update

My son has been free of major meltdowns for about a month. It's such a huge change that I find myself wondering when the ball is going to drop and go back to the fits of rage. My husband and I were watching prison shows on netflix and they showed a guy with mental conditions going nuts and it made me sad cause it reminded me of my son's fits of rage. I feel so bad for people with mental illnesses. They get so caught up with drugs and jail. My son is still eating quite a bit and sometimes the lunches he decribes from school make me a little jealous. They sound so tasty. We slowed down a little bit on him coming with me to the Y but today he came and we signed up to have Breakfast with Santa. I was a little embarrased when she asked me who I was bringing and mentioned my granddaughter. When we got home it was my son's bedtime and he was upset because his day involved shower, breakfast, school, homework, the Y, medication and brushing teeth and bedtime. He was mad cause he never got to sit and watch tv in his chair. I explained to him that had he not been with me at the Y we wouldn't have signed up for breakfast with Santa so sometimes you just have to give a little to get a little. I weighed my son while we were there and he is the same. He hasn't gained any weight in at least nine months I believe. I hope my dieting isn't depriving him of food. I really don't think so because during the week the only meal we eat the same thing is dinner. I haven't been taking him to counseling and made an appointment for the week of Christmas. I figure I shouldn't just wash my hand of the couseling for the moment. He is struggling in school a little bit. I think a lot of it is for failure to turn school work in even though he finished it. When my husband gets on him about turning stuff in or working on some homework he tells us he has something more important to do for school. I wish I knew what the more important statement realy means to him. All and all He is doing pretty well.

On Friday, I took my son to the doctor as a walk in to get a check up and more medication for the adhd. My son actually lost a couple pounds but since he grew an inch he didn't seem to concerned about it. He did say that it's something to keep an eye on. All the reviews from the teachers seem to say that the medication is working. The Doc did suggest taking him off for a week to see if it's really making a difference. He did say but if we feel that it's working then maybe why mess with things. I asked Stephen what he thought about going off medication for a week and he said no way. For a kid that hates medication to say that then I think we don't try it. On Saturday, he was with his grandma and forgot to take his medication. He came home in a strange mood and was talking up a storm and jumping subjects and I got a little short with him. I asked if he had one too many chocolate bars because he was driving me nuts. He told me he didn't take his medication cause they had to go to church. I asked my son to just go to his room and give me a few minutes. He came out a little bit later and said he took his adhd pill. I felt rotten! I never want my son to think that I don't love him medicated or not. It was too late to really be taking it and I told my son to never take medication on his own. Last week was a bad week for him at the Y. Well, not bad but he didn't really use the time to work out or hang with people. He is really focused on using the computer and it irrates me that they have them there. I didn't take him yesterday tot he Y and tomorrow I am going to The Rock to do aqua zumba so I won't be taking him with me. I am exicited to try aqua zumba and the fact that they have a hot tub. My husband asked why don't I switch memberships and I am not ready to let go of bringing my son with me to the gym. Homework has been going pretty smoothly. We haven't had any major meltdowns in that department. I wonder if the whole go to Dad's weekend is a cause of some of it. Dad is driving a semi truck and new wife has been getting him but she was sick so he stayed home with the exception of spending Saturday night with his Grandma on Dad's side.

I haven't written in a while. We have been using adhd medication for a few months now and the reports are in saying he is pretty focused but there is still some issues of not always doing all his work. I know there is an homework booster he can take but not sure I want to go that route. He still has an obsession with food but we try to combat that will offering healthy lower calorie foods and I think we are doing well. My son hasn't gained weight in quite a few months but is growing taller. His Allergies and asthma seem to be doing well. Our biggest issues has to be hand downs the meltdowns that no one else quite gets to see but us.

I really haven't felt like writing much on here. There isn't a whole lot that has changed. My son still wants to eat all the time. The good news is that I don't recall too many of the fits being about food. He just can't stand to think food might get thrown out and feels like it should could ate. Today, I found some nuts and I knew they been in there for a long time. I said, "I wonder if these things expired? Before, I could look my son said can I have some? LOL If someone wonders how old something is... my first thought isn't to eat them. Luckily, there were expired by 4 months and he still didn't want to eat them. About the first half of the summer, we took him to the day camp and sure he got some physical activity there but due to the high temps and the lack of a ride we didn't keep up with taking him there. He goes to the Y with me about once a week and mostly I do zumba and he is suppose to work out. I don't think this is working cause I don't think he really does anything without someone watching. We eat pretty healthy but at times it's hard because one we run out of money to keep the fresh fruits and yogurt on hand and two my husband just doesn't seem to get doing lunch and making it a well balanced meal such as having a sandwich, fruit and yogurt.. compared to two sandwiches. I suppose I could have always packed my sons lunch before I go but then that leaves zero choice to my son. We have two more weeks of summer, then my son goes to another week of sleepaway camp and then school will be starting. I am hoping he gets gym and a school year without so much crazy stress.

doc visit

My son went to the doctor today and weighed in at 148 lbs and 5 foot two inches. He agreed to take him off the nasal spray. We talked about the add dx and he said he could handle giving the medication to him but would want the doctor at the other clinic to start it with their findings.

School ends tomorrow and looks like Stephen won't be going to summer school. We will have to figure out a way to pass the time. Probably a little summer camp and our visits to the ymca.

I was at the YMCA and I ran into my son's doctor. It was cute cause here comes this man coming down the stairs and I am getting ready to up them and I spot a guy with a while tore sideways down his crotch. We look at each other and it clicked on who we were. This is probably easier for him cause he seen me the way I am always am and I seen him with the doc coat and a whole in his pants. HAHA my husband wanted to know why I was looking at his mid section. Anyways, he asked what was new and not sure if he wanted me to just say everything good and move on but I used this chance to brag about me bringing my son to the Y and how he was diagonosed as having ADD and how I thought his inhalor makes his hungry. It was easier to talk to him since he seemed so much more real. He seemed willing to discuss taking him off the medication and said bring him to see me. We actually have an appointment coming up next month. For the record.. I didnt have my son because he was with his Dad.

I have been trying to find the right balance in getting myself to the Y alone and bringing my son. Sometimes, I bring him but I don't watch him do whatever he is doing. As of right now, I don't want him doing any cardio or strength training unless I can be in the room because they are allowing him to be there before he is of the age that they say they must be. Tonight, I devoted my time to him but I didn't hover. I did ten minutes on the stair stepper and I seen that he was on the elliptical. He didn't last the ten minutes on there but he moved over to a bike and did about 20 minutes. We then did some strength training which I really dislike being in that room with mostly men. I weighed him. I hope that doing it about monthly or maybe even bi weekly doesn't make him feel bad. He weighed 150 lbs which is one pound more than the doctor's scale a month ago. I think overall that is pretty good. He is still a growing boy so I suppose we are going to see gains.

I haven't wrote in here for almost a week. We had a little bit of a rough week with two appointments to the place that is doing the assessments for my son. We missed out on the Y because of this. We did go yesterday and I took both of my sons. We go at peak hours and it makes it hard to find two or three of the same machines together and basically I wasn't with my son while he did his exercise. I suppose I could just stand around and do nothing while he works out but I don't think I have the courage to just stand there. My son jumps machines and both of my boys headed down to do strength training machines while I finished my workout. I did Zumba again. It's the 3rd time and it's still hard to keep up. I have to modify some moves cause I can't jump well and when they do cross the legs thing real fast I think I would mess up and fall. Speaking of falling. I have fell twice this week. Once, in my kitchen and once I tripped over my clients walker. This morning we learned that Stephen spent his allowance on gatorade for himself, pop for his brother and ice cream for himself. This kind of not what I expect out of our Y visit. Well, I better get to bed. I woke up with a head cold during the night. I don't think I drank enough water after Zumab.

I made it to the Y three times this week again. I spent one day between being with my friend and my son. I spent the next day trying out Zumba. My son was with me and wanted to go to a class too but the instructor didn't show up. This makes me very upset. They did create a room for 13 to 17 year olds but it almost looked like they tried to hide the room with dark shades. The person in charged told me my son could stay in there. My son is 12 so by rules he shouldn't. On the other hand though I don't have to have a babysitter for my son at the Y. I struggle with getting my workout in and his. My idea of burning calories and breaking a sweat are different and I have to be able to let go and remember that even if he is scattered brained and jumps from machine to machine that it beats him sitting home watching tv. I caught him watching me do Zumba and I didn't like knowing he was watching and motioned for him to go away. I explained that watching it wasn't bad but watching Mom is weird to Mom. Tonight, my son tried out some of the new strength training machines they put in for the adults. I barely knew how to use the old ones and now I don't have a clue. I went and did a water class on my own. I feel bad cause most of the cooking is falling on my husband's shoulders if I am going to the Y three days in a row. I work 36 hours a week plus the babysitting at the church so I don't always have a chance to go and or do the cooking. I have been doing the myfitnesspal and counting calories and never sure if I am on it right or not with the measurements. I told myself that I wouldn't get serious enough to weigh food but I found myself wanting one. My husband told me to wait until this weekend but came home with one tonight. It will be interesting to see if I have been off and which way. I have been getting up 15 minutes earlier than my son. This gives me some time to wake up before eating breakfast with my son. I am trying to get my son's eating habits kind of close to mine. Not that it's always the same. I used to just eat cereal and now I measure out cereal and most of the time get fruit and yogurt. My breakfast usually is under 400 calories and I wonder if this is a safe amount for my son. I am not really counting his calories but I know the average that I am consuming so his is pretty close to be the same. He hasn't been giving me any issues over this now. I hope to get to the Y at least one more time this week. Hopefully, I can go on my own. Maybe, do another Zumba class.

Friday, my husband told me that my encouraging Stephen to eat different foods besides his cereal has been falling aside. I am not trying to take his cereal away but do want him eating less of it and more of other items. I think I am going to start waking up a little bit before my son to get myself more fully awake and so I can actually take time to cut an apple, peel an orange ect. Hopefully, this little plan of mine will work. Mornings are always rushed and not a lot of wriggle room for extra time for eating or fussing over food.

I been to the Y three times this week. I am really liking the water class but I think I will give it another week and then take a break from it. I don't want to get bored with it. My sister came with me today and she seemed to be having a hard time but it's a lot harder than it might look. I bought my son today for the first time this week. By the time he got done with his homework we only had 15 minutes for cardio and then I sent him for his class and I went to my class. Only thing they didn't have his class and he followed my instructions to come swim laps but his attention span is short so he ended up getting bored and quitting. We seen him up above and motioned him to come down to the pool for a little bit and we just mainly relaxed in the pool. My son is getting more of a workout either at the Y or by us taking a short walk but he continues to obsess about food and gets ticked off if we add things to our food like green peppers and onions. Today, my husband cooked a pizza and he left them off his portion but he still freaked out. It's just frustrating when the first thing he talks about is food before he says hello or anything. I am just trying to take things one day at a time. I am measuring out somethings he asks for like his nuts that he loves. I am trying to teach him about portion control and choosing food from the different food groups in our meals.

We couldn't make the Y yesterday due to taking my son for a mental health assessment which took ALL day. It was horrible! We did make it to the Y today and met my sister. I have to learn to be more patient and not be a drill Sargent for my son when he is on the machines. He kept pushing the buttons and starting over and I sort of feel like I can't get into my workout because I am worried about what he is doing. I have to keep reminding myself that any movement my son does is better than sitting on his butt. I just kind of miss my "me" time. We came home and made chicken wraps and they were yummy. I am trying to get my son open to more than just chicken and cheese and he ate it with tomatoes too. I log my food and exercise on myfitnesspal and my son is asking me to do that for him. I really don't think it's the best idea. Maybe, a food journal or something but don't want to go high tech with him. I want him to make better choices but don't want him to ever feel like he is on a diet.

Stephen's Doc appointment went pretty good. He is having some allergy problems but I think it's cause when we trust that he will take his medication when we are not watching. He weighed in at 149 lbs and 5 ft 2 and half inches. The doctor didn't seem overly concerned with the gain but that could be cause he gained two inches too. He still is pushing for me to take him for a mental healthy assesment which I am going to make myself do on Friday. I wish I didn't have to do it. I love my son and I don't want him to think something is wrong with him. My goal is to come up with an arrangement that will get him to the Y more than once a week. Yesterday, we took a 20 minute walk and that wasn't something he wanted to do. He just loves the Y. I am wondering if I weigh him monthly at the Y will it give him issues. He is suppose to go back to the doc in a couple weeks following the mental health assesment so that will be interesting to see if he gains or stays the same or loses.

Let's move!!

Stephen was given an orientation at the YMCA. It's really not suppose to happen until he is 13 but I think they are allowing this because I raised a concern about the classes were not happening like they said they would. He loved going but it was a hit or miss if the instructor showed up or not. He has already used the treadmills and bikes on a couple occasions but the orientation makes us following the rules. So far, he likes it. He does have a short attention span so he will try to machine hop but I try to stop that. Tonight, we did 30 minutes on a treadmill and ten minutes on a elliptical. We were shown the ropes on how to use the strength machines. When the guy said he would show us I heard my son say, I don't want to workout in there. Once the guy was showing him how it worked and let him get a feel for it he was hooked. After we did the cardio, we did strength training. This is an area of the Y that I haven't been using because I have never felt at ease in there. Mostly, I was just letting my son use the machines and reminding him to go slow. It's not a raise. I did do a few of the machines and he was like the work out police trying to tell me how the machines work. It was cute. Shortly after five pm, we arrived at 2 pm, my friend came with her daughter for a water class that she wanted to try out with me. I let me son have free time to be on his own except I wouldn't let him sit on the computers in the lobby that they recently put in. I really don't get why they even put those things in. My friend and her daughter enjoyed the water class and might come back on Wednesday with me. I have to try to come up with a workable plan that will get my son exercise at the Y and also get my own time. I really didn't feel like I got much of a workout in the cardio because I just can't focus on myself when I have to listen to Mom Mom Mom. haha I am sure I will figure it out. I recently just free up sometime because I kind of got fired from MELD. Plus, a couple months ago, I got four hours out of my work week. I had my son get on the scale so I know what he weighs and he is up to 149. It's a 20 lb gain from one year ago. He goes to the doc on Wednesday so I will know then if the Y scale was correct and also what his height is at. I thought I recorded his weight from his very last appointment in December but I don't see it.

Today, my sons and I worked out at the Y. We did 35 minutes on a treadmill and 10 minutes on a bike. My 12 year old son is suppose to get an orientation on the cardio machines Monday. We might have some issues though because it says he needs to be 13 but the manager told us it was up to me. I don't want to be a Mom who gets herself to the Y but not her kids. Hopefully, we won't have any trouble.

I have been really good getting myself to the Y 2 or 3 times a week and once a week my son comes with me. They have a class but honestly they haven't been keeping their end of the bargain and having the class. It makes me very upset because a deal is a deal. I arrange our day, my night, to make it and then nothing. Last night, I brought my son into the cardio room with me. It was the only way I was going to get to work out and him too. We did a little bit on the video bike but then he got bored and moved to this sit stepper machine and did that for 30 minutes. Then, we moved to a treadmill and we did about 10 or 20 mins or so but we got told that he needs to wear workout clothes and an orientation. I got really upset because what the person talking to us didn't know was that my son is 12 and it says he needs to be 13. I found a manager and really complained about the classes being a hit and miss. I mentioned how he loves them when it's there. I admitted that we got caught on the treadmill and he isn't 13 so I can't do the orientation. He said it was up to me. If I thought he was mature enough to use them then he could with the orientation. So, I will be getting him one but my ideal situation isn't to workout thru Mom mom mom. haha But it will have to do if they don't get the crap together. I received a letter from his Doc and they want to see us to follow up. I feel stupid because I never checked into behavior therapy because I was feeling stressed at balancing a full time job, a full time student and one car family with a weekly appointment. However, I know that I have to go this route because the other route is going with someone who will write a script for drugs. I don't want that and neither does my husband. I called the counseling place and they do walk ins for a mental assesment. So, hopefully, I can get that done before his April 11th doc appointment and dentist on the same day. Wish us luck.

In the last couple of weeks we have made a few changes in our diet. I am starting to buy 2 % milk again. We switched to whole because we have our granddaughter here a lot. She is two now so I think it's safe to go with the 2%. I got a little basket that I keep on the table for fruit. I think it helps keep the fruit standing out as an option. I buy the frozen veggies and I cook the whole bag for a meal.

My son does the Y class on his own and I sneak up and watch him for a few. He is really moving. It's amazing to me that this is working out so well. My son doesn't like to move or didn't like to move. He is getting about 3 days of exercise and my husband says that he doesn't complain about walking home anymore. My son asked if he could go to the Y thursday night when they have an outdoor adventure thing. I will try to arrange a ride for him.

We made it to the Y for the class again. My son really loves it. We go swimming and he has been into trying to see if he can touch the floor of the pool. He still wants to eat tons and we struggle with that but he is getting exercise about two to three times a week now.

A blogger wrote about an ap called "myfitnesspal" and since middle of last week I have been using it. I told the machine that I wanted to lose a pound a week and it put me on calories of 2010 a day and if I work out it adds the calories back in as I could eat them again. I don't quite get that. Well, anyways, I been paying more attention to the serving sizes and measuring some of my food and sticking to the serving size or close to it. I think cereal for breakfast is one area where I overate. I bet I ate at least double the size. Now, I am eating fruit and yogurt too. The scale at the Y says I have lost 8 lbs but not sure if that's really possible or not. My son is getting exercise two to three times a week. He goes to the Y class in the middle of the week and enjoys it. On the days, he has after school tutoring we have him stay even though he doesn't have a ride. My husband or other son walk to get him. I figure this is good for all of them. Even the dog gets a walk. I suppose if it's super cold we might not do this. We are starting to limit my sons serving size on his breakfast too. Trying to replace the extra serving size of cereal with a milk or a yogurt.

On Wednesday night, I took my son to Y for a class that is offered for his age group. The class was 50 minutes long. My sister and I walked while he was in class. When we went to get him he was really red in the face and said it was much more funner than walking with me. I hope to get him to the class once a week or maybe twice a week. Sometimes, gas is a problem because well I am not made of money. haha who is? Thursday, we had out oldest son walk to get our youngest son at the school he gets dropped off at for after school program. So, this week was really good for the exercise department. Last night, was REC night at his school and he got to go swimming. I am or was down 2 lbs this week. I say was cause today was a bad day for eating for me. It's my days where I have two shifts that I am not always prepared to bring two meals with me.

I feel like lately I am more motivated to get more of a workout in for myself and my son. I am the first to say that this isn't an easy task. I work full time as a caregiver for the elderly that doesn't keep me very active at all. My daytime client that I am with for about a total of twenty hours is mostly sitting on standing. The most movement I get his walking into the retirement home and up to her room. Then, standing near her as she gets ready. If she is on her feet. I am my feet. If she is sitting down, I am sitting down. I went to the YMCA tonight on my own because I am taking my son to class for his age group at the Y tomorrow evening and my husband doesn't want me not getting my night out on my own. Almost weekly, I get out with my friend but the Y time is different cause mostly I go on my own and I do what I want to do. At our IEP meeting it was told to me that there is a disorder that causes people to not feel that they are full and my son does fit some of the symptoms of it. He goes to the doctor tomorrow so I am going to talk to him about it.

It's the weekend that my kids are at home so my youngest son and I went to the Y. I didn't want to go because this weekend has been free to nonmembers and I thought it would be crowded. I was mistaken. It was a mad house there. I had to park really far away which I guess was good because we got walking in getting in the building and back to our car. We did a few rounds around the track before my son was overcome with really wanting to play in the jump house that they got for the weekend. He went up it and down several times so that counts exercise right? Then, we were going to swim but it was packed with people. I just decided that I didn't want to fight a crowd for the pool when we have the membership and can emjoy it several days a week. That doesn't mean that I wasn't upset with all the craziness. We just ended up sitting in the room upstairs that is kind of a place to spend time with family and friends and games. So, we played a round of uno and then battleship. I won't say that the evening was wasted because it's helping us get into a routine of my son getting to the Y too. If we count today as the end of the week my son was at the Y three times this week.

juice alternative

Mostly, my son accepts that he only gets ice water and milk to drink but he has his days where he wants a soda or juice. I found these drinks at aldi's that are close to being like Gatorade but not. They are only 20 calories per 8 0z and have 5 grams of sugar to them. If I remember right one container is .69 but there is enough servings for four servings. So, even if we let him drink the whole thing he only gets 80 calories but we are just giving him small amounts and he seems to be okay with that. Tomorrow, is a day that we should go to the Y but it's free to the public so I am debating on if I want to go or not.

breakfast

We are trying to change breakfast up some. Stephen loves to eat a big bowl of fruity pebbles or cocoa pebbles. We are trying to give variety and offer more than one thing. Yesterday,we gave him a small cin. Roll and a banana and milk. Today, my husbabd gave him the small cinammon roll half of a banana and yogurt and milk. I am eating somewhat the same as my son and I noticed yesterday I stayed full longer than on the days I just ate cereal. Tonight my sister is taking him to the Y for his first fitness event that the Y is now doing for his age group. My goal is one a week at the Y and one to two walks a week around our home.

We didn't fit any time for working out in today but my son was in school and then after school program for homework help. We have arranged for if possible the same person works with him. We can't have him there five days a week because there is a transportation problem twice a week and with the cold weather walking isn't an option. If it wasn't for the cold it would be perfect. We checked out the fitness programs the YMCA offers and we have conflicting times he can go because of the after school program. I am only home three nights of the week and if I am working then I have the only car to get to the Y. On Wednesday night, I normally go to the Y on my own and am there for about 2 or 3 hours and it's my meee time. I did notice that they have a 7 pm work out class for his age group so I might have to rethink my meee time. Thursday night, they have an outdoor event that Stephen wants to go to and my little sister is taking him. She has a membership too so it works out perfect for both of them.

Today, was the first Monday that I didn't volunteer when babysitting was going on. I am stepping back to allow me to have the time to take my children to go to the Y. It took a lot of pushing to get my older son to go but he seemed to have a good time anyways. We walked for 30 minutes and swam for about an hour. Then, just for fun we played UNO in the family center before heading home. When we were at the Y we asked about the fitness programs that they are now offering for the children 6 thru 12. They offer things like Zumba and other fun things for kids to do. On Thursday, they have an outdoor activity for the kids and my sister is going to take him since I am working those nights. Hoping that we can get him moving more since his school doesn't have him getting any exercise at school and it's so cold now.

baby it's cold outside.

It's cold here!! I make my son take a walk with me and the dogs. We will probably only gone about 10 to 15 minutes but it's something. Tomorrow, we will go to the Y. They have a new fitness program for kids his age and I want to learn more about it. That's been one of my complaints about the Y is that they didn't do a lot to serve his age groups when it came to working out. So, we will see what it is that they have to offer.

Today, I fixed my son an omelet with two eggs, half slice of cheese and about half of slice of ham. We gave him a piece of blueberry coffee cake and a glass of milk. I sent him with a 100 calorie granola bar to eat during the after school program. My husband thinks my son won't save it for the after school program and will eat it at lunch. Then, he will still come home demanding a snack even though dinner is done pretty close to the time he gets home from school. I keep telling my son not to take food from his friends during lunch. If it was a trading issue it wouldn't be so bad but it's just added calories and he just doesn't seem to get it.

I haven't been blogging much on here. We are still struggling with my sons eating habits and finding the time for exercise and some of it is just not having the motivation to go to the Y or the gas to go. It doesn't help that I was sick for a whole week. Tonight, we cooked a whole chicken, stuffing and mashed potatoes with gravy. We made the mistake of not cooking the chicken long enough so dinner was kind of late but 45 minutes of cooking we got some of the cooked meat off. It was a good amount but not over the amount that we need. but I admit that mostly we would have served us with more chicken. My son refused to eat the stuffing. He threw a fit for over an hour cause he wanted more chicken. It took him the whole hour to settle for eating the raw carrots. He has to go to the doc on the 25th of this month. I wish we could find some answer to this trouble we face everyday in and out. My son is picking up weight.