Black Widows- Yuck

Do you know what a black widow looks like?

Unfortunately I do!!! They are all over my backyard. Not little ones- One that have a butt the size of a large grape. I can't even stand to write about it. I'm worried about anyone getting bit.. but especially Sadie because of her low immunity.

Anyway, we are tearing our backyard apart, taking out a planter, building a new planter, taking out some trees, putting in sprinklers, and getting ready to put in grass this Saturday. When they took out the original planter they found several dozen. They said they got them all- but NO! When some of them were displaced they just found a home in our bikes and pool toys. When I moved the bikes the other day I found 3. Today when Hannah was swimming she threw in a pool toy and a huge one landed in the pool. Tomorrow first order of business is to call a bug guy!!

Our Gang

The Teague Curse!

It's been a long standing joke in our family that everytime we get to know a family really well either they move to Utah or we move out of state. I have always been a bad long distance friend (I've lost a few because of it). I understand the ones who have let me go... But, I am thankful for those who have stuck with me.

One of the reasons I wanted to blog (besides keeping a journal for our family) is to stay in touch with those who have left us or we have left behind.

Here's a short list of the families we have been part from:
Adamson's- Moved to Utah
Page's- Moved to Utah
My Family- moved up to Washington with us- and we left them!
Draper's- We left them in Washington
Wentz's- also in Washington
Wolslegger- Utah
Peyson's- moved to Mississippi
Aaron's- moved to Texas
Ortiz- Utah
Peterson's-moved to Utah
Carey's- Utah
Bergeson's- Moved to Utah
Harper's moving to New Mexico

I miss these families so much! Hoping more don't leave us!

Here's Weird Al

My friend Melanie sent the picture of the kids with "Big Al"! (as she called him)

Jalissa, Jessalyn, Weird Al, Jaron, Kiersten, Madison & Hannah in awe of the idol himself!!

Well, it's been a week!

So much for trying to blog at least every other day... I guess I think there is nothing interesting for me to blog- but how can that be in the Teague household?????

So, I'll just leave you with a poem I found on someone else's blog.. one I have loved many times in the past 3 years.

The Creed of Babies with Down Syndrome

My face may be different
But my feelings the same
I laugh and I cry
And I take pride in my gains
I was sent here among you
To teach you to love
As God in the heavens
Looks down from above
To Him I'm no different
His love knows no bounds
It's those here among you
In cities and towns
That judge me by standards
That man has imparted
But this family I've chosen
Will help me get started
For I'm one of the children
So special and few
That came here to learn
The same lessons as you
That love is acceptance
It must come from the heart
We all have the same purpose
Though not the same start
The Lord gave me life
To live and embrace
And I'll do it as you do
But at my own pace

10 things about...

After watching Winn Dixie, maybe one of my favorite movies, I had a few things on my mind. One is about my cat Ella- who I will write about some day soon. She is my Winn Dixie- she is determined to have me meet everyone in this neighborhood!

Another thing the movie had me thinking about is the scene where the little girl askes her dad to tell her 10 things about her mother. It was a very touching scene- and I can't wait to read the book because I'm sure it will give us even more information about her mother.

So, I've decided to start writing 10 things about... well, whatever I think about that day. I guess I should probably start with my family members. But, I've decided to write 10 things about California (in a positive note- the good things).

So here goes.

10 things about California I like...

1. the weather of course!! I sat by the pool in the sun today- it was beautiful.
2. the amusement parks- Disneyland annual pass holder here
3. the beach
4. the different cultures (although this is probably on the list of things I don't like about California
5. the down syndrome community. It is very strong here and we have one of the best associations that has a terrific learning program!
6. Orange County Song and Dance (this also is on the things I don't like)
THIS IS HARDER THAN I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE!!
7. Being close to Scott's family. Although we are close in area, I wish we spent more time together.. it seems we only see them one holidays.
8. Good friends who care about our family.
9. Scott's job! This job has been both rewarding professionally and financially.
10. We are close to three temples- Newport Beach 20 mins away, Los Angeles 45 mins away, and San Diego 2 hours away.

There I did it! That was hard- I'll work on family member's later.

Close Encounters with the famous!

I know I already wrote about Weird Al, but right after I blogged it (that sounds so weird- I'm blogging) a post on Downsyn was all about famous encounters. So, here is some of what I posted.

[quote="naomid"]I'm usually crap at recognising people, but living in Santa Monica I did see a few actors - [/quote]

I'm with you there!! During the opening of the Snow White Play at Disneyland I spent 2 1/2 hours in line infront of Rosana Arquette. My girls were 2 of 100 mini Snow Whites for the opening night and I had to spend all that time waiting in line, 7 months pregnant in the rain. I didn't know it was her until we were walking the red carpet and all the photographers were yelling out to her and she stopped to take pictures. There were so many stars there- like Kristi Yamaguchi (sp?) and Micheal Eisner.

Also, one of my favorites was when I was younger and Mork and Mindy was on TV. I met Robin Williams at a play that Mindy was staring in. He is one of my absolute favorites- although now I think he may be a little crazy!

Last Christmas during our Christmas Party for dh's work we were sitting there talking with the Canadian's who were excited to go "star hunting" after dinner. I looked up and there was Bob Newhart. He wasn't tooo thrilled with all our pointing and staring.

Last but not least, anyone here watch Yo Gabba Gabba? The boys who created that show are from two local bands. Aquabats and the Moon Monkeys. My husband is the back-up drummer for the Moon Monkeys and one of my best friend's husband, Ben Bergesen, was an orginial Aquabat and helped create the Moon Monkeys. I also grew up with Boyd Terry who is also an orginial Aquabat. Anyway, during one of the band outings Scott was talking to Parker (the main creater) and told him how much Sadie loves Yo Gabba Gabba. He gave her the complete first season on DVD.

There's many more... but these are some of my favorites!

Kiersten met an idol!

We went over to California Adventure after lunch on friday to hangout at bug land. The Adamson kids waited til we could join them because all the rides are for little ones like Sadie. After a few rides they decided to go on the pillbug bumper cars. Sadie was too small so we watched from outside. All of the sudden Scott spotted this goofy looking guy with long curly hair and jokingly said, "look they are on the ride with Weird Al!" We laughed and told Kiersten to go "bump" him. I didn't think much of it... but after Scott watched him awhile he was sure it was him. I, however, was not convinced. He said the smile confirmed it.

So, Scott took Kiersten and Jaron on a quest to meet him. Whatever, I was on my way to Grizzly River Run- they could make fools of themselves if they wanted to. They were taking so long Melanie went to find them... and who did she find them with? Yes, it really was Weird Al! Kiersten was in awe. Melanie was able to take a picture of the kids with him (I'll post it when she sends it). You would have thought they had seen Zack Efron - or Jonny Depp.

Kiersten's friends Kimmi and Lauren love Weird Al too. Later that evening Kiersten saw Kimmi at rehersal. Boy was Kimmi jealous!

Jackie

Yesterday my family was able to visit with my brother, his wife, and our two nephews for a few hours at Disneyland. It was so great to see them for the first time in a couple of years. Jackson (or Jackie or Sunny) was a hoot! He doesn't watch TV and isn't real familiar with the characters at Disneyland... but that didn't stop his excitment and enthusiasm as he explained everything he had seen earlier that day. The first thing he wanted to do was go see "Dumpy" - that would be Dumbo. Our conversation included, "Hey ladies, let me tell you about when they made butter in the good old days!" and "Do you know what they do to pigs? They skin them. That means they cut off the skin. (this is where I ask him why anyone would do that- and he replied) To get ham of course!!"

Unforunately, Candida and Julian are both not feeling well. We will be meeting up with them again on Friday. I look forward to many more cute stories to share with you.

It's been awhile!

I would like to start with the sad observation that Sadie has decided to embrace the "stubborn" part of the Down Syndrome gene and throw out the "always smiling" part. What happened to my sweet little angel? I'll tell you what happened, she decided that it is entirely more fun to stick her tongue out (while saying, "I funny mommy"), run from me any free chance, sit down and pout when she doesn't get her way, and quickly go ask another member of our family when mommy won't let her get her way!

On a much better note, I am proud to announce that Hannah Montanna , formerly known as Sadie, has decided to come and live with us. And remember, she must be referred to as "Hannah Tanna"! For those of you who are not so familiar with this beautiful teen idol, let me give you a brief description of what I have seen in the last month. She loves to put her hands out stretched at the side of her head and yell "moose", she is often caught singing "best of both worlds" while shaking her hips and falling into the middle splits, and she won't let you sing along with her--- she is a professional after all.

Hannah is already tan and has had lots of fun swimming in the pool already! She has really made a lot of friends this year and enjoys school much more. Hannah did not have a free day during Spring Break- as she played hostess and guest with many of her friends. She moved up to Madison's old cruiser, and has had a lot of fun riding around the neighborhood.

Madison was one of four 7th graders who made the Bell Dance team this year. She is really excited to work with Mrs. Adling and looks forward to a fun and social Jr. High experience. She was named student of the month this month- something she has always wanted. On April 1st she turned 12 and entered into the Young Women's program. Wow, where did that time go?

Kiersten is getting ready to compete in her last competition this Saturday. She is sad that her time on the Bell Dance team will be over shortly and feels like, "I'll be nothing once its over". I guess a common response from a teenager... but she really has grown these past two years, especially while serving as a captain this year.

I plan on keeping up on my blog- mostly for journaling, but hopefully Nana, Grandma and long distance friends can enjoy some of our daily fun!!!

Some notes from Sadie's IEP

Just thought I would share another post from downsyn I made right after the IEP...

"I'm toast!!! I can't believe how exhausting these past few days have been. I decided early that I wasn't going to stress out and make my family miserable while I waited to see what the school district thought about Sadie. I was doing a good job until yesterday about 2 pm. Last Tuesday she was assessed. I loved the team and thought that although she didn't do everything she could- she also did things we don't see her doing consistently- so everything pretty much came out even in the wash! After the assessment they keep saying how attentive she was, what a long attention span she had and how determined she was even though she didn't complete a lot of the tasks. Ok- I'm reading between the lines.. that means she will do well in therapy because she will sit and try- and she needs more instruction because she wasn't completing the tasks. Yesterday my husband got the report faxed to his office. He started reading it to me, and I am a visual person, so I tried to listen and not make judgments. I agreed with almost all of the results. What she could and couldn't do- or at least how she was testing. I've been told she isn't a good tester- but you just need to observe and see she does really well. Every therapist, dr., you name it tells me how high functioning she is. As I'm hearing the results I hear, her cognitive level is very low functioning. Ouch!!!!~ What is he talking about? The tester called and I asked him 4 times who she is being tested against, all three year olds, typical 3 yr olds or just kids with special needs. He tells me just kids with special needs. So she is in the 1 % of kids with special need? Like kids who won't give any eye contact, kids who have no control of their body?? I was devastated. I cried for 4 hours. I finally decided he didn't know Sadie and I knew she was sitting on my floor reading her book, singing songs and was happy. I have one kids who scores 99%-100% across the board on all her standardized tests and can't follow a three step command, freaks out in a bind and who struggles to be happy everyday. She's the one I would worry about- but the school system thinks she has it made. Long story short- he tested her on an average IQ range. She scored in the middle of 1%. I'll take that. I know she is mentally retarded. As much as I hate it, it comes with the Down Syndrome. 1% on an average IQ is not in the mentally retarded range. So, even though she did not do as well as we know she can- and even though she was delayed- they said she is within normal IQ range. Not by much- but she is. Then they spent the first 20 mins. telling me how great she did and how much they think she will thrive in school. I'm so exhausted. I should have never listened to them in the first place. Sadie is Sadie and no test is going to change that. I will have to brag a little- her receptive language is 34 months (she was 35 at testing) and her social emotional is 38 months. How could any kid with that kind of receptive score be very low functioning??? I think I'm the one who needs help since I listen to him!"


And here is an update after some replies (I'm not sure they understood what I was saying)...

"Thanks everyone! I happen to have my friend who came into town a couple of minutes before the IEP with me. She is a special ed. teacher for severally profound disabled children in Utah. She was horrified they would give her a test that they do not use on children with Down Syndrome (because it is for typical children). Which is really not a good test for her anyway, because she is more audio and it was a visual acuity test with fine motor skills- and she has poor wrist and shoulder strength and movement. I think they were trying to compliment Sadie because she was so cooperative- but the misunderstanding was devastating. I really thought they were telling me she was profoundly retarded. Which would be hard no matter what- but came out of no where! Every therapist she has ever worked with has been amazed at her abilities. Good news... they gave her more speech than usual because of her attention span. And they were so worried about the misunderstanding-that they gave her OT through the summer with an evaluation due by the start of the school year and a PT and APE evaluation. She is actually getting more therapy than I thought she would. Currently she does not qualify for speech because she does not have enough of a delay. Don't get me started on that one!!!! Her articulation has a lot to be desired and she still is delayed."

Our first day on our own

Today was the first day without ICEC (group therapy) and I was bored!! I let Sadie sleep in and we read, played some hide-and-go-seek, read, watched TV, read and goofed around. Boy was I happy when Scott asked for a ride to drop off his car. Tomorrow I want to take Sadie to look at her new classroom so that should help until it's time to pick up Kiersten from min. day. All the girls get out on Wednesday and I know the rest of our summer is packed. But, I can't help but feel a great sense of disappointment because at least therapy had a purpose and great rewards. Laundry, dishes, and taxi driving is important- but doesn't give the kind of satisfaction getting down on the floor and working with therapist to develop Sadie's skills. I know I just need some time to adjust, or as my husband would argue, time to figure out what to fill that time with! Wish me luck- and the rest of my family- because a family is only as happy as it's mom :)

Happy Happy 3rd Birthday Sadie Bug!!

Here's a post from downsyn I made on the morning of Sadie's Birthday...

"Sadie's 3rd Birthday!!! Wow!! I can't believe it's been three years on this journey. Your first birthday was filled with memories of the day you were born and a little sadness that you had already finished your first year of life- time goes so fast! The second year we celebrated that you were healthy and thriving and that we found the right dr's that could find a way to save your life. Today, on your third birthday.. I am busy trying to get ready for my lesson, make food for Father's day and I checked in on downsyn and remembered- it's your birthday! Not that we didn't celebrate at Rainforest Cafe and Build a Bear last night. But, I am struck with the absence of sadness or overwhelming thankfulness for the medical community. Today is just a regular day.. and you are just a regular kid. An awesome, cute, funny, smart, beautiful child of God. I thank Heavenly Father everyday, not just on your birthday- but everyday, that you choose us. I love you my little Sadie Bug. Thank you completing our family!!!"

And here is another the next day...

"I made it through her birthday with only one slight breakdown. During the sacrament hymn at church I started to think of everything we've been through the past three years- all the hospital stays and illnesses. I suggest during a birthday you concentrate on the accomplishments not the things you struggled with and can not change. My little girl is a big girl now!! When you ask her how old she is- she always points her two index fingers and says two. We've been trying to teach her- three. So everytime we ask her how old she is, she says two, we say three, and she then says four!! It will come Although, I'm not sure I want her to know- we aren't going to get her Disneyland pass until ours needs to be renewed LOL"

My first blog

So, I decided I'm going to try this. Hopefully blogging will help me with family history and journaling. I type much faster than writing and hopefully there is spellcheck.

Yesterday was a big day for Kiersten. She did a 5 minute oral presentation in English. Big accomplishment for a shy girl. She also was voted "7th Grade Dancer of the Year" by her teammates. The best part- they all cheered and clapped. It has been a rough year full of great victories for her. Also, this morning besides an award for High Honors, she recieved an award for Excellent Citizenship from the visual arts program. Her teacher, Mr. Bishop, made a big deal about how she is the most kind, most curtious kid he has EVER had in his 18 years of teaching. That when he first started the year he thought it was a joke that a jr. high kid would say "thank you" everyday. He said he made a point to watch her carefully and realized she was "for real!" Then he bowed to her and told everyone to clap for "one awesome girl!!!!"

Today is Sadie's last day in Early Start Preschool. She turns 3 on Sunday and I have mixed feelings about it all. I can't believe it's been 3 years. It's been quite the journey. I'll write more on that later. We are off to watch them sing "Happy Birthday" and wish her well. I'll post pictures later.

We're back from ICEC and it wasn't as hard to leave as I thought. Probably because we will be back next Thursday and a couple more times for make-ups. I once got a little teary eyed when they sang, "butterfly". It reminded me of the story "Parable of the Butterfly". I'll find it later and post it... but it shows us how even though it is hard to watch our kids struggle and work hard, it is necessary for growth. It takes hard work to become a beautiful butterfly. My little Sadie is sprouting wings before my eyes- she is on her way to becoming a beautiful butterfly!!!