions. Stir in toasted coconut. Gather dough together, flatten into a disc and wrap in plastic. Chill at least 1 hour. (Can be prepared 2 days ahead. Keep chilled. Soften slightly at room temperature before rolling out.)

Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out dough disk on lightly floured work surface to scant 1/4-inch thickness. Using 1 3/4- to 2-inch-diameter cookie cutters, cut dough into rounds. Transfer cookies to prepared baking sheets, spacing 1 inch apart. Gather dough scraps and reroll; cut out additional cookies.

Bake cookies until light golden, about 20 minutes. Cool on baking sheets 10 minutes. Transfer cookies to racks and cool completely. (Can be made ahead. Store airtight at room temperature up to 1 week.)

Devour.

Sometimes, I feel so...small

2010-02-04T20:51:00.000-08:00

There is so little that I can do.

I can't eliminate Professor X's excruciating and constant pain.

I can't change my students' cognitive abilities, economic status, or family life.

I can't be the best Speech Pathologist ever, and get winded when I even think about the effort involved.

I can't be there for my kids while I'm working or trying to run errands, the household, etc.

I can't even blog consistently anymore (even though I love the friends and feedback that I've gleaned!).

It all feels big. Really, really BIG. (and a little scary!)

Hosted by Cecily and Robyn

I apologize for being such a downer. It took great efforts just to pull off this one post this week. I don't want to give up blogging as it has been such a great learning and growing experience. But, I just don't have the time and energy to post like I used to...

Tiny Light

2010-01-28T14:07:00.000-08:00

When a tiny flame goes out,

the world is not as bright.

And you know in your heart

that the earth's just not right.

The light may not have spoken

or walked on two feet,

but she lit up rooms

when she wanted to greet.

The light may look different

than a more "abled" flame,

but deep down inside

she could love just the same.

And when that light flickers

and red lights spin towards school,

hearts become frantic

and the air begins to cool.

Too soon the red lights leave

they say that it is done.

Good-bye tiny light

May you shine upon the sun.

Dedicated to A. Whose light went out last week, just one day after watching this music performance of "winter lights".

Hosted by Cecily

Auctionable Cookies. Month 8

2010-01-19T18:18:00.000-08:00

I do realize that this month's cookie donation seems slightly "holiday-nostalgic", but I actually made these cookies in December.

So I'm good, right?

(But please don't tell the auction winner that I froze them for two weeks before I delivered them!)

I'd been hungry for gingerbread since teaching The Gingerbread Boy unit. Over, and over, and over. And finally, during winter break I had a chance to make these beauties.

After sifting through at least 30 recipes, I came up with a winner:

wait for it

wait for it

Gingerbread Men Cookies (clever name 'eh?!)

3 1/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter (room temperature, softened)
1/2 cup dark-brown sugar, packed
1 Tbsp ground ginger
1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoons ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon finely ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1/2 cup unsulfured molasses (can anyone tell me what sulfured molasses is???)

1 In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and spices. Set aside.

2 Cream the butter. Add sugar and beat until fluffy. Mix in eggs and molasses. Gradually add the flour mixture; combine on low speed. (You may need to work it with your hands to incorporate the last bit of flour.) Divide dough in thirds; wrap each third in plastic. Chill for at least 1 hour or overnight. Before rolling out, let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes.

3 Heat oven to 350°. Place a dough third on a large piece of lightly floured parchment paper or wax paper. Using a rolling pin, roll dough 1/8 inch thick. Refrigerate again for 5-10 minutes to make it easier to cut out the cookies. Make shapes with cookie cutters.

4 Transfer to ungreased baking sheets. Bake until crisp but not darkened, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven. Let sit a few minutes and then use a metal spatula to transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

I tried so hard to avoid egg yolk in the icing. But The Flash's graham cracker house was totally falling apart with my pathetic other attempts, so I caved. (Besides, although my kids don't know it yet, I do eat raw cookie dough....).

Royal Icing

1 egg white
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1 3/4 cup confectioners sugar (powdered sugar)

The traditional way to make Royal Icing is to beat egg whites and lemon juice together, adding the powdered sugar until the mixture holds stiff peaks. This takes a long time. Add more powdered sugar if needed. Fill a piping bag with the icing to pipe out into different shapes. (Or use a plastic sandwich bag, with the tip of one corner of the bag cut off.)

Join me at

Teaching Tuesday: How to tick off a Speech Pathologist

2010-01-19T11:17:00.000-08:00

I recently decided I want to homeschool-preschool my daughter.

You know, while I'm working full time. Cuz that'll be super easy.

So yesterday I bought $10 worth of materials for her to master at-home while I'm at work and Professor X is resting. These materials included a bright and fun ABC poster. (I also figured this would be useful for The Flash who is still learning the differences between lower case and capital letters in his writing).

Overall the poster is great. I love the colors and the pictures are fun. But letter "S" here gets me really riled up. What kind of *** would use a "sh" ʃ sound to represent the letter "S"? Will my daughter now being reading that the "Shun ish up in the shky?"

Oh, and while on this tirade, please do NOT create an "alliteration" that does not contain all the same initial sounds.

"Carrie climbs cement ceilings" is not an alliteration in my book.

Another sad reminder

2010-01-18T22:11:00.000-08:00

Both of the devistation in Haiti, and the need for adoptive families and aid in that nation...even before last week's earthquake.

Molly Hightower lost her life last week in Haiti. She had been spending the year volunteering in an orphanage there. Read her blog here.

Read my inadequate plea for help for this nation (and for adoption in general) here.

Help for Haiti

2010-01-15T11:29:00.000-08:00

I first fell in love with the people of Haiti when reading Mountains Beyond Mountains. In shock, horror, and hope I learned some about the Haitian people, the government difficulties, the extreme poverty, and some of the work that amazing people are doing there.

When I learned that Holt International (the adoption agency we used to bring home our children) had started a Haiti adoption program, I immediately started looking at waiting children there. I would occasionally send my husband links, saying "Oh... isn't he adorable?" Hinting. Just hinting. Unfortunately, my husband's disabilities most likely means that our family is complete. However, I was able to follow along when my friend made a missions trip to Haiti to help with an orphanage there. It's not the same though.

With Haiti's recent crisis, I think of all the children who will be left as orphans. My heart bleeds for them as well as the parents who are mourning their children, spouses, siblings...

I'm currently reading the book Adopted For Life. Although I do not agree with all of the author's points, one that I feel strongly about is that the church as a whole has an obligation towards adoption: either to adopt, or to support others in adoption. For those who are unable to adopt, they can support others financially, emotionally, prayerfully, and by way of providing physical help to families as they go through this process (and after!).

The people in Haiti need help now. They need water, food, medical supplies, shelter. They need hope for themselves, and for their children. With the money that my family is saving Eating from the Pantry this month, we were able to make a sizable donation to Samaritan's Purse's Haitian relief efforts. Would you consider doing the same? Or by commenting at blogs such as Money Saving Mom or Frugal Living NW, or Krazy Coupon Lady where a donation will be made for each comment left.

Later, prayerfully consider adopting or sponsoring a child from Haiti. Please.

Top 5 reasons to travel with a wheelchair

2010-01-07T19:26:00.000-08:00

Hosted by Cecily and Carrie

We had the "pleasure" of airport travel with Professor X's wheelchair over winter break. The following summarize why everyone should travel this way.

#5. Lacking hands to pull suitcases or car seats, you have the opportunity to hone your creativity skills. Notice how Professor X used his spatial-awareness skills. His IQ must have jumped ten points from this episode.

#4. You get to go in a special security screening line. And to pre-board. Unfortunately, the special security procedures make you late for your flight. Adios pre-boarding.

#3. Daddies in wheelchairs make for comfortable recliners. So comfy, in fact, that little girls may just fall asleep in their laps, further reducing mobility.

#2. Airport personnel will insist on "helping" push you through the airport. In spite of protests by both you and your wife--thus reducing your independence even more.

And the number one reason...

#1. Your six year old son will step-up and take on extra responsibilities to help out. Finally.

My 2009

2010-01-05T16:14:00.000-08:00

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then is this worth 20,000?

I'm participating in Wordful Wednesday on 7 Clown Circus.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T20:14:00.000-08:00

PhotoStory Friday hosted by Cecily

Gift for me. (tee hee!)

2009-12-17T15:36:00.000-08:00

Hosted by Cecily and Honey Mommy

Deck the halls with forts and clutter.
Fa-la-la-la-la. La, la, la, la.
Tis the season to drive nuts the muh'der.
Fa-la-la-la-la. La, la, la, la.
Mommy needs a special treat.
Fa-la-la-la-la-la. La, la, la.
Red and festive for her feet.
Fa-la-la-la-la. La, la, la, la.

Disclaimer: Yes, we are still totally Advent Conspiracing. This is really not a Christmas gift for myself. It is the 4th pair of shoes I've bought online this fall and the only pair I haven't returned. I think I've paid more in shipping for returning shoes, than the shoes actually cost. ;)

I haven't bought new shoes for work in about 5 years. I've always wanted red Mary-Jane style shoes. Everyone tells me to try out Danskos. Problem? The price tags. But when I found some red Mary-Jane Danskos for $40, I bit the bullet and ordered them. Aren't they cute!?

If enough people sign up through my link at ShopAtHome.com, I can even get a portion of my purchase price back. If you want a super cheap pair of Danskos, sign up at ShopAtHome.com through that link (that links it back to me!), then search for "6pm.com". You can look at all of their shoes, but the Danskos were particularly great deals.

Let me know if you sign up. I'd sure appreciate it. Since I rarely/never get gifts from students and my co-workers decided to be gift-free this year (after I've already made them things!), I'd happily consider this my Christmas gift. :)

12 Days of Rethinking Christmas

2009-12-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

Re-post from last year. But hey, a girl can be proud of a great post, right?

On the first day of Christmas
my true love said, "Think Globally."
'Cause Christmas is more than stuff under a tree.

Photo by carf

On the second day of Christmas
my true love said, "Give Globally."
A clothing check to our sponsored child.
'Cause Christmas is more than stuff and a tree.

Photo by Gregor Rohrig

On the third day of Christmas
my true love said, "Act Locally."
Collecting items for students' families.
Clothing to our sponsored child.
'Cause Christmas is more than stuff and a tree.

Photo by Tommy Huynh

On the fourth day of Christmas
my true love said, "Live Debt-Free."
Small gifties received as freebies.
Items for students' families.
Clothing to our sponsored child.
'Cause Christmas is more than stuff and a tree.

Photo by SpacePotato

On the fifth day of Christmas
my true love said, "Give gifts from me."
Homemade blueberry jam.
Gifties received as freebies.
Items for students' families.
Clothing to our sponsored child.
'Cause Christmas is more than stuff and a tree.

On the sixth day of Christmas
my true love said, "Love Globally."
Money to world-wide missions.
Homemade blueberry jam.
Gifties received as freebies.
Items for students' families.
Clothing to our sponsored child.
'Cause Christmas is more than stuff and a tree.

Photo by mick y

On the seventh day of Christmas
my true love said, "Sights to See!"
Gazing at lights not malls.
Money to missions.
Homemade blueberry jam.
Gifties received as freebies.
Items for students' families.
Clothing to our sponsored child.
'Cause Christmas is more than stuff and a tree.

Photo by drp

On the eighth day of Christmas
my true love said, "Water Should Be Free."
Supporting Living Water.
Gazing at lights not malls.
Money to missions.
Homemade blueberry jam.
Gifties received as freebies.
Items for students' families.
Clothing to our sponsored child.
'Cause Christmas is more than stuff and a tree.

Photo by Esther Havens at Living Water Intl.

On the ninth day of Christmas
My true love said, "No more than three."
Three dollar toys from yard sales.
Supporting Living Water.
Gazing at lights not malls.
Money to missions.
Homemade blueberry jam.
Gifties received as freebies.
Items for students' families.
Clothing to our sponsored child.
'Cause Christmas is more than stuff and a tree.

On the tenth day of Christmas
My true love said, "Give out yummy."
Neighbors get my pumpkin bread.
Three dollar toys from yard sales.
Supporting Living Water.
Gazing at lights not malls.
Money to missions.
Homemade blueberry jam.
Gifties received as freebies.
Items for students' families.
Clothing to our sponsored child.
'Cause Christmas is more than stuff and a tree.

Photo by Jill - Glossy Veneer

On the eleventh day of Christmas
My true love said, "Honor creativity."
Masterpieces sent to relatives.
Neighbors get my pumpkin bread.
Three dollar toys from yard sales.
Supporting Living Water.
Gazing at lights not malls.
Money to missions.
Homemade blueberry jam.
Gifties received as freebies.
Items for students' families.
Clothing to our sponsored child.
'Cause Christmas is more than stuff and a tree.

On the twelfth day of Christmas
My true love said, "Advent Conspiracy."
Rethinking Christmas.
Masterpieces sent to relatives.
Neighbors get my pumpkin bread.
Three dollar toys from yard sales.
Supporting Living Water.
Gazing at lights not malls.
Money to missions.
Homemade blueberry jam.
Gifties received as freebies.
Items for students' families.
Clothing to our sponsored child.
'Cause Christmas is more than stuff and a tree.

I'VE GOT THAT JOY, JOY, JOY, JOY...

2009-12-10T15:31:00.000-08:00

Hosted by Cecily and Rachael

Yes, this year has been pretty tough.

I've attended 2 funerals for people with school-aged children. And was unable to attend 2 others. And found out another co-worker, with a young child has Stage 4 cancer.

My husband became crippled with pain (literally) and has been given zero prognosis for any recovery beyond "pain management".

I went from wife, worker, and mother, to caregiver, wife, worker, mother. As if the first three weren't time consuming enough! And our family relationships went through crises as we re-adjusted our roles.

We sold a mini van for almost nothing. Bought a wheelchair. Cursed ourselves for getting rid of the van.

But you know, I have it good. Really, really good. I am healthy. My children are healthy. My marriage is stronger than it has been in quite a while. I have a great job and insurance. We have friends. We have a church community. We have a warm home.

And, as my daughter oft reminds me at the top of her little lungs (often at 10pm)...

I'VE GOT THAT JOY, JOY, JOY, JOY
DOWN IN MY HEART!
WHERE?
DOWN IN MY HEART!
WHERE?
DOWN IN MY HEART TO STAY!

Some of my joys include:
The sound of my husband laughing (instead of moaning).

Diet Coke with warm chocolate cookies (or cookie dough).

An unexpected hug from a student.

An amazing score at a garage sale or a coupon-tastic deal day.

My kids hysterically shrieking from some quirky game.

And a warm spring day with nothing to do but play!

Join in on Barking Mad's Crazy Christmas Giveaway. Because we all need to remember that joy in our hearts.

Auctionable Cookies. Months 6 and 7.

2009-12-08T21:10:00.000-08:00

Apparently, I forgot to share my November featured cookies.

Oops.

So you get the benefit of not just one yummy recipe, but two fabulous cookie recipes today. Aren't you lucky!

Stop laughing. Seriously.

Well, one of the recipes I have actually blogged about here. So maybe that gets me off the hook?

You see, November = cranberries.
And cranberries = Coconut Cranberry Chew Cookies.
And Coconut Cranberry Chew Cookies = 10+ extra pounds for me.
Yum.

Coconut-Cranberry Chews
3/4 cups butter at room temp
1 cup sugar
1 Tbs. grated orange peel
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. salt
3/4 cups dried cranberries
3/4 cups sweetened flaked dried coconut

1. In a large bowl, mix butter, sugar, orange peel, and vanilla until smooth.
2. In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to butter mixture, stir to mix, then beat on low speed until dough comes together, about 5 minutes. Will be very crumbly. Mix in cranberries and coconut.

Using my fabulous math skills, a similar equation can be used for December.
December = peppermint
Any time of the year = chocolate
Peppermint + chocolate = OMGosh my scale is going to explode.
The end.

Peppermint Bark Chocolate Cookies from Simply Recipes

1 cup of butter
3/4 cup of brown sugar
3/4 cup of white granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon of peppermint extract (very important change from original recipe)
1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour
3/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
Pinch of salt
1 cup of peppermint bark, broken into little chip size pieces (I smashed up 1/2 cup of candy canes I've been saving since last Christmas and added 1/2 cup of chocolate chips--cuz I'm cheap like that)

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Cream the butter and sugars together for about two minutes at medium speed or until well incorporated and light in color.
3. Add the egg and the vanilla extract until well incorporated, about a minute. Be sure to scrape down the sides and the bottom of the bowl halfway through.
4. Sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder. Add to the butter mixture slowly, and beating at medium speed, stopping once all of it is incorporated (do not overmix).
5. Fold in the peppermint bark chips (or Super Woman's cheap alternative)
6. Take small spoonfuls of the dough and roll into one inch sized balls and place onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for -12 minutes. Let cool on the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Makes approximately 3 dozen cookies.