Monday 27 February 2012

OUR DYSLEXIC FAMILY BATTLE.

I have so far  written so many posts on this blog of all the exciting things we do as a whanau.  My friend Nix said the other day that most blogs she views makes her think that the person who's blog it is has a perfect family. (we only see the good stuff)

I thought that perhaps it might be a good idea to write down some of my struggles that we have each day living with the very real challenge  of Dyslexia!  I don't have Dyslexia but Keith does,  Arama does and so does Terina.  We are not sure about Niwa yet but my prayers are that he might not have to face this challenge like my other special loved ones.   Our mix of Dyslexia comes  with other combinations too such as Auditory Processing disorder,  and Dyspraxia etc.

As for most parents who have kids with a 'Special Need',  I often feel frustrated that others pass by you each day and have no idea what you are going through!  Yes I know there are always others out there going through stuff that is a lot worse than your stuff, but my stuff seems hard some days and today was one of those days.

I don't really feel sad,  I just feel a bit frustrated at times....

-  Frustrated at them not grasping how to read and spell as fast as many others.

-  Frustrated for them because they have to go through so many hard moments of feeling dumb compared to the person sitting next to them in class because they are not progressing as fast as them.

-  Frustrated at myself because sometimes I loose the plot and feel so impatient when they don't 'click' as fast as the hundreds of other children I have taught in my teaching career over the years.

-  Frustrated because I feel guilty at times for not feeling patient.

-  Frustrated because I constantly feel like I have to fight the fight for them in this education system that exists in this country.

-  Frustrated when your kids teachers don't really see it as much of a problem yet they are doing nothing specific to cater for the learning styles of the Dyslexic child.  (which are very different I might add to a normal child)  In fact I feel like I struggle with this myself too as a parent trying to understand their minds and ways of learning and BEING,  (the BEING is an interesting one some days  ARGGG)!

-  Frustrated because the government says they recognise 'DYSLEXIA' but that to me is no more than  just words.  The diagnosis of Dyslexia is categorised as the 'MILD' end of the spectrum when it comes to receiving extra help within our schools.

-  Frustrated that the government is not preparing our teachers via information and training so that they can cater for these 'GIFTED,  CREATIVE, OUTSIDE THE BOX, INDIVIDUALS!'

-  Frustrated with the thought of wondering if the system is ever going to cater for their needs.  Wondering also if the educational path we are heading down is just a waste of time sometimes, but I also felt that when we were home schooling. (so sometimes you feel like you can't win)

-  Frustrated when homework time rocks on each afternoon and their minds are completely switched off by then yet we still have to press forward tears and all.

ANYWAY THE LIST GOES ON,  I COULD KEEP GOING ALL NIGHT.

Right now,  I am feeling quite passionate about finding options that will help them to progress forward in their challenges.  Why keep doing something if its not working.  For example why keep trying to learn spelling words the same old way for years and years when you know there has been no progress! I  want to learn and read more about Dyslexia, I want to try new spelling programs, methods, computer programs etc that might help.    I think I might like my career to veer off in that direction soon!  Where to start I don't know but I do know it starts with passion because I am directly affected as one trying to raise dyslexic kids!

It was just a bad day today, some days are more 'In your face than others'.  But all in all I know I can pray for peace and direction which I need to do right after I have finished this entry!

I THINK THE QUOTE BELOW SAYS IT ALL!


This Video below is very moving I hope any of you reading this might
be touched so as to learn or appreciate Dyslexic minds a little more.











Friday 24 February 2012

DADS 64TH BIRTHDAY!

Friday the 24th of FEB Was My Dads birthday.  We organised a very spontaneous, last minute, Pizza and cake night at our house about half an hour before they came.  Dad had just arrived home from out of town and was pretty shattered so we just kept it short and sweet but it was such a lovely night together!

The kids quickly decorated the whiteboard with lovely Birthday messages for Poppa!  
(see the dyslexic attempt to spell EPIC  LOL)!


A cute one of Niwa hanging off Poppas neck,  this one so reminds me of dad's father, who use to do these kinds of things with me when I was a kid.  In fact the way in which dad has the kids on etc, is so like his dad too.  He always use to grab our wrists like this and say in a joking manner 
"Watch out someones gonna get hurt!"  I use to love all of our little play fights!


Cake time for Poppa,  he was having the kids on in this photo too,  he always keeps such a straight face when he is getting cheeky but as you can see everyone else is cracking up!



A little dialogue follows the next few photos.....



"Can I have a piece please poppa?" asks Niwa.




"Here you go then!"  Says poppa.




"No Poppa some more!"  Says Niwa



"There you go theres some more!" Says Poppa.



"NO POPPA, you're being silly, I want a big one!"  Says Niwa




"Okay here you go heres a big one!" Says Poppa
(handing him the whole cake)




"No Poppa!"  Says Niwa
"Well how big do you want it?" Asks Poppa.
"This big!"  Says Niwa (with his arms out wide)




Niwa finally gets a decent slice of cake!




Niwa then stands up to hang off his poppa and give him a smooch!
It has been so cool lately that the kids have been able to spend more time with mum and dad.
Niwa and Dad are developing a close little relationship, it melts me!


Then Niwa needed to rush to the bathroom for a much needed, (well who knows)???? 
We all heard him yelling out "I'm finished" from the bathroom window,  
I snapped these shots,  so typical of Niwa.  
He didn't climb out this time though!  LOL!



Then Niwa grabbed the camera and took this shot of Dad and I.
I haven't seen a better one of us in years!  Funny!


OUR LITTLE CHEF / GARDENER!


Niwa just loves to be outside and he loves this time of year when he can get 
out in the garden and help his Daddy with the mahi!
He also loves to help me make dinner and always
pulls his chair up next to the bench, gets his Thomas apron on, 
which Aunty Nix made for Arama many years ago when he was
about this age and then he  gets his little square chopping board 
and his special knife and especially loves chopping mushrooms LOL!

Tonight he spent about an hour in the kitchen helping me to make
pizza for dinner,  he was so 'on task' and engaged in the task,
IT WAS SO COOL!



When daddy arrived home from work, they went into the 
garden to collect their days takings and here are a few 
photos I took.  He still has his little apron on.  You see
at our home, if we are short on any fresh food item, we just
go out into the garden and pick  LOL!  I wish, but I must say 
our garden this year has been great thanks so much to my 
amazing gardener husband, Keithy BOY!

Thank you my special for all your hard work!
I APPRECIATE YOU!



MY CRAZY HOT CHILLY BOY!


WAITER, CHEF AND GARDENER
MASTER NIWA HALL 



Thursday 23 February 2012

KEITHS TURN TO PUT NIWA TO SLEEP!

It was Keith's night on duty the other night.

He was asked to put Niwa to bed and here are the cute photos that followed.




They only just fit in the bed together!


I just think kids are so cute when they are asleep,  I love going into
each of my kids rooms at night and just staring at them.

Its not quite the same unfortunately for adults though.

Sorry Keith I have to confess,  that I don't go into your room to stare
at you when you go to bed before me!  LOL!
You're more cute when you are awake to me!!



RENEE'S 31ST BIRTHDAY

On Sunday the 19th Feb,   it was my special friend Renee's Birthday.  Renee turned 31 and a few of her special friends  and family went to her house, for dinner, desert and lots of laughs. 

Renee is someone I totally admire for her faith and kindness.  She has had her fair share of trials but she has coped through them with such optimism and faith.
I love being in her company as she always uplifts me and makes me feel special.  She always shows so much interest in others.  Thanks Renee for your sweet example!  





Check out this AMAZING cake she made!  A close up for you all. Doesn't it make you hungry just looking at it.  I won't tell you the name of it,  you can ask me personally if you are dying to know!!  LOL





Anyone would think we had had a few too many in this photo but please be rest assured that it is only 'Sparkling Grape juice' in our hands. (we don't drink)!  Tui, Me and Nix!  The fly spray was an on going joke that night.  

Saturday 11 February 2012

DAISY BEAR COMES HOME

Yesterday Terina bought Daisy Bear home from School.  Each child gets a turn to bring 
Daisy home one weekend.  (see the little note attached to Daisy above for details).  
We did a few things today as a family  but we forgot Daisy and 
she remained lonely at home, poor Daisy!  Or maybe Daisy just had a lovely 
break from us all and chilled out at home in Peace and quiet,
 after all I love been at home alone, it is one of my favourite things to do  LOL!

Below are some photos of Daisy at our home.





Terina and Niwa above showing Daisy the sandpit and 
the sandpit toy box, 


Daisy in the back of one of the Sandpit dump trucks.


Daisy on the trampoline!


Daisy in the play house, upstairs, looking out
the window.


Daisy, below, hanging off the Veranda!



 Daisy lined up with all of Terina's other toys while 
she is fast asleep in Moemoe land!





We made a picnic lunch today with Daisy.

Then we went into the lounge where Terina, Niwa and Dad
had built a hut.  Terina and Niwa then shared their
picnic with Daisy in their special hut.




Daisy looked pretty full by the end of the Picnic.  
Look she is nearly lying down,  I think she had
enough food for one day!


We hope we get to have you for a sleep over again 
sometime soon Daisy!
You are always welcome at our house!
Nau mai, Haere mai!


Friday 10 February 2012

BUBBLE GUM NIWA


THIS PHOTO IS OF NIWA AND ALL HIS CHEWING GUM WRAPPERS.
(Read below for the full story)


NIWA begged me the other day for some bubble gum on the day that him and I are home alone.  I gave in and we went to the shop and he chose some for himself.  He chose 'Extra' chewing gum and I didn't know it at the time but he ate the whole lot in a very short space of time.  Then he got a very sore sore tummy that afternoon and was on the toilet crying and went to bed at 4pm. 

The next morning he came to me and said, "look mummy I ate all my chewing gum".  I asked him where he put it when he had finished and he said "I swallowed it in my puku", the penny then dropped and I then knew what the whole sore tummy thing was all about!  
MUMMY SLOW LEARNER!

NIWA AT SWIMMING

Here are some photos of Niwa in the water with his swimming teacher.
At the end of last year he wouldn't even blow bubbles.  Now
he is going all sorts of tricks.  Helen teaches all of our kids and they 
are all moving so well in their ability to swim.





The two photos below are of Niwa and his friend Thomas,
who is also in his swimming class.  They were both in 
their tiger towels last Thursday.  Raaaaahhhhhhhhhh!