Trick or Treat

Halloween is always busy for moms.  This year, I didn’t buy costumes.  The boys either had to reuse one from a previous year or make their own using things we have at the house.  I felt a little guilty last night.  Not guilty enough to battle the last minute Halloween shoppers but I did feel a little guilty.   However, Logan decided he wanted to be a zombie and Joey begged to wear his ninja costume from last year.   I rushed home from work today.  I ran in, checked homework, and made mac and cheese.  As the boys were eating, I did some last minute repair on the lawn decorations.  Then, I found (after a long time looking) the fog machine. Really? How do I lose a fog machine?    Decorations perfected, I run back in to paint a zombie’s face, clean the dinner dishes, and start a movie for Tyler.

In the past, Halloween starts out fun but frustration usually sets in by the end of the night.  This Halloween, I decided to document our experience and find out when it all goes wrong.

5:47pm.  Kiddos are fed.  Tyler is in his room watching his tv.  He absolutely refuses to have anything to do with Halloween this year.  He is a teenager and too cool for these kiddie things.  (sigh…)  Logan is dressed as a zombie.  He has also decided to go trick or treating with his friends instead of his parents.  (double sigh…)  That just leaves Joey.  Aaron is taking him although I have PROMISED to take him next year.  I played the I-just-want-to-stay-home-and-hand –out-candy- because-I-have-a-cold card tonight.  We are now waiting for it to get dark enough to trick or treat. 

6:03pm.  Logan left to go across the street to his friend’s house.  No trick or treaters at our house yet.

6:09pm.  Logan is back at home because he forgot his DS.  Aaron tells him he is not allowed to bring his DS trick or treating.  I have no idea what Logan was thinking.  He leaves again to go back to his friend’s house. 

6:41pm. Still no trick or treaters.

7:01 pm.  First trick or treaters arrive. 

7:27 pm.  Fog machine does not work. 

7:27 pm. Child complained about type of candy I gave him. He just stood there and kept saying, “I don’t like this.”  My reply, “Then trade it with one of your borthers.”  Goodbye.

7:32 pm.  Parent actually trick or treating carrying a separate bag.  My reply…” I am only handing out candy to the kids.”  Really?  If you can drive, drive yourself to the store and buy a bag. 

7:42 pm.  Running low on candy.  Opened up a new bag. 

8:29 PM.  2^ND kid to make a candy request.  After looking in the bucket, he said, “Do you have any gum?”  No, but the store does.  Go there.

8:32 pm. Turned the light off.  It is a school night.  Go home. Go to bed.

8:35 pm.  Doorbell rang.  Of course.

The Unknown

October is National Down Syndrome Awareness month.

When I was in high school, I worked at a fast food chain.  One day, I was working behind the counter when a little girl came in with her mom and her grandmother.  She was about two years old and had curly blond hair.  She was being carried by her mother and was taking turns kissing her mom and her grandmother while they were waiting in line.  After each kiss, she would smile the biggest smile and giggle.  The room was brighter with her in it.  I remember noticing the little girl had down syndrome.  As I watched them interact, I smiled and thought to myself, "God, if you ever decide to give me a special needs child, please make it one with Down Syndrome." 

One of my friends from high school has an older brother with special needs.  He was severely developmentally delayed. I would watch my friends face light up whenever she would talk to him.  He would watch her as she walked around the room and grin.  Her parents, who were like second parents to me considering the amount of time I stayed at her house, were always cracking jokes and laughing.  I am sure they had their moments where things were not so upbeat, but you could never tell it.

I believe God puts people in our lives to help us face future challenges.  Thirteen Years ago, I was expecting my first child.  I remember very clearly sitting in the Doctors office and staring blankly at him as he said the words that would forever change my life,

                              "Karyn, your baby is going to be born with Down Syndrome."

I remember sitting there in shock as the tears started to flow.  This is not how this is suppose to be. I am young.  I am healthy. No developmental or genetic disabilities run in my family. How could this happen? Then, in the back of my mind, I thought of that blond haired little girl.  Of course, I prayed for this.

During the pregnancy, I was faced with the unknown.  I was concerned about his health.  So many children with down syndrome are born with heart defects and other health problems.  I was concerned about my ability to care for a special needs child. What if I made the wrong decisions?  I didn't know what the future would hold for him.  How would I teach him?  How would others react to him?

Thirteen years later, the unknown is still there.  My attitude about it has changed dramatically.  By watching my friends parents when I was a teenager, I learned my life didn't have to be constantly full of worry.  I learned it was okay to laugh about situations I faced with him.  While I will constantly be concerned about his health and his future, I have learned to take things day by day.  I was never concerned about having more children because of the love and adoration I saw on the faces of my friend and her brother.  As for others, I hardly notice the stares.  Most of the time, people will come up and ask me about him.  I am all too happy to brag on him!

Looking back on my pregnancy, there was other unknown I could never had predicted.  I could never have predicted then the amount of love and joy he would bring into my life and the lives of everyone who meets him.  I could never have predicted what a practical joker he is.  I could never have predicted how great songs sound so much better with him singing them.   I could never have predicted how contagious his laugh is. There is one thing I know-

                                            Tyler, my world is brighter with you in it.

Christmas Gifts with a purpose!

Eleven Years ago, Tyler was on life support at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.  I don't like to remember that time.  It was two months of more stress than any parent should have to go through.  We had conversations and were faced with decisions no parent should ever have to make.  There is one thing I will never forget.  The Doctors, nurses, and support staff at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.  Unfortunantly, our family has spent more time at Eggleston than we would like. Yet, it is the only place we will consider for our children if they need hospitalization. 

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is a magical place!  They try to make your child's experience there a positive one.  There is a ton of activities for your child to participate in as they heal.  They use wagons instead of wheelchairs to transport patients. What makes Children's so great is the people.  Everyone who works or volunteers there is wonderful. Eleven years ago, Aaron and I swore we would make sure we did something to give back to Eggleston and the Campagnone Family Project was born!  It started with making parent packs to pass out to help make the parent's stay a little easier and has grown beyond what we ever thought possible.  Thanks to Donations from companies and individuals we are able to donate parent packs, toys, wagons, entertainment systems, and much more!  Last night, I couldn't sleep.  Several of the businesses who have been so generous have closed their doors in the recent economy.  I was worried about not being able to do as much this year as in the past. 

Around 3 AM, I decided to do something about it so we are selling some great Christmas Gifts at some unbelievable prices.  Let's face it.  Where else can you get a great Christmas gift for under $10?!!  They make great teacher's gifts, too! (If you are looking for gift for your teachers or bus drivers, I can sell you an individual coaster at $3.)  FYI- the Asian oragami ones I made today were so beautiful!  Here is the details:

Looking for a Unique, Creative Gift for

Friends and Family this Holiday Season?

Want to Impress Them Without Breaking the Budget? 

A portion of all proceeds will go towards the Campagnone Family Project to benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Monogramed Ceramic Coasters– You choose the Font and letter.  Set of 4 is only $8! 

Artsy Ceramic Coasters– Many available designs!  Set of 4 is only  $8!

Custom Ceramic Tiles- Do you want to put the kids

on the coasters for grandparent gifts?  Want to honor your favorite sports team?  Looking for something unique for Party or wedding favors?  I would be glad to customize your ceramic coasters!  Set of four is only $10!

Special pricing on large orders. 

Shipping is available!

Contact Me and

Order Now! Email me at karyntybug@gmail.com or message me on facebook!

 

Everything I Need to Know about IEP’s* I Have Learned from Watching Sons of Anarchy

1.      When you feel intimidated, wear leather.    You may be worried about the IEP, meeting with a roomful of “experts”, and setting a plan for your child’s entire educational career, but if you show up in an entire outfit made out of skin tight leather, you’ll look confident.  I would even suggest splurging on some leather chaps.  You’ll send an unspoken message.  I am bad ass so don’t even try to screw me or my kid!  So walk in, kick your boots up on the table, and confidently say “Let’s do this!”

2.       Have a back up plan.  Think of it as insurance. “You want to cut the amount of therapy hours Tyler gets? You want to put him in a class with 12 kids and 1 teacher? BAAMM!  I don’t think so, sparky!”  (I would not recommend using the term sparky.  It takes some street cred away from the leathers. You get the overall point, however. )

3.       Keep your plan a secret.   Just when you are thinking, “How is this delightful band of biker  brothers going to get out of this mess,?” BAMM- you are blindsided with an unknown plan in place all along.  How did you not know Jax already had a drug cartel shipment on the side just waiting to go?  Have your own back up plan secretly  in place.  “You say the school can’t afford the extra parapro your child’s classroom desperately needs? Well, perhaps if we spent those cookie fundraiser profits on the classrooms instead of a new slide and school board “donations”, we could find some room in the budget."

4.       Enlist your gang to help.  Did Clay go to confront his druggie wife’s boyfriend all by himself?  Absolutely not!  He took a “brother” or two to back him up just in case shit went down!  Have your own team of “experts”.  Aaron and I did this when Tyler was in pre-k.  They were trying to put him in a severe class so they could get out of testing him with the rest of the students.  We showed up to the meeting with 3 private therapist, grandparents, a state board of education official, and a psychologist.  Before the end of the meeting, Tyler was where he should have been placed to begin with and the county officials were begging for forgiveness.  So fill up the chairs with your own people.  Can’t find your own experts?  I would suggest buying a van and picking people up off the street as you head to the meeting.

5.       Never show fear.  Never Give up.   What would happen if the Son’s cried, shook, and peed on themselves every time someone pointed a gun at them?  That would be a boring (and very wet) episode.  When you go in to an IEP meeting, keep your game face on!   If you don’t get the answer you want from one person, follow the chain of command right up until you get what your child needs. 

6.       Remember who’s in charge.  You are the parent.  You know your child best.  Remember that and trust your instincts.  You never see Jax ask a random charming citizen what to do about his club.  He is in charge.  He knows what is best   (or at least looks like he does in all that leather.  Take a minute to picture it.  Jax in leather. J ) so remember that when you are dealing with people who have only spent ten minutes with your child. 

*IEP’s are Individualized Education Plans.  Any parent of a special needs child has at least one of these a year.  They outline goals and services for your child.