Something about snow

There's just something about snow.

It's beautiful to look at and fun to play in.

It doesn't matter how old I get. I love snow.

Unless, of course, I have to drive in it. That's a different story.

And don't forget shoveling. I love to shovel snow. Because, as Victor says, that's what I do all day. It's my work.

But today was for playing. With warmer temperatures and a dazzling blue sky.


Mr. Victor's teacher of the visually impaired taught him about snowballs. Apparently they were mentioned in preschool and he wanted to know what they were. She could have described it to him but instead, they bundled up, went outside, and she helped him make snowballs. And then she told him about snowball fights.

That's the kind of TVI everyone should have.


So from the moment he came home today, snowballs were all he could think about. All he could talk about. I promised we'd go out.

He was so happy.

And the girls decided to join in the snow fun.

And how pleased we were with our very first snowman ever. All. by. herself.

Precious moments

"I'm going to kill you... I'm going to shoot you...I hate you...I'm going to put you in jail!"

Not words you want to hear come out of your child's mouth.

Especially not your 4 year old.

It's one thing to say them to me. I understand trauma. I understand there's more to you than the words. I know that underneath the anger there is a very anxious and scared little boy with a disorder involving sight and the brain. I'm certain that being visually impaired and constantly banging into, tripping over, and falling on things is terribly frustrating.

But it's another thing to say them at school.

Especially in this day and age.

And it's difficult for this mom to be told he did it again today. Two weeks in a row, this was the conversation at pick-up. One therapist suggested that he's just repeating what I say at home.

Really??????

Another theory was that he's picking these phrases up from the TV in the corner, that obviously must be turned on all day long.

Except that our TV is very rarely on, and even more rare for Victor to be in the room when it is on.

So I asked him one day on the way home, "What happened today?"

"I said mean words."

"What did you say?"

"I said I want to beat you up!"  Pause. "Mom, what does 'beat you up' mean?"

Ah ha. We're on to something.  "Well, where did you hear that?"

"On my Bible CD. They beat him up then they left him there. Then the Levite walked by but didn't help him. Then the priest walked by and didn't help him. Then a Samaritan stopped to help him."

A scared, angry, frustrated little brain trying to understand the world and when dysregulated, trying out words and phrases he thinks might be appropriate to the situation.

Except they're not.

No more Bible CDs for you, young man.

So after two weeks of this, we came to a day off. Thankfully, a respite from the opinions and whispered guesses of others. But a day with Mr. Victor, to bear the brunt of his anger and harsh words. To remain calm and to connect while facing the constant barrage of insulting language. I dreaded the day.

But then he got the pan out and wanted to play Chef. For some reason, I'm always Chef Amanda when we pretend in this vein. And only a real pan and the real stove would do.

(And no, it was not on. And yes, I was there the entire time. No need to call CYS.)

To appeal to his senses, I found a spice from the cabinet. I introduced the name and the smell to him. He added it to his "soup". He requested another. Twenty spices later his soup was complete. And I savored the precious moments with my sweet, loving, and precocious child. The harsh words would return, but for this moment, he was just like any of my other preschoolers back in the day - pretending, exploring, and connecting. Victory has been promised and we continue to wait for it. Until then, I will enjoy each precious moment.

Even when he says he wants to turn me into a beast.

(Okay, no more fairy tales, either.)

Anyone want some soup? Although I do believe it is a little too heavy on the cinnamon and too light on the curry.

Confidence, patience, and endurance

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. 

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, 

you will receive what he has promised. 

Hebrews 10: 35 - 36 (NIV)

I was studying this passage this morning and decided it was the perfect Scripture to pray over you on your birthday.

I am so proud of the young man you have become. A man of God with a personality and character that draws others to you. A work ethic that employers notice. Using your gifts and talents just as God intended.

I love to see the favor that God has blessed you with. Doors open and opportunities come your way. Who would have dreamed you'd be working for a Governor? And have the opportunity to intern at a summer Olympics and work at the following winter Olympics. And planning a wedding for October?

Do not, therefore, fling away your fearless confidence, 

for it carries a great and glorious compensation of reward.

For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance, 

so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, 

and thus receive and carry away [and enjoy to the full] what is promised.

Hebrews 10: 35 - 36 (AMP)

Victor-isms about family and so much more

Victor's TVI was completing a social inventory to evaluate his progress since last year. This is one area in which he has struggled in the past. Name your classroom friends? No idea. (But you can bet your bottom dollar they all know his name!)

So today, she tried again.

He could name 9 friends.  Big improvement.

He knew siblings and extended family and the relationship of each to him. Excellent.

He knew where he lives, even the country. Extra credit for Victor.

She then asked him what his daddy does at work?

He sits at McDonald's and types on his computer.

Classic. Lots of teens out there hoping for a job like that.

But then he was asked what does his mommy do?

She shovels snow.

If you need me, I'll be standing out front with my shovel, waiting for the next snowfall so I can keep myself busy.

********************

Victor: Mom, when I get big, can I live alone?
Me: Absolutely!
Victor: That will be fancy. Then I can turn Alexa to Volume 10.

Who wants to be his neighbor?

*****************
Victor, what should Megan and Jesse put on their wedding gift registry?

Echo Dot
Teddy Bear Nightlight
Record player and don't forget the records, you need Epic Charlie Daniel's Band and Wagner, he died a long, long time ago
Lights for around the bed
Ball that you can roll on like this and you can pick it up and toss it around (Yoga Ball)
TV Signal
Talking and singing burner
A snowman that sings Jingle Bells
Headphones for Jared because he's very big, I met him at church one time, his voice is tired
Amps, and speakers, and microphones then I can come to your house and play with all those things
Computer systems
Bop-It and Simon
Barbies for Megan
Jared needs a drum set
You should get an alarm system (Side note: Funny thing is, in most houses, alarms are to keep people out, in ours, alarms are to keep people in! Victor is understandably confused.)
Doorbells

Should they have any pets?
A bunny named Waldisquare, it's a girl

What do they need in the kitchen?
Speakers in your kitchen then you can hook up your phone and play music
Paper towels
Window alarms

What about in the bathroom?
Sinks, bathrooms, toilets, soaps, paper towels, toilet paper

What do they need in the living room?
A record player
Yoga balls to sit on

What do they need in their backyard?
A hot tub! Ha! Ha!