California Spring Break: Disneyland, CA Adventures, Hollywood, Lentz family

NEWPORT BEACH PHOTOS HERE

Saturday, March 13

Sunday, March 14

Monday, March 15

Tuesday, March 16

Wednesday, March 17

Thursday, March 18

Friday, March 19

Making beautiful music

Carson enjoys playing 3 instruments this year--PIANO--VIOLA--TRUMPET. I enjoyed hearing the district Middle School Festival for elementary and middle school strings.


Isn't he growing up??

5th Grade Coffee House

It has been a tradition in Mrs. Talley's 5th Grade class to write poems and then present them during class. All the parents are invited to attend. The students really enjoy going all out decorating the room like a "Coffee House" with all the fixins. Snacks of donuts, muffins, bagels and coffee are also provided.

Carson's poem was hilarious, as I would expect from a kid who loves reading, words, and warped humor. We found this 1970's wig at the clearance section of Walmart after Halloween. It just sets the tone for the event!!!!

NOW IF I COULD ONLY FIND THE POEM TO POST and record for Carson's posterity!

Carson has Tourette's---but it doesn't have HIM

Our third son, Carson, (11) was diagnosed with tourettes/ADD almost 3 years ago and has been doing quite remarkably accepting and understanding his TICS. If you are unfamiliar with this diagnosis, here is the "official" definition:

Tourette's is an inherited neuropsychiatric disorder with onset in childhood, characterized by the presence of multiple physical (motor) tics and at least one vocal (phonic) tic; these tics characteristically wax and wane. Tourette's is defined as part of a spectrum of tic disorders, which includes transient and chronic tics.

Tourette's was once considered a rare and bizarre syndrome, most often associated with the exclamation of obscene words or socially inappropriate and derogatory remarks (coprolalia). However, this symptom is present in only a small minority of people with Tourette's.^[1] Tourette's is no longer considered a rare condition, but it may not always be correctly identified because most cases are classified as mild. Between 1 and 10 children per 1,000 have Tourette's;^[2] as many as 10 per 1,000 people may have tic disorders,^[3][4] with the more common tics of eye blinking, coughing, throat clearing, sniffing, and facial movements. People with Tourette's have normal life expectancy and intelligence. The severity of the tics decreases for most children as they pass through adolescence, and extreme Tourette's in adulthood is a rarity. Notable individuals with Tourette's are found in all walks of life.^[5]

Genetic and environmental factors each play a role in the etiology of Tourette's, but the exact causes are unknown. In most cases, medication is unnecessary. There is no effective medication for every case of tics, but there are medications and therapies that can help when their use is warranted. Explanation and reassurance alone are often sufficient treatment;^[6] education is an important part of any treatment plan.

Carson enjoys his relationship with his children's psychiatrist and finds great comfort in her words and knowledge. I have also worked hard to build Carson's self-esteem and help him understand his tics so he can explain to peers why he has these behaviors.

Recently, Carson TIC has become quite apparent to others. It occurs about every 15-30 SECONDS and began 4 weeks ago during STATE testing.

Throughout our Spring Break vacation, he was pictured doing this:

Although tourette's is mild for Carson, it does not appear so with this current tic. He has managed to enjoy school and relationship with peers, however, I have observed him being much more of an introvert than early childhood.

The transition to middle school is difficult for any student and for Carson I would imagine the anticipation of this event is exciting, however a bit unnerving for him knowing he will be exposing himself to many more students who have potential for teasing and bullying him regarding the unknown.

Education and understanding is key to this syndrome and it is my hope to continue to do this with Carson's peers, teachers, and leaders.

The is the reason I have opened this dialogue on my blog with hopes of providing a bright future for Carson. He is a delightful boy with so much potential. Even though there is the hope that his tics will disappear into adulthood, he still needs to survive adolescence and all the challenges and trials that come with maturing.

If there is anyone out in the BLOG world with personal direction and knowledge of others with tourettes, you can speak here in the comment section!!!

Brandon and Hunter have been practicing hard and recently performed at their High School's winter concerts. Enjoying these concerts is a parent's privilege after all the years of listening to practice on the various instruments. I really do not want to count the number of concerts we have been to, rather simply enjoy the......oh wait! I have another concert to attend this week!

Better to save my energy--this one is 6th GRADERS!!!!!!!!!!!

(they do improve amazingly so)!!!!!!!

Carson GRADUATES--------

----from CUB SCOUTS!

If you found this title and did a HAPPY DANCE in your head, then you must be the mother of a Cub Scout! Don't get me wrong, I am an AVID supporter of the BSA and cub program. (I currently serve as Stake Primary President/Unit Commissioner of the districts our stake serves).

For the last 12 years, we have been involved with the Cub Scout program with our 3 oldest children. They have had wonderful cub leaders guiding them through the 3-year-program. Once a month for the last 12 years, we have attended PACK meeting and shared in the excitement of the program with the boys as they receive their various awards.

I was proud on this day that Brandon and Hunter supported their youngest brother and attended the "CROSSING OVER" ceremony and watched Carson receive the HIGHEST awards in Cubs--Arrow of Light--Webelos Badge--and All 4 compass points.

Carson has learned a lot from the program and I have enjoyed helping him achieve success.

NOW ON TO BOYS SCOUTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy 5th Birthday Jessie

Jessie Turns 5: PRINCESS PARTY!!! PHOTOS

Another scrapbooking design by Smilebox

Happy 75th Birthday Duane!!!!!!

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Brad's Dad celebrates his 75 birthday on March 1. I have known him 23 years and this slideshow reflects family events and visits to our home in Kansas.