Friday, April 10, 2020

Checking in and checking out................



Just a quick check in with all of you my lovely friends.  I have been working, helping Little Boy with school and making masks like a mad woman.  Last weekend I made 24 and have since made more.  My goal is 50 masks to help family, neighbors and some of the parents and families I work with.  I have made so many at this point I can't even remember who I gave them to.  Last Sunday I spent hours at the task, finally my oldest son said, "Mom, when was the last time you showered?  You look like a crazy person!"  At this point my hair was falling out of my top knot and I had thread all over me.  Here is a photo of Little Buddy and Mr 26's adorable girlfriend modeling my first batch of masks.  She has had to do more than girlfriend duty this week, she pitched in watching this little guy while I had to work because my babysitter sent me a text at 9:47 pm Sunday evening she would not be coming to our house for a few weeks.  Well after some swearing and a bit of a fit I asked this wonderful young woman if she could help and of course she did.  Not saying my darling boy was the best for her, he told her she was not the boss of him when she tried to get him to write in his journal.  


Online schooling is not for me.  Here I am fully admitting it, I completely hate it.  I can never seem to find the right assignments and when we turn things in it looks like they are not complete even though they are.  Is it our WiFi?  Is it the system of is it just me and my ineptitude over anything tech?  I believe it is all three but mostly I am taking the blame.  Ms. Rachel, Little Buddy's assistant is working from home trying to make things easier for us.  I now print out the assignments and he does them and I take a photo of them which I send to her and she uploads it into the system.  Since I can not figure out how to do all that myself this is our new system.  This  poor guy above was our attempt at making a parachute.  Let me just say this plastic bag did not slow down his descent and he landed with a big plop.


This is Little Buddy's interview with me about my happiest day.  There was a lot of prompting with, "and then what did I say happened?" but we got it done.  I don't know if I am holding him here or if he is in my heart or stomach, but you get the idea.  And yes, my hair really does look like this.


But the very best news in this time of stress is Little Buddy got a brand new bike.  This bike was given to a patient of mine from a physical therapist I work with.  I was telling her how hard I was trying to get a bike for Little Buddy through insurance, who by the way won't pay for it because it is not a necessity, even though it is a therapeutic necessity.  We were chatting and she said she had given this brand new bike to one of our patients a while back and he did not need it.  I promptly sent a text to the Mom of this little one and she told me they were trying to figure out how to donate it and did I know anyone who wanted it?  Yep, we do!!!  So the next day I went over and picked it up.  We enlarged it as much as we could and here he is.  He loves it!  He rides it everyday and as you see even rides it in his pj's!   It won't be a bike he can use for long because he is almost too big for it but for now it is wonderful for him.  I'll keep working on getting him a new one in the meantime.  Tricycles for kids with special needs are super expensive, you just can't pop over to your local store and buy one.  So after school work today and some mask making you can find us outside while this guy gets some riding in.

Hope you are all well and hanging in there during these very stressful times.

29 comments:

Araignee said...

I happened to go on Etsy last night and was greeted by page after page of folks selling masks. It's become quite a cottage industry and dare I say it....a fashion statement?
And yes, online education is the pits. Daughter broke her back and a hip in a skating accident and had to finish high school online. It was a nightmare. A few years before when son had his hockey accident that left him also with a broken back and in bed for 11 months, they sent us a visiting teacher instead. Much better. I've also taken online classes to keep up my teaching certificate. Hated them too.
Buddy looks so happy on his bike. What a smile!

Jean Winnipeg said...

I like the colourful fabric for the masks-- did you use an online pattern?

I had a box of 10 masks medical from the drugstore bought before the virus issue when my grandon was sick and I was desperate not to pick it up. I kept 4 for my husband and myself and gave six to my son and his family.

However, I know I will need some cloth ones- I'm going to have to hand sew and am not a great sewer.
I've been looking on line for a pattern.

What a fantastic drawing Little Buddy did of your happiest day - it is amazing it captures the love of the day. Jean /Winnipeg

Vera said...

Great pictures! LB is just the best - looking at him would cheer anyone up promptly!! Don't go crazy Mere!!

Nance said...

You are making the most of your resources! I'm glad that things are working out for you since you are certainly putting forth so much effort.

It's beyond irritating and a travesty that insurance companies are making therapeutic and medical decisions based on profit/loss bases. I wish things were radically different.

Delighted Hands said...

Great highlights with Buddy! Thanks.

Jodiebodie said...

So glad to see a post from you. You have been on my mind. I have put up my hand to help sew masks. I'm currently waiting for direction.

Our government has been discouraging the general public from wearing masks in public. They say it is not necessary but this does not make sense to the average person and people are continuing to wear masks in public places if they can access them. When experts say that even a fabric mask is better than nothing when it comes to preventing spread, it looks like the government is creating propaganda to discourage the demand for masks because there is a national shortage of masks and protective equipment in our health sector.

Meanwhile various government agencies are investigating the potential manufacturing capacities of various businesses and makers - even hobbyists.

What patterns have you been using for your masks? I love the colours you have there and wow! Well done on your efforts. That's great leadership and support for your community Meredith. Safety to you all. You are in my heart and mind. xx

Karen said...

I would be terrible at the online schooling/home schooling thing. I'm grateful that this didn't happen when my kids were younger. The mask fabric is so cute! Sewing masks here, too.

busybusybeejay said...

Good of you to pop in.You sound super busy.Just take care and stay safe.

Wanderingcatstudio said...

Love little Buddy on his bike!

Betsy said...

Meredith, I think you are doing an amazing job with your amazing boy. I love the story of your memories. That will mean so much to him someday, (and you too.) I think the bike was meant to be and I will be praying that the insurance has a change of heart or another, bigger bike is given to little B. By the way, I love the parachute guy. I remember doing things like this with our boys.
Blessings,
Betsy

Teresa Kasner said...

Wow.. what a wonderful story of your little man coming to be embraced by his new mom and family. I think you should frame that and hang it on your wall. And what a wonderful example of serendipity to have that bike end up with your boy. Perfect! I'm impressed with you making the masks to help out friends, clients and neighbors. You really are an amazing woman and I'm glad you're my blog friend. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

❀.•❤•.✿.•❤•.❀ Happy Easter! ❀.•❤•.✿.•❤•.❀

Melanie said...

I am so sorry that your babysitter backed out on you at the last minute like that. Grr. What a wonderful young woman your son's GF is to step in! Online schooling has been so frustrating for everyone involved ~ children, parents and teachers. I wouldn't know personally, but I've read a lot of stories from all sides on social media and blogs. I also have a few teacher friends that I've talked to...they're all pulling out their hair, as well. It's new to them, too. I can't imagine trying to teach 20-something kids all at once online. Then they have all the individual emails plus conference calls with administration. Then looking at all the kid's work, grading it, and making lesson plans. I don't know how they do it all.

I *love* LB's story. So heartwarming.

xoxo

kathy b said...

Oh Meredith. Your kids asked you when you last showered? Thats Hysterical. Im sorry I have this image now...
I will gladly help LIL B with any homework IT could be very fun. !!!
Great new wheels there LIL B

Good for you for making masks.

Happy Easter. I hope the bunny is good to LIL B . I have a feeling.......he will b.e

Lorrie said...

These are frustrating and trying times. Working from home and doing school is tough. I hate online education, too, and I'm a high school teacher who is trying to learn tons of new technology. It's absolutely crazy. I feel so inadequate and sad that I cannot interact with my students as I used to, and help them learn Spanish. None of us signed up for any of this, but we forge ahead and "do the next thing."

CJ said...

Fabulous trike, I'm so glad it came Little B's way, and at a time when it will get most use as well I think. I'm happy he's enjoying it so much. His writing is lovely, very moving and sweet, it brought a lump to my throat. And he made me laugh with his comment to his brother's girlfriend that she is not the boss of him. Oh, how he keeps you all on your toes, wonderful. Online homework is a shocker isn't it. I'm not sure how I'm supposed to police everyone to make sure they're actually working and not just larking around on the internet or playing computer games. I am deploying a lot of threats and hoping for the best. I hope you have a lovely Easter weekend. CJ xx

Anonymous said...

do you realize? you and your wonderful family are a breath of fresh air!
Little Buddy grows more adorable with each day. I love the story of his coming HOME! and the picture he drew is perfect. even your hair! LOL!
don't get me started on insurance companies.
I've had a weird bug … extreme dizziness for a week which left me weak! no fever though. so there are always silver linings. take care dearest Mere. xoxo

JanL said...

I love your usual posts, but today's was so fitting. I'm a grandmother with custody of my 11 year old, 6th grade, ADHD, grandson. This online schooling is very challenging. The first week's assignments were reported to be finished (by him after my review) and then I started getting emails from the teachers of missing assignments. Tears ensued, statements of I'm sure I turned it in, searching in Google Classroom or emails trying to locate 7 middle-school-classes assignments!! I love his school, his teachers, but for me, to suddenly be immersed in online schooling is about to do me in!! The school district has already said they will NOT be doing pass/fail reports, but actually grades... so these assignments are important. His IEP helps offset somewhat but I just want to get him through this school year.
I admire that you continue to go into homes and do your work.
I love Little Buddy's interview. Treasure that one!!
Try to rest!! (a real challenge, I know!)

JanL said...

PS to my previous comment. I loved the parachute! My grandson had to watch a video then make an Origami butterfly, take a picture of it & send it to the art teacher for a grade. He was frustrated, I was frustrated. Finally a quasi-butterfly was completed, picture taken & sent to art teacher & the butterfly was promptly put into the trash can. I had hoped for home décor but trash can was very appropriate location!

Jo said...

I'm so pleased Little Buddy got his new bike, it's nice to hear some good news for a change, he looks thrilled to bits with it. I do feel for parents at the moment having to home school their kids on top of everything else they still have to do, especially those who are still working, and I love the interview about your happiest day, it sounds just perfect to me.

20 North Ora said...

What a precious memory to have. You never know what is going on in those little one's mind. Such a sweet journal.

Stay safe and well.

Andrea Ostapovitch said...

Little Buddy's bike is wonderful. He looks like he couldn't be happier! I am right there with the online schooling thing. Just when I think I've got it figured out, I can't find something, or I can't print it out, something's not right. It's going to be a rough Spring in the education department.
But, for now, Enjoy the weekend, and have a very Happy Easter.
Andrea

Anonymous said...

Stay safe and well. Happy Easter.
Marilyn

Dee said...

Wonderful find with the tricycle. I can tell Little Buddy just loves it.

Big hugs to your son's girlfriend.

TheAwakenedSoul said...

He has so much style and personality. I love the striped pajamas. (and sandals.) The drawing is adorable, too. You are the best blogger. Your dogs, Buddy, and stories always make me laugh...

Gracie Saylor said...

Thanks for sharing your latest, Mere. Even though it is tough for you coping with online school and childcare lack, I am so impressed with your efforts!! Day 5 Writing is precious. Back in the day, our homemade and store-bought parachute men used to have hard landings!! I had been looking online for mask patterns and have a crocheted pocket type I was making when a friend several blocks away texted she and her husband were headed out to drop off the masks she had made for a local facility. She asked if I wanted one and as I was texting her back she and her husband pulled up to my patio and from a safe distance gave me one with instructions to wash it! God bless her and you for sewing them! You and yours are in my thoughts and prayers daily. With love and safe cyber((hugs)) from Gracie

Jo said...

The bike is fantastic and beats online learning every time and I actually send it out! It is so hard to gauge what families will be able to actually engage with in their own homes. Anyway, we keep sending it. Stay safe - and sane. Love Jo x

bittenbyknittin said...

Oh, that trike will give LB some strong legs! Despite all my PT and walking, riding a bike is something else as it works the same muscles in a different way. Glad you and yours are hanging in there. Take care!

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

The masks with umbrellas on it look nice!!! Good models as well! My friend, Tina, made a purple one for me. I have one more N95 mask left as I'd bought a 3 pk before they all went away. I am glad the fabric masks are washable. The interview was nice and drawing was so hilarious! I enjoy children's drawings! Glad you have a bicycle for LB to ride. Sad that insurance won't pay for what you need to get for him. How much are they? We have had issues with internet not working. Megan has a new job on computer and some times in afternoon the internet gets slow and so she quits and works on it later. I tried to order food online and couldn't set up an account, as per directed so I could use my points. When Megan went over to Panera, manager said to just keep receipt and he would help put purchase in for me. Sigh! Glad restaurants are still open for curbside pick up. Will probably due to this evening. Have a good week in spite of all that it happening. You are doing what needs done!!! You have got it, girl!!! Go for it!! Take care! X--------X

Babajeza said...

The bike is great! Hopefully, you will find an other one for later. Yes, online teaching is hard. We just heard that school opens again on May 11. So three more weeks to go. I am almost a bit sad becaus now it is starting to work properly. Anyway, stay safe and sound. Hugs, Regula