Summer Fun

 One thing I love about my job in the summer is the wide scope for creativity.  This year's theme and my two co-workers with whom I collaborate the most have made this summer extremely fun and rewarding.  My two closest working co-workers (and now friends) are both named Emily. Emily Smith (remember the post, Snow on the beach) is the assistant director with whom I work to plan our school activities.  Emily Ludwig does a variety of support staff taskas nd works with me to make the ideas happen.  Emily L is extremely artistic and takes what I often dream up and brings it to life.  You would get bored if I shared it all, so I will show you two things.  The first thing is our entryway photo opportunities.  During the school year, we switch them out every 2 to 3 weeks, but in the summer, they change every Friday in anticipation of the next week's theme. This year, our theme was Around the World in 8 Weeks.  Here are our entryway photo ops.  And to clarify, if it is really artistically drawn or painted, Emily made it.  If it is over the top, it is likely a leftover VBS prop we found in the Mechanical room.

week 1 Adventure Awaits

Week 2 The Bahamas

Week 3 England

Week 4 Africa

                        

Week 5 Australia

Week 6 US Roadtrip

Week off - Gone Fishing

                                                        

Week 7 Mexico

Week 8 Disney

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So each week, the Emily's and I provided one or two craft activities, a food experience, and 2 or 3 special events that included movies with snacks, a special theme party, sensory room experience, or visitors. We also had worship on Wednesdays and the older kids who arrived early participated in morning stretch with theme-related yoga moves.  It is hard to choose my favorites, however,  I am going to pick one or two from each week so you know just how much fun we had. Unfortunately, I can't show you the kids enjoying these activities unless I have some good back shots!

During the first week Emily L and I set up a travel-themed play experience room.

For the Bahama's week, we had a Water Day on the front lawn with activities for babies to Pre-K

One of my favorites was the Tea party we hosted during England week.

During Africa week, we had an African Sensory/Experience room.  This was especially fun for me as we based places and activities on my experience in Uganda.

Australia had two highlights.  The Finding Nemo Sesnory room and a visit from the North Georgia Wildlife Zoo with animals akin to those in Australia.  Tom even brought a baby Kangaroo!

The fish tank  was made from shower curtains and had a gazillion bubbles
Outside it was the fish tank hose sensory play 

Emily's amazing artwork creating the EAC (East Australian Current) complete with sea turtles

The reef with a seaweed crawl

The highlight of forth of July week is always the all-school parade through and around the church and the snow cones that follow.

My favorite Mexico events were the paper Taco Bar and the Fiesta complete with dancing and a pinata made by our talented teacher, Vita.

This coming week we are excited about the annual Day School Dash on Thursday, where the kids run by classes around the gym floor with lap numbers determined by age.  At the end, everyone gets a medal.  This will be our 11th annual Dayschool Dash.  And on Friday, we will have a Disney Dance party with music and glow sticks to wrap up the summer.  This week is also staff meetings and open house, as our new school year will start July 28th.

I love my job!  Thanks for letting me share the highlights with you.

Mid July

I am told it has been almost a month since I wrote an update. I don't mean to leave you hanging. The month has flown by.  Contrary to what one might think, for someone who works in a "school," summer is my busiest season at the Day School.  As a daycare, we run the same schedule from 7 AM to 6 PM all year.  In the summer, the program has a summer camp feel as we have a lot of school-wide activities, many of which I am in charge of. I will make a separate post here in a moment to give you a glimpse of our super fun summer that will wrap up this coming Friday.

Mom had cataract surgery on both eyes in late June, and after a couple of weeks at a slower pace, she seems to be back to her active life, including flowers, cookies, and puzzles. During my week off (my school was closed the week after July 4th), we did a little visiting.  Anna, Tim,  and the kids came to spend the day with us, and one day I took her up into the North Georgia mountains to visit a couple of friends of hers. We always look forward to catching up with friends the week I am off from school.

Peter is maintaining.  He shared with me a few weeks ago that "although he does not have schizophrenia or Bipolar, he does have insomnia."  That is his explanation for some of the crazier things he has done.  One night before that conversion, he had missed his meds and had a miserable night, unable to sleep.  So he is taking the Olanzapine because it helps him sleep.  I am grateful because that 2.5 dose does seem to keep the wackidoodle thoughts and behaviors away.  To most people, he probably appears "normalish." However, I can tell there is a more grandiose thinking and swagger that is not his typical self.  In honesty, I am not beyond the fear of "what if and when" where Peter is concerned. That keeps me prayerful.  However, for the most part, he seems to be doing well.  His job at Lowe's has been changed so he doesn't have to deal with so many coworkers.  He pays his bills and manages his money fairly well.  Peter has routines that he follows. Mom and I are part of those, so we see him weekly. He bought a season pass to a local water park and has been twice.  This helps meet his need for speed and adrenaline rush, which I consider a good thing. We're hoping to attend our 4th Atlanta Braves game of the season in August. After that, Peter plans to be busy following the local high school football as well as college football games.

In May, we met up with long-time friend Jaime and her family. 
It was fun to get a picture of the kids 

In April, a cat adopted me and the neighbors.  He won't tell me who his favorite is; however, when I drive up, he meets me at the car 95% of the time.  Often, he comes under the hedge from the neighbor's house.  The neighbor lady wanted this stray that one day appeared, but the man of the house said they had enough dogs and people to care for.  Both households feed him and love on him, yet I am the one who had Luna (the name they gave her) checked out at the vet to determine it was a Lou and that he had no microchip showing someone else claimed him. Lou is very social and amusing. I think he sleeps in my shed at night and often comes into the house to visit when I am home.  Our favorite spot when it is not too hot is on my porch swing.  He has added joy to my home, and yet I am so grateful to not have the responsibility of a full-time pet.  This weekend, he is miffed with me because he has been displaced.  He will be a full-time outdoor kitty for a week, as I am once again dog sitting for my favorite dog, Lincoln.

                                      

So that's what's happening here! As always, I am grateful for your interest in our lives and stories. And I am extremely grateful for your prayers on our behalf.

a thoughtful phone call

 So these are going to appear backwards.  Chances are when you get the notice of a new post your will not have read the one written last night.  So if you haven't, jump to the one below and this one will make more sense.  I received a phone call from  Britney the therapist Peter sees monthly with Avita.  I met her yesterday when I stopped by the Avita office.  It was a provision that she happened to be at the desk when I stopped by.  It was also a provision that a release form that Peter signed at some point so I could receive information is valid through December of this year.  Due to all of that she called after meeting with Peter today.  She said that he does not seem to have the intentions of going off his meds completely.  And she said she was able to emphasis that even if he felt good and didn't think he needed it, that was a sign it was working and he should continue.  Britney confirmed he would be seeing a different doctor friday and that she would make sure he had knowledge of Peters history.  This was all left in a voicemail with the invitation to call if I had any other questions.  That was a relief.  I was reassured that there are people watching out for him and encouraging him in a positive direction.

Thank you for prayin regarding this.  It really doesn make me feel less alone and anxious!

quick update June 23

Summer is my busy season at school. And It's my favorite. We are having so much fun and I want to tell you about it. But did I tell you it's sooo busy. Soon. I will try to share a few pictures and stories soon. Also I was adopted by a cat. I'll tell you about that too.

For now I want to thank you for your prayers regarding Peter. He seems to be doing okay on his low dose meds though I wouldn't call it his best. But he is definitely managing. He has an appointment tomorrow with his counselor. And I think the doctor on friday. I appreciate prayers for wisdom for the Avita  people as they interact with Peter. I pray for medication that allows him to be at his best.

I have been anxious. I thank God for reassuring me today. I decided to try to go to the Avita office (the mental health community resource Peter is serviced by.) I wanted to see if they would let me at least give them some Information even if they could not share with me.

I had a list of Peter's diagnosis and Medication history over the past five years. I was ready to fight my way through the door. I didn't have to.  As it turns out the document required for them to talk to me is still valid until December first. And the lady who Peter sees monthly as his counselor/ therapist was standing at the desk when I came in. We were able to converse for a couple of minutes. They let me give them his medication, history document.  I had enough interaction to feel like I was heard and they really are after Peter's best interest. That gave me some relief. I know things still could get rough but I dont feel like I am his soul advocate. I hesitated as to whether I should go to the Avita office or not. I was trying to figure out if I was taking things into my own hands. At this point, I feel like I did my part and now at least for the moment I can just wait, watch and rest.

Really Peter is during pretty good and the average person wouldn't notice it. He's very confident and has a rather elevated view of himself. One day he tried to convince me he is 6 foot. He measured 5'8" at his dr appointment and he thought the nurse must be wrong because he "feels 6 ft." That is a good way to sum it up. Peter feels like he is so much bigger in the every realm than reality.

Thank you for caring about Peter and for praying Gods will be done in his life. I know that could be painful in the external world and that's scary.  And yet I desire God be glorified in his life and mine.

And soon I will share fun stories of preschool summer.

Really???

I just talked with Peter. He told me he met with his psychologist doctor yesterday. And she said since he's doing so well on 2.5 Olonzopne, he probably doesn't need it and could go off it. That would mean he would be on no medication for schizophrenic disorder. According to Peter, he  said he wanted to stay on it another month. He also said he would be seeing a different doctor starting next month.

Yes I did react with "what!!!???". Peter said not to go in "all protective mom mode " and let him finish. So I did. He reminded me that these doctors were professionals. He said he just wanted me to have the information. Which "Praise the Lord,"  i'm so grateful for. I

thanked him for telling me.

And did not bring it back up as we continued to talk.

Peter has been doing well. I have seen a grandiose view of himself that has increased a bit this month. He has been ratherself-centered,  and obsessed with his appearance since the onset of his mental illness five years ago. He also has an elevated idea of himself in his abilities. It has seemed a little more this month. I hear it in the way he talks about his work. He is a hard worker, who is efficient and fast. However he has quit jobs before because he does not feel he is being paid enough or others are not meeting his standard. He seems to be doing good at his job although he has mentioned some conflict with other "lazy" workers. He's been managing his money and his job and his car for which i'm grateful. After years and years of not brushing his teeth, ever, he has actually started doing so regularly. He's continued to stay in touch with Mom and me. Often it's sending a selfie with some comment about his appearance. He has started losing some weight which is good. 

But the idea of him totally going off the medication does send me into a bit of a headspin, based on his past five year history. So I ask you to pray. I am grateful that a new doctor will be involved. Pray

this one is wise and will consider his history. I do not have access to these doctors. I do have a written document I created of peter's medical history from the past five years. It includes medicine and the things that have happened. I don't know whether they will consider it or not but I'm going to see if I can have it added to his file at that office. I have given it to Avita before but don't know that it has continued in his information.

Thank you for your many prayers regarding this issue the past month and I appreciate your continuing to pray. It brings me a lot of comfort to know I'm not alone in this. I have seen God's provisions this month. And trust that he can do more than I can hope or imagine. Please also continue to pray for Peter's awareness of God And his acceptance of God's love for him through Jesus.

Peter update

Thank you to all who have prayed for Peter this past couple of weeks.  I thought I would share that at this point Peter seems to be managing well on the lower medication dosage.  I have not noticed anything alarming.  We went to a Braves game Tuesday as he got a steal on last minute tickets.  He did talk about how he was sleeping less and eating less and had more energy. He also talked about  hyper-focusing on things.  That isn't how he described it but it is what I have seen - like detailed focus on his wardrobe and appearance.  He sees all of this as positive.  I know that it has its benefits however I know that it can be related to mania and have it's downside.  So far there is nothing that seems unsafe or scary.  He called and talked last night and he plans to have lunch with mom and I today. He mentioned that he has an appointment this week.  I assume it is either with his doctor or therapist at Avita.  The fact that he goes to those appointments on his own is a positive thing.  

At this point my prayers include his willingness to stay on medication (and not decide he wants to go off meds all together); he continues to manage successfully at work and in his apartment situtions; safety as he drives!; widsom for those at Avita and Supportive Housing who work with him; Positive social interactions.  I know he would love to have a buddy to go to games with and talk sports (besides me.)

Thank you again for caring and praying.  

Peter End of April

Peter's car broke down about two weeks ago. He is hopeful that he can get it tomorrow. I am hopeful that these expensive repairs will give the car some longevity. And he will be able to pay off his new repair debt. Peter is good about paying off his debt as long as he's got a job.

I have been helping to chauffeur Peter while his car is out of commission. Today I took him to a psych doctor's appointment with Avita. I sat in the car as I was told. He also told me that he has not signed papers for me to be in the loop as he is an adult and does not want me involve. On one hand I am relieved. However it also concerns me because Peter also told me that he's going to start on a lower dosage of his medicine. It was at his request and he hopes it will help with the weight gain. I imagine it was also agreed upon by the doctor because Peter has indicated that there was a liver test that was not normal. He's meds can effect the liver. I know nothing more than that. However my concern comes from the fact that his Medication dosage is already really low. My prayer is that this lower does continues to be effective. And if not, the Doctor will make appropriate changes in a timely manner before things go South. Peter's been doing really well. He's pleasant to be round, has a place to live, a car to drive, and a decent job. This has been possible due to somewhat reasonable thinking on his part . My prayer is that the medication change does not alter it.  

Thank you for praying with me regarding this.

STILL HERE!!!!

 It looks like it has been over 2 months since my last post.  Thus you can assume no major crisis has happened.  It has been a pleasant couple of months with lots of activity.  I helped coordinate one wedding for a coworker while attending another for a friend.  Peter and I saw a GA  bulldawgs basketball game. Mom and I visited Anna and her kids in Greenville SC, meeting their newest addition Isaac. I  participated in three girl's weekend trips within 4 weeks.  This past weekend Mom and I purchased and planted flowers in her neighborhood pots.  (It is one of her ministries.) In the midst of this I have managed to work at my job, spend time with friends, see my therapist monthly, watch too much TV and keep my nails manicured.

There are no trips currently planned in the near future but I am not against jumping in on spontaneous plans.  With that said I do love being home.  If you haven't seen it, I live in a cute house with a porch swing that is next door to a park full of great sounds.  My azalea bush is in bloom ad I have lots of pending craft projects.  I am hoping to enjoy some home time especially with this beautiful spring weather.  As we near the end of May, things will amp up at work as we prepare for summer.  This summer our theme is Around the World in 8 weeks and I am really excited about the activities we are planning as we explore a variety of travel locations. I  have been trying to make it to the gym a few mornings a week, spend time on my porch swing daily and listen to more audio books. I just finished The Keeper by Charles Martin and An Invitation to Silence and Solitude by Ruth Haley Barton.  I am in the process of working through Captivating by Joh and Stasi Eldridge. All have been worthy time investments.

Peter has taken responsibility for his life and it has been good to step back a bit.  He texts me songs of the day and calls a few times a week to chat.  We try to meet up for a meal every week or two.  He and mom also usually gather for a meal at least once a week.  I am proud of him.  He has been managing his job at Lowes, his car, his housing and meds fairly well from best I can tell.  He did talk me into preparing his taxes but he got the documentation together that I needed.  I need to be honest though that presently I am trying to manage a little anxiety over anticipating a coming storm.  Based on info from Peter, the mental health agency he works with switched him to a different office and doctor.  It's a good thing because it is indication that he is doing well.  They had him get some blood work done and the results for his liver have them wanting to do another test.  I have no clue of really more than that.  I do know his current medication can affect the liver as well as cause weight gain.  Though heavier than Peter's norm he has been working out trying to keep it from getting out of control.  I think he also benefits from being on a low dose of Olanzapene.  My concerns are if they decide to switch meds that we could head into another downward spiral. He also currently does not have medicaide and the hospital recently charged him $1700 to draw blood (as he was instructed by the folks at Avita -the mental health agency.)  He initiated applying for financial aide as well as medicaide for which I am really proud of him for being proactive.  Peter continues to receive SSDI benefits which along with his Lowe's  25 hrs a week and susidised housing allows for him to afford his car, its very expensive insurance, food and a few other low cost luxuries.  He is trying to put money into Savings as he  isonce again talking about trying to go to school.  This time to get his CDL license so that he can drive a truck.  And if you have seen him drive, you know how I feel about that.  However I applaud his initiative and chose to trust God with the rest. This past week he received notice that Social Security has overpaid him by about $4000 and wants it back. He called to tell me about it and we agreed it was crazy.  He was reasonably upset but managed it well and said he would go talk with his support person at the Apartments who helps him with things like that. A montho ago he proposed that he and I go to Texas sometime this year.  He wants to fly somewhere - go on a trip and I would love for him to have that chance if we can work it out. I recently received a contact for him to see about getting help with past medical debt as well as for creating a PAD (Psychiatric Advanced Directive.)  I am hoping to get those initiated this Friday when I have the day off.

Mom continues to stay quite busy.  She bakes her cookies for neighbors, the counseling office of our friend, and anytime I need cookies.  She attended a bible study at church the past 6 weeks.  With the warm weather the puzzles are currently set aside as whe works in her yard. Every year she says she is going to buy less and every year she finds more beautiful flowers that need a home in her back yard and now side yard.  It currently is begining to burst forth with color.

This sounds like a belated Christmas letter as it recaps our various activities and news.  You don't need all this info but in case you were wondering.  To complete the Chirstmas letter vibe I will throw in a few pictures from the last few months.  Thanks for listening and until next time, whenever that may be,  thanks for being a part of our lives!

Mom's car loaded up  with flowers for the neighborhood pots.

My happy place - Seaview Inn at Pawleys Island

favorite view

I brought streamers on sticks because why not!

And Helen a Tiara because every girl needs one.

College girls weekend in Greenville

Melissa, Leanne, and Tonya

The bonus of passing through  the Greenville SC area a good bit recently:

Big Sister Avery

Big Sister Livey

 "my boy" Elias

and my newest joy in frequenting the area, Isaac

Mountain House on Blue Ridge PArkway near Galax VA

view when the fog cleared

Girls weekend with the women who raised me after college

Beth and May

Cardio workout with the kids

Summer and David's Lego themed wedding

First time to coordinate wedding with a groomswoman and a ring dog.

Mama Millie meets Isaac