Get this.  GET THIS.  Unbeknownst (I had to look up the spelling on that one) to me, the “special seat” I had asked the driver to put Mason in was RIGHT NEXT TO THE BULLY.  SAME SEAT.  I didn’t know this at the time, because I didn’t know what bully looked like.  But Mason got off the bus in the afternoon and I asked him about his day and the bus rides.  And he confirmed that it was the bully he sat next to in the morning.  Can you believe it?

Here’s how it went down.  Mason was going to get on the school bus, and was totally fine.  On his way up the stairs, he started freaking out and started running back home.  I ran after him, talked to him and he was nervous about the bully.  Apparently the bully was right there, peeping over the seat and gave Mason quite a look.  I talked to him and told him nothing would happen to him.  I walked with him to the bus, and I got halfway on (as not to embarrass Mason) and asked the bus driver if there was a “special seat” just for Mason.  And that’s when he put Mason RIGHT NEXT to the bully.

I’m sorry.  Where is this lack of communication coming from?  Apparently we’re not all on the same page.  And apparently some of us are not the sharpest tools in the shed.  Who does that?

That afternoon, right after we got home, I called the principal.  We chatted and she said that was completely unacceptable and that she would be calling the trans. director immediately.  I assured her that if I needed to contact someone on my end, I was perfectly happy to do so.  And I told her that Mason wouldn’t be bullied off of the school bus.  That this kid needed to be kicked off before Mason would stop riding it.  She assured me she’d take care of it.

So now I wait and see what happens.  Do I say something to the bus driver this morning?  I don’t want to cause more anxiety or embarrassment for Mason, but I gotta stick up for my kid when <obviously> the bus driver won’t.  Do I spell it out for him?  I’m at a loss for what to do this morning.  And unfortunately Brett is out of town, otherwise he’d be dealing with it for me.  I’m not a good confrontational person.  That’s why I hire advocates and attorneys.  Just kidding.  <kind of>

I talked Mason through it.  Told him that nothing like that would ever happen to him.  This kid was a bully and he was picking on Mason.  I calmed Mason down.  I took all the information that he remembered and wrote it down.  And then I had to just think about it.  I had to process it in my own head.  I’m not sure what my deal is, but I can’t process events like that quickly.  It takes time for things like this to sink in.  We went about our day with homework and baths, the same routine.  In the evening, I was able to sit down with  the piece of paper that had the details.  And I started writing.  I emailed the teacher, principal, director of transportation, and cc’d my advocate for good measure.  I knew they would take this very seriously, and I needed them to know that we were taking this very seriously.

I got an email from the principal that night reassuring me that they would be looking into this.  Come Friday, I found out that the principal talked to Mason (who was definitely a bit nervous going into the principal’s office!) and Mason pointed the boy out, and watched video of the school bus.  Side note- so happy they have video on school buses now, but how sad that it’s come to that, right? Mason was sitting in the front of the school bus so we actually couldn’t see him or the boy in the video.  She did mention that she saw other disturbing things on the video…standing up, switching seats, throwing things, etc.  I’m glad she saw this as our bus driver isn’t as strict as I would like to see him.

The director of transportation emailed later on Friday and said that he spoke with the bus driver who didn’t hear anything.  And also corrected any behaviors that don’t fall in place with transportation procedures.  I certainly hope so.

I emailed the principal again today to follow up.  I asked if the boy in question had been called to speak with her, questioned about the incident, or confessed to anything.  I am awaiting a response.

I hate bullying.  I severely dislike bullies.  They make me mad.  No one has the right to make my child/children feel scared or threatened.  And it’s important to me, for Mason, that he sees that negative behaviors will yield negative consequences.  I’m so proud of Mason for telling me what happened.  And very proud of how brave he was to talk to the principal.  Our principal is wonderful, as is Mason’s teacher.  However, for a 5 year old, the principal’s office can be daunting!

Just last night, we had date night and we were supposed to go to sushi, which is such an easy and healthy choice for me.  But hubby got home late and sitter had to leave early, so therefore we went to our favorite BBQ place, Bryan’s Black Mountain BBQ.  On a side note, I don’t even like BBQ, but this place is ah-mazing.  I had them cater Brett’s big 40th bash last year and it was a huge success.  Anyhoo. What would I get at the BBQ that was decent?  My same thing…minus the bun and fries.  I had beef brisket with no bun.  And a small side of their ah-mazing olive coleslaw.  I figured that was healthier then having fries, baked beans, or potato salad.  And this was maybe ⅓ cup.  Nothing huge.  Oh, and I munched on a  few fries.  Because, like everything else there, their fries are ah-mazing. I left feeling completely satisfied and not at all stuffed.  Oh, and the biggest shocker (even more-so then not eating fries), was that Brett and Eric got their ah-mazing ice cream sandwiches and I didn’t even have a slice.  Not. One. Bite.

I tell ya what, it’s weird what’s going on.  My metabolism has changed.  My taste buds have changed.  Sugar doesn’t make me go gaga like it used to.  Becky brought over Clemmy’s ice cream last weekend and I even said no to that. And with those stories….I bring you my weight loss for the past week…..drumroll…….. 4 POUNDS!!!  I couldn’t be more thrilled!  I am in it to win it!

1/9: 3 pounds

1/16: 4 pounds

1/23: 5 pounds

1/30: 4 pounds

TOTAL: 16 pounds

This week I’m having to be even more on track with food.  On Monday I had 2 moles “margin punched” because they came back abnormal (see your dermatologist annually, folks) and one was moderate.  That means that I needed stitches and therefore I can’t work out for a week. So my food choices become much more important!  Until next week…

Last week we took Emma to see a peds dermatologist at PCH to take a peek at a mole she’s had since birth.  He gave us good news in that it didn’t need to be removed.  We were thankful, because removing this mole meant general anesthesia for her.  And that’s always tricky with her.  Anyway, he gave us changes to monitor, should they occur.  And then he was very direct and said that we’d be able to closely monitor the mole as she would be living with us indefinitely.

It’s a tough pill to swallow.

Our daughter will live with us indefinitely.  Chances for marriage are slim.  Chances for children are slimmer.  She may not carry a full time job.  Or go to college.  I’m of the philosophy “never say never”, but I’m also realistic.  I don’t need to jade myself into what may be.  Because truthfully I don’t know.  But like I said, I’m realistic.

We’ve thought about the future in that we know where we want to live.  We’d like to buy my parents house and give it a facelift.  There’s a great backyard.  It’s a nice size.  Big enough to build a little guest house back there.  That would be for Emma.  It’s what I think about.

I really didn’t think there was a special education department more screwed up than ours.  I was wrong.

Please take a few minutes and read Krystal and her son’s story.  It’s a story that’s becoming all too familiar.  Don’t you think?

However, there have been too many times when I thought about where Emma would go after those two years are up (the two years of private education won in our settlement).  It would be the Empowerment Scholarship that I would apply for to help us continue her private education.  Fast forward to now…there are a few groups who oppose these scholarship programs for these students, citing that they are unconstitutional and take away resources from the public schools.

A Maricopa County Superior Judge ruled on Wednesday that a scholarship fund for students with disabilities DOES NOT violate the Arizona Constitution.  This is a pretty big deal, as this will help other families whose special needs kiddos need alternative education afford private placement.

Please take a few minutes and read the full article here.  It is really an eye-opener.  I’m pretty happy about this step in the right direction!

What are your thoughts on the article?

• It matches my bike.  For real.
• It’s pink and pearly.
• It’s got one speed…she’s not going to be needing to switch gears anytime soon.
• It doesn’t have the complications of hand breaks.
• There’s plenty of room for a basket.  And a bell.
• It would be easy enough to have a bike shop outfit this Cruiser with training wheels.  And still keep it looking retro.
• She would love it.

So we need to get it.  That much is obvious.  What else is obvious is that we need to get our butts in gear (no pun intended).  Her birthday is less than a month away.  Anyone know of any good bike shops that could put some extra wheels on this bad boy girl?  Maybe I should contact Electra.  I bet they could help me!

Electra for Special Needs!

(By the way, Electra has no clue who I am.)  (And I’m also diggin’ this pink color!)

Post Edit: I went to the Bicycle Ranch on Tuesday and they totally hooked me up with this bike shown above!  They also will outfit it with some snazzy training wheels so my girl feels safe and secure. If you head over there (they’re in North Scottsdale) Markus and Chris will take care of you!  I will be bringing my own (pink, natch) beach cruiser in this weekend for a tune-up!

“I think the heart just gets broken — wide open.”

-Amy Upchurch (on how becoming a special needs parent changes a person for the better)

I’ve been working out with Brandon for almost 2 years.  I think my 2 year mark will be in April.  I should really look that info up.  I am now just really starting to become serious about my weight and health.  Before, I was working with him because I knew I needed to.  And I did have fun.  There’s a small group of us that work out together with him, and now (praise God!) we get to work out 3 times a week together.  But 2011 was a mess, as you may well remember.  I was just treading water, trying to keep my head above the surface.  There was no effort on weight loss, or keeping myself healthy.  If anything, I was using food to reward myself for surviving all the trials and tribulations we went through as a family.  I know I”m not the only one who emotionally ate.  This is not new information.  I worked out and watched shows like Biggest Loser with the best of intentions.  But my heart and my head weren’t in the game.  And seriously?  That’s like 85% of the challenge.  Once you’re really focused on weight loss, it can be a little easier.

So with 2011 coming to a close, I knew I wanted to focus on ME for 2012.  Of course this isn’t supposed to come off sounding selfish.  But I truly believe that when I am the best ME I can be, I am truly the best mom and wife that I can be.  I really felt like I was just passing through life being a mediocre mom and wife.  Like I said, I was treading water.

While Emma is still having her ups and downs, things are a lot more stable with her.  We’re focusing on her behavior, and working on keeping a very regimented routine in her life.  Easier said than done, but still.  Stable.

Mason?  Well he’s just a charmer.  I love that kid.  He’s challenging at times, but what a wonderful light he is in our lives.  As long as I can continue to get daily kisses and cuddles from him, I will be a content momma!

Seriously though.  Back to me.  Brandon and I talked at length about the next steps for me.  Actually, I started this journey back in December.  Before the hoopla of the holidays.  Crazy in that I started a weight loss journey before the holidays hit.  Smart in that I started a weight loss journey before the holidays hit.  I was able to keep myself in check throughout the whole season and in the end, I actually lost 3 pounds throughout December.

Now I am working out at least 3 times a week.  That’s with Brandon.  And if I need something at the store (like a few items), I will ride my bike.  I’ve been riding my bike probably 3-4 times a week.  I’m not talking miles and miles.  But something is better than nothing, right?  And I’m being green.  And my bike is cute.  It’s a pink beach cruiser with a basket and a bell.  Who wouldn’t want to ride that?

My diet has completely shifted.  I wouldn’t say I’m “on a diet” or that I’m following a specific plan.  I am consciously cutting my carbs in the grain form.  Not a lot of bread, wheat, pasta, potatoes, etc.  I have severely cut back on the sugar intake as well.  No soda, no desserts, and so forth.  Am I perfect?  No, but I don’t strive to be perfect.  Because I like sugar.  And carbs.  And eating is social and I’m a social kind of gal.  But my mind is always on my nutrition and keeping it in check.  If I go out, I have a plan.  Last Friday we had a family dinner out.  Wanna know where?  Mexican.  MEXICAN.  Um, I love Mexican.  Hellooooo chips and salsa.  Would you believe I went the whole entire dinner without one chip.  Not. One. Chip.  And my dinner was shrimp fajitas.  I will say, though, I did have 2 tortillas with that.  But I’m okay with that.  Because I’m not perfect (see above).

Brandon and I also made another smart move by weighing me in every Monday.  That helps keep my weekend in check.  For example, brunch on Sunday with the family consisted of deli turkey meat, and greek yogurt with berries.  Word.

So on here, I will update you on Tuesdays with my weight loss from the previous day.  This past week?  I lost 5 pounds!  Here are my weight losses for January:

1/9: 3 pounds

1/16: 4 pounds

1/23: 5 pounds

I don’t expect to keep up these bigger numbers.  Honestly I’d be thrilled if I lost 2 pounds every week.  But I will take the big numbers as they come.  That’s for sure!  My goal, if you want to know, is to lose 40 pounds total.  And as of now…I’m about 25% there!

So can you help me be accountable? No falling off the wagon for me!  I can do this!

Tory Burch Silver Clutch

Long Pendant Necklace in Gold

Meyer Lemon Tree

Summer's Perfect Sandal…Tory Burch Miller Sandal

I wouldn't technically "shop" for Paris, but I'm itching to travel again.

What’s on your shopping list right now?  These, of course, fall under the Freebies and Discounts with ID.