Update on Red Dye Experiment.

On the 8th of April, I tried to removed all red dyes from Carson's diet, and I noticed a dramatic improvement. His impulsivity was much better, as was his general overall attitude. When I say I tried to remove it... it wasn't for a lack of trying. On Tuesday of this week Carson found the fruit snacks that I had yet to get rid of in the pantry. He had two packs before I knew it. He had his best friend over to the house that evening, and he was very emotional, and impulsive with him. The boys both fought a lot more than they normally do. He just seemed out of sorts with everyone, and anything.

I thought if I removed foods that obviously had red coloring in it I would be doing good. I found Red Dye # 40 in Pillsbury crescent rolls, Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts, Pillsbury vanilla frosting, and Jello chocolate pudding. These aren't even remotely red in color. Benadryl, the little pills as well as the liquid have red dye in it. I am sure it is even in the coating on some of Carson medications that he has to take every single day.

Obviously, I don't think I will be able to totally eliminate it from his diet. We have made tremendous strides in greatly reducing it, and in my opinion, it has shown a great deal of promise. I am planning on taking things a step further and try to eliminate yellow dye#5, which has been thought to have adverse reactions in children with hyperactivity disorder. Time will tell on this one.

Ladybug! Ladybug! and Imaginary Friends.

I mentioned a couple of posts back that Carson thinks he can get butterflies to land on his fingers if he stands very very still. For one thing, he can't stand very still for very long, and two most butterflies just are not attracted to little boys.

I could never smash anything because I could not stand "the crunch". So when I couldn't stomach it, I had him do my dirty work. He used to randomly smash all sorts of bugs. He did learn rather quickly to avoid stinkbugs! But he never ever smashed ladybugs, he was always very fascinated by them, and could spend hours letting them crawl all over him, and then he would carefully find a flower or plant to let them go in so they could eat. Yesterday, Carson spent a bit of time outside and found several new friends. This ones name was Vico...and she stayed around for a little bit so we could take her picture.

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Lately I have noticed that when Carson does something he shouldn't do he blames it on Caden. His best friends name is Caden, and I asked him why he was blaming stuff on Caden, when he wasn't even here. He said that Caden lives here all the time and his other Caden comes to visit. I asked him if you could see Caden all the time and he said only when I want to. I realized that we have our first imaginary friend. It goes so far that our guest room is Caden's room, and we now have to give Caden a snack when he gets one. I know this is normal behavior, particularly in only children. I asked his therapist, what she thought about it, and she reassured me that it was actually a good thing, and a developmental milestone of sorts. Caden B. you should feel honored, Carson loves you so much he named his invisible friend after you!

News Finally!!!

We have been waiting for what seems like years for news from Carson's school as to whether he would be allowed to return or not. We FINALLY got that news today, and although my heart would love for him to go back, my head knows that the right choice was made by the school board, and is in Carson's best interest!

There was a huge hold-up with the state and the paperwork did not get sent to the school in a timely manner, then they had to have their follow-up inspection. Anyway... long story short.. the board decided tearfully that they were afraid that Carson would not be given a fair shake if he went back. Plus the fact that there is less than one month of school left. The decision was one that we knew was coming, but as a parent you can't help but want everything for your child, especially when the accusations against him were so ridiculous and malicious. Today is exactly 60 days from the date that we officially withdrew him, and I can't help but think that there was a definite (GOD) delay in all of this. He knew what would happen and as always, His timing is perfect. I will admit that Wayne and I both are emotional over this decision, but we also know that what is best for Carson is what is being done!

Now for the good news! Carson will be participating with his class in the graduation scheduled for May 22nd at 7 pm at St. Stephens Pre-School. He will be walking with his class.... now I know that a lot of people don't make a big deal out of pre-school graduation... and we are not doing that so much as to let Carson know just how many people love and support him. We have been asked by the school to invite as many as we would like to attend his graduation! So if you are in Amarillo on May 22 nd you are invited to come and celebrate with us. Many of you will be getting personal invitations, but I am opening it up to anyone who knows and loves Carson to attend. The director told me I could make signs and have a huge cheering section for him! It gets even a little bit better, he will also be able to attend the end of school party as well. The human side of me is a bit apprehensive about this whole thing. I am afraid of what some people might do or say when they see Carson there. I am also afraid of what I might say if I confront this mother. But I can't help really wanting to rub her face in the fact that we are going to be there with bells on cheering for my son, and that we have taken the high road and we will prevail. When all is said and done I sincerely want them to understand that the kind of malicious, slanderous accusations have actually strengthened our family. We will be better for it in the long run. I can only pray for a realization to them of the hurt and trauma they have caused us.

One Tired Puppy and a Big Parenting Oops

Wow! Twice in less than two weeks Carson has fallen asleep in the den much earlier than he normally does. I had to actually wake him up at 9 p.m. because he missed his nightime meds. Since this is such a rare event... I had to capture a photo or three! He was wearing his Cars t-shirt, and watching Cars of course!

We went to church this morning and Carson was fantastic...almost scary how well behaved he was. He was my shadow everywhere I went, and was actually underfoot a few times. I am thinking that since we are sheltering him so much, he has developed a fear of sorts around other people. I don't know whether fear is the right word or not...maybe apprehensive, but he definitely was my buddy all day.

Now for my/our parenting oops. Several months ago, Wayne and I used the reward system for Carson to encourage him to try his best at school, church and home. If he got all smiles in his folder from school we would stop on the way home and he could get a frozen sprite and a bag of chips. If he received 10 in a row, he could earn a bigger prize, which was either a trip to Gatti's (a pizza arcade type place) or some small toy. Well when all the mess at school came out, we used the excuse that he is going through a rough time and perhaps he deserves a toy for good behavior at the store etc. So he would get to pick out a small toy at Walmart when we did our shopping. Then Daddy sent him a huge dinosaur from the Discovery Store. Carson now expects a toy every single time we go shopping. It is to the point that I HATE to take him with me... but seeing as I have no other option, I have to take him with me. The talk starts in the car and I swear he needs to go into hostage negotiation when he grows up. The hostage taker would surrender just to get him to STOP talking. I swear each and every time I will not give in... I promise myself that no matter what he does, or says he will not be rewarded just for behaving as he should. Most of the time I give in because I don't want a scene in the grocery store. I will say that it is not EVERY time we go shopping... but more often than not.

I am vowing right now to start an incentive chart again (worked great before) and stick to it. Yes, I believe that children, particularly Carson respond well when given something to work towards. But I have to get him broken of this horrible habit of expecting something every time we go out. Suggestions anyone??? I am open. Specifically anything to help me keep my sanity in dealing with this the next time we go shopping.

Long and Boring Day!

For a Saturday, today was rather boring! I was quite productive in that I got completely caught up on laundry, cleaned the kitchen including mopping. I also spent some time in Carson's room helping him get it organized. It was just boring. Time seems to drag lately, and that is probably because the person I talked to the most today is only five. Granted he can be very enlightening to talk to. I talked to Wayne several times, and that always helps, but I will be the first to admit that I am lonely. Especially after last week in DC with Wayne.

We watched Cars for the 57,647th time today... which means we watched it three times. Well, actually it was on three different times...Carson only sat through it when it got too windy to be outside. But I finally figured out something he has been saying for quite some time.... for the longest time he would say to me "quitted top of your game". I had no clue what that meant, but Carson would say it when he would get upset or frustrated over something. Well I was actually sitting folding some laundry while he was watching it and there is a scene where Lightening McQueen is talking to Doc about when he was a racer. He said to Doc "why did you quit at the top of your game?" Talk about light bulb moment... I realized that he was saying the same thing, he just had no idea what it meant that he was saying. I always thought it was backtalk when Carson used it, and perhaps he was saying it to be a smart mouth. Anyway I was able to explain to him what LM was telling Doc.

See I told you I was bored!

I am gonna post a couple more pics from our trip... cause I know you guys all love to see more of my pics ;)

Lavendar Tulips from the tulip beds around the Tidal Basin...

A cheesy picture of Carson and I... we were both wiped out after the Smithsonian... but the only one that is semi-decent of both of us!

I am so far behind..... I will never catch up!

If you look to the left of my Blog, you will see my blog rolls.. I have three. I absolutely love to scrapbook, but have not been able to lately simply because with Carson he wants to be right in the middle. Anyway, you will see a long list of blog links for CTMH. These lovely ladies are all Close to my Heart Consultants just like I am. Their blogs inspire me to want to scrapbook more. They are all so very talented and creative. I have decided after today.... that I am going to try and post at least one new layout a week. The talent that these women have is amazing, and I strive to be as creative as they are. So to get the ball rolling.... so to speak, I pulled some of my favorite recent layouts. But with exception of the bike one, these date back two years... that is how far I am behind. Something that I realized a couple of days ago, is that this blog is a scrapbook of sorts as well. I try to post daily... and by doing so I am able to document so much better what actually happened and I have the date stamp there also :)

I love this layout because it really shows Carson's wild personality plus it was his first trip to the beach! I used a tru fit folio and made this one a fold down four page layout. I did not take a picture of the fourth page, because me in a swimsuit = not pretty! I am so far behind that I haven't even journaled on this one yet!This next layout is from the same vacation to Virginia Beach. My aunt took Carson fishing for the first time on the pier of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.

This last one is one of my favorites... just loved the way all the colors worked so well together. Carson got his first real bike for Easter 2007. We spent one afternoon outside while he rode all around hamming it up!Anyway... now that I have bored you with all this... I will leave you with this. I once had a friend ask me why did I scrapbook so much? I replied because there is so much that happens on a regular day that is extraordinary in my son's life that I want to look back when things are not so extraordinary and remember the good ones! Besides Carson absolutely loves to look at his books.

VA Morning Commute

I have been here long enough now to enjoy my morning commute. The first part is about 5 miles and takes me from the residential area to I-95 North. It is a 2 lane road that turns into a 3 lane road each way about 2 miles from I-95 and it is just traffic about 8 red lights, nothing eventful and traffic moves quickly. Then I merge onto I-95 North, this is where the fun begins. It is a 3 lane interstate that has 2 additional HOV High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes - motorcycles, buses, vans, or cars with more than 3 occupants are required during the morning rush. Rush is from 6:00am to 9:30am. Anyway, I enjoy the drive, listen to my new favorite non music radio station 103.5 WTOP http://www.wtop.com/ it is all news, weather, and as they call it around here the "sprawl and crawl" refers to traffic. I must admit they do a fantastic job of telling you the traffic status, they tell it at all the 8's meaning that you get a traffic update at 8, 18, 28, 38, 48, and 58 minutes past the hour. But what I really enjoy while driving is watching the other drivers. For example you have your lane changers who think they can get to their destination quicker by constantly changing lanes, with or without signaling. Then you your space takers aka lane changers if you leave any amount of space between you and the vehicle in front of you they claim it and homestead it. At one point in my commute I have to go through the Springfield mixing bowl. This is the location where I-95, I-395, and I-495 all intersect, not to mention some exits for local roads approaching this interchange 3 I-95 lanes has now become 7 lanes.. It's quite comical to see the vehicle dances. The layout is all I-495 N/E traffic is left 2 lanes, all marked from at least a mile back. Washington DC via I-395 N is the middle 3 lanes and I-495 S/W are the 2 right lanes. Ok so you are a daily commuter then if you want I-495 S/W towards Tysons Corner (right lanes) why are you in one of the left lanes to head I-495 N/E or vice versa. The same also applies to those in the middle 3 lanes you have had over a mile to find your right or left lane - why do you wait so long? Ok now that you have gotten this far, here is the one that beats all and I'm going to adopt it as a new driving habit. When the traffic is slow, moving at about 20 miles per hour, or even standing still at times, I love to watch drivers in the far right lane who are in front of me or in back of me make a mad dash for the entrance on ramp to the interstate. Have a clue as to why they do that - they do that so that they can get further up in the traffic line. They literally pull out of line and drive up the on ramp as far as they can and pull back into traffic. If one tries that trick on me I hug the bumper of the car in front of me - I'm not giving up my place in traffic so that some local commuter can get to work a little quicker. I've added a link to WTOP and if you go to their website and click on the "traffic" tab you can pull up any of over 400 traffic cameras and watch the show for yourself. See if any of you can find my truck on the way to work or going home in the evening. Finally just for laughs read the article on WTOP about the DC streetcars the the District bought for $10 Million with taxpayers money. They are being used in the Czech Republic - why you ask - because the city bought them and never put down street car tracks in DC nor have they selected any company to run them...

Something Fun!

Found this on another site I visit... thought it was really interesting!

How smart is Your Right Foot? Just try this. (It is from an orthopedic Surgeon...........)
This will boggle your mind and you will keep trying over and over again to see if you can outsmart your foot, but you can't. It's preprogrammed in your brain!

1. WITHOUT anyone watching you (they will think you are NUTS......) and while sitting where you are at your desk in front of your computer, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles.

2. Now, while doing this, draw the number '6' in the air with your right hand.

Your foot will change direction.I told you so!!! And there's nothing you can do about it!

You and I both know how stupid it is, but before the day is done you are going to try it again, if you've not already done so. Send it to your buddies to frustrate them too.

A Couple of Observations and Emeril Lagasse

While in Virginia I had the opportunity to do a bit of driving around. Wayne took a cab to the metro and rode that into work so I could have the truck. It was interesting to say the least! As I mentioned before the traffic is amazing. On I-66, an east west corridor in and out of D.C. you can actually drive on the shoulders during peak traffic hours. Every 1/4 mile or so there is a light with either a red X or a green arrow over the shoulder of the interstate. First time driving to our hotel it was dark and the X's were all lit up on our drive out. Carson asked after every single one what does that X mean. We were patient in answering the first 7659 times he asked. Then it just became a game with him to ask us. People actually drove on the shoulders quite often, and Carson would always say that they were being bad.. and the police man was going to get them. Anyway on Monday, I had the truck and sort of got over my extreme fear of driving in heavy traffic. So Carson and I headed out to find the metro station where we would be picking up Wayne later that day, and do a little familiarizing with the layout etc. of the area. Imagine Carson's surprise when the green arrows were lit up, and people were driving on the shoulder. He piped right up saying that it was ok now because of the arrow.

Convenience stores are very few and far between. We literally drove for about 20 minutes looking for one to get some gas. Here we have them on practically every corner, and several different companies. Out there I counted four, yes four 7-11's that I noticed. I did notice several huge gas depot type places, but they were just fueling stops. Forget about going in to buy a ice tea.... NOBODY had brewed iced tea. Well McDonalds did...but they only have Splenda... and I am a sweet n low kinda gal with tea. I literally live on iced tea, and I am going to have to take mine from home wherever I go. Here, you can't swing a cat without hitting a Super WalMart. In the D.C. area , I never saw one. They had WalMarts... but they were the smaller older type of stores. They did have Super Targets... that I absolutely loved!

Another observation on food prices... some of the things I noticed while quickly walking through Target, is that the food prices seemed to be right along what we are paying if not cheaper! This is a good thing! I noticed things like Capri Sun juice drinks, here at Walmart they are $2.50 up almost a dollar from last summer. In Virginia at Target, they were $1.72. Of course things like seafood is way cheaper, even at restaurants... but again right on the coast, most is fresh.

Now for the eye opener... Carson and I were looking for someplace where we could get a salad at a good salad bar for lunch. There was a grocer called Whole Foods right by the hotel so we went there. We walk in the front door and there is a gentleman handing out slips of paper. He told us that there was a T.V. crew in the store filming for a episode of a new show that Emeril Lagasse is doing for the Food Network. First thing he told us was to look natural, act casual... and DO NOT STARE at the camers. Ha! Like I am going anywhere near where someone is filming for a T.V. show. They were filming in produce, and guess where the salad bar is... you got it produce. Carson is not always fun in the grocery store, and today was no exception. We get to the salad bar, and I see no prices for anything.. but I am thinking its probably 5-6 bucks a pound. So I get my salad. Get Carson a fresh fruit cup, and a small salad, and we get ready to leave. Now I must mention that there were all sorts of strange items on the salad bars... there were three huge bars and a lot of it was labled as vegan, most was unrecognizable. Now back to check out. Remember I only had three items... and my total was $19.87!!!! I should have known when I walked through some of the back isles trying to avoid the cameras... and saw absolutely nothing recognizable as our normal grocery fare. Everything was organic, everything was labeled as vegan or vegetarian etc. They did not have sodas that I saw, but this was the fanciest grocery store I have ever seen. By the way the salad bar was 9.89 a pound I had a little under a pound, Carson's was about a 1/4 pound and the fruit cup was $5.99.

I really would love to go organic, as in no preservatives, chemicals etc. especially since we are restricting certain dyes from Carson's diet. But I don't know if I could afford it. By the way, we never saw Emerill, the checkout gal said he filmed most of his stuff earlier. The crew was just getting background footage.

We are Home!

After what seemed like a very short weekend... Carson and I got home safely. A huge Thank You goes out to Mr. Gary for the ride, both to and from the airport! My animals all survived... and with the exception of some dust....the house is clean.

God has richly blessed us in that while we are apart, we are able maintain contact via the web, phone etc. We both have realized how much better the times are when we are together. We tend to take things for granted... but being separated, we are able to cherish the family times so much more. Leaving was definitely bittersweet.. Wayne will be back in May, and we hopefully will be out there in June. Tonight, after Carson was ready for bed he came into the office crying. I asked him what was the matter and he said that he missed Daddy. I happened to be on the phone with Wayne at the time... and before you know we all were crying. I hate seeing Carson sad, but at the same time I am glad that he is recognising and dealing with his different emotions. He has always had trouble identifying how he feels, and why.

We had a terrific time... but I will say this...Virginia is absolutely beautiful.... It was quite humid for April...but the absolute worst thing about living there is going to be the traffic! We found a beautiful house in Woodbridge which is about 20 miles south of D.C. It is a 3 story... with everything we are looking for. Even with it being only 20 miles away... it will take Wayne an average of an hour each way, on a good day with average traffic.

It has a full finished walkout basement, four bedrooms and plenty of storage. We don't really need four bedrooms, but this one had a lot of space and four vs three.... will give us more room for out of town visitors (subtle hint) All hard wood floors throughout... and a huge deck on the back. It backs up to a park, but doesn't have a fenced backyard. The house will not be available until July 1st. Giving us two months to get this place rented. If interested check out the full listing. CLICK HERE I don't know why it wont take you directly to the right page... but the listing is on page 36

There is a link at the top of the page, a little film reel. Click on that for a photo display of the inside. The realtor knows what we are looking for, and is keeping her eyes open looking for something in our price range a little closer.

Here are a few more pictures of our trip.

Another picture of Carson at the base of the Capital building with the awesome flowers.

Wayne and Carson in Reagan National (NICE AIRPORT) before we left this afternoon.

These are some of the tulips on the grounds leading up to the White House. The flowers are spectacular there!

This was Carson waking up on Saturday.... he was one tired puppy!

The boy with a "tude" He wanted to run, but his mean parents made him wait for the old folks (us).

Just playing with the macro on the camera... loved the tulips!

The White House

The Capital