Last week, I posted here about my journey in addressing my speech issues and auditory processing issues.
I passed the hearing tests with flying colors.
No suprise there.
This week though, I did the auditory processing testing.
A whole other story.
My first two tests I do okay on.
The sweet lady who did my testing told me at that point, she was thinking, wow she is doing good, maybe we don't have a problem.
That quickly changed when the third test started and then the fourth was done.
She looked at me and said "You are suprised are you?"
Yes and no.
At the time, I felt like I hadn't "missed" enough on the test for anyone to see there was a problem.
I anticipated needing to miss a lot of answers for there to be a problem to be acknowledged.
So my suprise was the fact they did see the problem.
Apparantly, there is not a whole lot of room for error on these tests.
Thursday, January 28, 2016
It's the little things!! Thanks Starbucks!!
Earlier in January I blogged about getting some super duper delicious Starbucks samples in the mail.
Today I received this email:
But the email was sent earlier today at 10:30. Chances were slim, I was responding in time to earn the gift card.
And yet this was the response when I completed the survey:
Talk about happy dance!!!! Especially after this morning's wonderful indulgance. I have a super sweet barista in my house. She loves coffee. Preferably black. Yet, she likes her sweets too and has discovered how to make me a peppermint mocha at home. This is what welcomed me to my day this morning after my shower... Oh bliss!! I was gently informed my youngest is in training and contributed the chocolate chips. They just may need to open their own cafe one day.
Sunday, January 24, 2016
A weekend that was both restful and productive ~ God leaves me so amazed!
It has been a great weekend!
I love weekends at home.
I managed to tackle some big and not so big things on the to do list.
We slept in. All five of us! That is a big deal. Especially considering my youngest is ALWAYS up with the sun. And there has been a sneaky virus that made it in the front door. So sleep is essential in healing and recovering and helping the rest of us avoid being introduced to this unwelcomed guest.
Some decluttering and organzing happened with the Ebay piles.
Some listings were posted, some were scheduled, more pictures taken, some of which have been edited. There is a fresh new pile of things to get done and a plan of attack for getting things out of the house before the weather is warm enough for a garage sale. I had a few sales, so things are on their way out the door!
Laundry is all caught up..(well until tomorrow!)
Awesome meals were made that are saved for the weekends when school and appointments and practice schedules are competing for time and energy. AND I managed to find a HUGE pork roast marked down, so it has been cut for two meals and bagged up with marinades and seasonings for 2 meals in the future.
Some reorganization happened in the pantry. The spice cabinet received an overhaul. It was long over do. I was tired of empying the whole cabinet just to find what I needed. Sometimes, there are just too many cooks in the kitchen. Especially with eager younger ones who desire to be helpful and show some initiative. Reorganizing the cabinets was meant to be helpful... Someone needs to create an emoji with hair being pulled out and hearts for eyes. I love the sweethearts...so very much...but sometimes I wish the life lessons were tomorrow and not today.
We caught up on some school projects that were waiting for some Mom time.
A CVS trip with coupons in hand.
Grocerys at Dillons with coupons and loyalty card in hand.
My coupon box was tidied up and reorganized.
Email inbox was cleaned out.
Closet organization and decluttering happened in 2 rooms.
Home manicures for my daughter and I were done. Colors in honor of the hockey games this weekend!
Home facial treatments done. I considered a picture of me trying out the Young Living ART Beauty Mask but my vanity and my kids' teasing have convinced me otherwise. I was called "Mummy." Kids who woke up while I was doing vision therapy (bar reading) suggested it would have helped them to wake up sooner had I come downstairs to wake them. I would have startled them right out of their sleepiness. What dears they are!*!*! Teenager sarcasm and wit is such a delight.
I did enjoy waxing a few eyebrows... What was that you were saying about "Mummy" earlier?? It really wasn't that bad, but it was sure fun to counter their whine with a good dose of sarcastic wit right back at them.
We tossed a couple of hockey games into the mix. Along with a significant number of hours working through the Star Wars movies. Half of us want to refresh our memories by watching all 6 before we see number 7 in the theaters. Fortunately 2 of the kids really do want to watch all of the movies in order! My memory being what it is, it is nice to not be unanimously out voted on this one. Movie time has still been productive. I managed to reach another swagbuck goal so, another gift card will be coming!!
Managed to make it to church post-hockey game this morning. Completely worked out by God. Wonderful sermon series happening and the kids are enjoying it. Connected with an old friend I haven't seen in a few months and has been on my heart. God just knows and I just shouldn't be suprised, but I always am suprised by how perfectly orchestrated is His timing.
I am just in awe of how much God managed to help us accomplish in one weekend. Recapping the day/week/weekend/month/year can be such a good thing. Not exhausted from the weekend. Instead I feel refreshed and overjoyed. Much was accomplished. Lots of laughter. Some frustrations and life lesson angst. So much joy, hugs, love, apologies, forgivenes, snuggles, and just comfortable in one another's presence while we hang out filled this weekend. So very grateful for the tender mercies He poured out on us this weekend.
I love weekends at home.
I managed to tackle some big and not so big things on the to do list.
We slept in. All five of us! That is a big deal. Especially considering my youngest is ALWAYS up with the sun. And there has been a sneaky virus that made it in the front door. So sleep is essential in healing and recovering and helping the rest of us avoid being introduced to this unwelcomed guest.
Some decluttering and organzing happened with the Ebay piles.
Some listings were posted, some were scheduled, more pictures taken, some of which have been edited. There is a fresh new pile of things to get done and a plan of attack for getting things out of the house before the weather is warm enough for a garage sale. I had a few sales, so things are on their way out the door!
Laundry is all caught up..(well until tomorrow!)
Awesome meals were made that are saved for the weekends when school and appointments and practice schedules are competing for time and energy. AND I managed to find a HUGE pork roast marked down, so it has been cut for two meals and bagged up with marinades and seasonings for 2 meals in the future.
Some reorganization happened in the pantry. The spice cabinet received an overhaul. It was long over do. I was tired of empying the whole cabinet just to find what I needed. Sometimes, there are just too many cooks in the kitchen. Especially with eager younger ones who desire to be helpful and show some initiative. Reorganizing the cabinets was meant to be helpful... Someone needs to create an emoji with hair being pulled out and hearts for eyes. I love the sweethearts...so very much...but sometimes I wish the life lessons were tomorrow and not today.
We caught up on some school projects that were waiting for some Mom time.
A CVS trip with coupons in hand.
Grocerys at Dillons with coupons and loyalty card in hand.
My coupon box was tidied up and reorganized.
Email inbox was cleaned out.
Closet organization and decluttering happened in 2 rooms.
Home manicures for my daughter and I were done. Colors in honor of the hockey games this weekend!
Home facial treatments done. I considered a picture of me trying out the Young Living ART Beauty Mask but my vanity and my kids' teasing have convinced me otherwise. I was called "Mummy." Kids who woke up while I was doing vision therapy (bar reading) suggested it would have helped them to wake up sooner had I come downstairs to wake them. I would have startled them right out of their sleepiness. What dears they are!*!*! Teenager sarcasm and wit is such a delight.
I did enjoy waxing a few eyebrows... What was that you were saying about "Mummy" earlier?? It really wasn't that bad, but it was sure fun to counter their whine with a good dose of sarcastic wit right back at them.
We tossed a couple of hockey games into the mix. Along with a significant number of hours working through the Star Wars movies. Half of us want to refresh our memories by watching all 6 before we see number 7 in the theaters. Fortunately 2 of the kids really do want to watch all of the movies in order! My memory being what it is, it is nice to not be unanimously out voted on this one. Movie time has still been productive. I managed to reach another swagbuck goal so, another gift card will be coming!!
Managed to make it to church post-hockey game this morning. Completely worked out by God. Wonderful sermon series happening and the kids are enjoying it. Connected with an old friend I haven't seen in a few months and has been on my heart. God just knows and I just shouldn't be suprised, but I always am suprised by how perfectly orchestrated is His timing.
I am just in awe of how much God managed to help us accomplish in one weekend. Recapping the day/week/weekend/month/year can be such a good thing. Not exhausted from the weekend. Instead I feel refreshed and overjoyed. Much was accomplished. Lots of laughter. Some frustrations and life lesson angst. So much joy, hugs, love, apologies, forgivenes, snuggles, and just comfortable in one another's presence while we hang out filled this weekend. So very grateful for the tender mercies He poured out on us this weekend.
Friday, January 22, 2016
4 ingredients for each day to be a success
I love finding old notes laying around.
Tonight, I found this one:
4 ingredients for each day to be a success:
1. Gratitude
2. Kindness/Love
3. Learning
4. Work Ethic
Oh the memories.
I had been chatting with the kids about what makes a day successful.
What would be the four most important things to have in each day.
To find something in the day to be thankful for.
To demonstrate love and kindness to someone AND to receive love and kindness from someone.
The second part can be tricky, because sometimes it is more about perception.. sometimes love and kindness is being demonstrated all day long, it just doesn't look like what we are expecting.
To learn something.
To work and do it to the best of your ability that day.
Even on the worst of days. The sickest of days. All four of these are possible. Because the idea is based on what you are capable of that day. Not based on what you were able to do yesterday or a month ago or will be able to do in a week. Just today.
Tonight, I found this one:
4 ingredients for each day to be a success:
1. Gratitude
2. Kindness/Love
3. Learning
4. Work Ethic
Oh the memories.
I had been chatting with the kids about what makes a day successful.
What would be the four most important things to have in each day.
To find something in the day to be thankful for.
To demonstrate love and kindness to someone AND to receive love and kindness from someone.
The second part can be tricky, because sometimes it is more about perception.. sometimes love and kindness is being demonstrated all day long, it just doesn't look like what we are expecting.
To learn something.
To work and do it to the best of your ability that day.
Even on the worst of days. The sickest of days. All four of these are possible. Because the idea is based on what you are capable of that day. Not based on what you were able to do yesterday or a month ago or will be able to do in a week. Just today.
Thursday, January 21, 2016
Checking out my hearing and speech... new stuff on the horizon!
I am so super excited!
Just before the holidays, I received a recommendation to contact a speech center here in town.
They aren't very well known, at least to my medical providers.
A frustration all within itself. But I keep reminding myself God's timing is perfect and to trust in His timing.
Today, my first appointment.
I had spoken to them on the phone.
Kind people. Compassionate people.
Again no promises.
Vision therapy has gone as far as it can for now.
My vision issues can continue to get better on their own and I have exercises to continue and one more follow up appointment.
However, I am still slow and the thought is it is an issue with processing.
I have testing results that concur.
So... I called.
Because insurance is the way it is.
They must have tests to prove I can hear and I don't have a hearing problem, that is what we did today.
Perfectly good hearing! In all the normal ranges.
One of the best parts about today, is what I would normally shed tears over.
Life has been rough the last couple of weeks. Worn down and exhausted, by the time I was called for testing, my speech was declining and just short of a train wreck.
God's timing is perfect. He knew how life was going to roll. He knew I would struggle.
He provided the perfect opening in the schedules for this appointment to happen.
Those doing my hearing tests heard my speech.
The speech specialist I spoke to on the phone came by to introduce herself.
She was able to hear my speech.
The best part was no one was alarmed or upset.
They weren't frustrated or angry.
They didn't talk down to me.
Didn't get frustrated.
They were kind and interested and encouraging.
What triggers? What helps?
Explaining, I live life in such a way to minimize issues as much as possible, but I can't prevent sick kids, crazy upside down days or weeks or noisy stores.
It was so good to have my speech problems in a setting where I just might be able to find help.
Just before the holidays, I received a recommendation to contact a speech center here in town.
They aren't very well known, at least to my medical providers.
A frustration all within itself. But I keep reminding myself God's timing is perfect and to trust in His timing.
Today, my first appointment.
I had spoken to them on the phone.
Kind people. Compassionate people.
Again no promises.
Vision therapy has gone as far as it can for now.
My vision issues can continue to get better on their own and I have exercises to continue and one more follow up appointment.
However, I am still slow and the thought is it is an issue with processing.
I have testing results that concur.
So... I called.
Because insurance is the way it is.
They must have tests to prove I can hear and I don't have a hearing problem, that is what we did today.
Perfectly good hearing! In all the normal ranges.
One of the best parts about today, is what I would normally shed tears over.
Life has been rough the last couple of weeks. Worn down and exhausted, by the time I was called for testing, my speech was declining and just short of a train wreck.
God's timing is perfect. He knew how life was going to roll. He knew I would struggle.
He provided the perfect opening in the schedules for this appointment to happen.
Those doing my hearing tests heard my speech.
The speech specialist I spoke to on the phone came by to introduce herself.
She was able to hear my speech.
The best part was no one was alarmed or upset.
They weren't frustrated or angry.
They didn't talk down to me.
Didn't get frustrated.
They were kind and interested and encouraging.
What triggers? What helps?
Explaining, I live life in such a way to minimize issues as much as possible, but I can't prevent sick kids, crazy upside down days or weeks or noisy stores.
It was so good to have my speech problems in a setting where I just might be able to find help.
Monday, January 18, 2016
Something New and Old and Precious.. Much to be grateful for!
I tried something new!
Not necessarily new new, but new to me since the accident!
So incredibly proud of myself.
The singles group at church had a bowling night.
I don't do too well in loud and noisy places.
But with my Ear-asers, I can normally enjoy myself for a little longer.
These ear plugs are amazing!
Before going, I had already decided I would just hang out and visit and cheer everyone on.
I had had a leisurely morning, but the afternoon, early evening hours had been challenging.
So off I went.
I just wasn't prepared with a sudden burst o discontent.
I wanted to "play," I didn't want to just sit and watch.
When I found out I could pay for just one game...
I decided what did I have to lose if I couldn't finish?
Then I was like, what if I fall?
What do I have to lose? My pride...
Well, I have lost that pretty much already.. so why not!
With a quick prayer that I wouldn't fall and encouragement from friends...
I bowled.
I did it!
8 frames in, I was tired.
Not necessarily new new, but new to me since the accident!
So incredibly proud of myself.
The singles group at church had a bowling night.
I don't do too well in loud and noisy places.
But with my Ear-asers, I can normally enjoy myself for a little longer.
These ear plugs are amazing!
Before going, I had already decided I would just hang out and visit and cheer everyone on.
I had had a leisurely morning, but the afternoon, early evening hours had been challenging.
So off I went.
I just wasn't prepared with a sudden burst o discontent.
I wanted to "play," I didn't want to just sit and watch.
When I found out I could pay for just one game...
I decided what did I have to lose if I couldn't finish?
Then I was like, what if I fall?
What do I have to lose? My pride...
Well, I have lost that pretty much already.. so why not!
With a quick prayer that I wouldn't fall and encouragement from friends...
I bowled.
I did it!
8 frames in, I was tired.
Zone perfect deals!!
I love smart phones! Especially when shopping. They are perfect for quickly documenting a price, a memory and sharing an exciting deal with a friend.
So when I was grocery shopping and grabbing snack/protein bars for my hockey player to have on hand I was particularly happy to see the the following shelf price to pair with my $1/2 coupon. Oh, happy dance!
My friend who enjoys this brand as well, was impressed and happy for me but within days, I received the following text!
What an amazing score!! Her deal completely squashed mine! I was only able to get single bars but she got into boxes!! Woohoo. I wish I could say I managed to get to the store and score her deal but I didn't. Love, love having couponing / deal seeking friends to share fabulous scores and victories with!
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