what's going on

1. I’m firing Z’s therapist. Since day #1 it hasn’t been a great fit. I’ve been thankful for a book recommendation she gave me, but that’s about it. After only two sessions Z had her wrapped around his finger and knew what he had to do and what he had to say to get what he wanted (to play with the toys in the corner). And she asks leading questions, which is known to be BAD BAD BAD for kids like Z. And she keeps changing what she tells me regarding his condition (he surely isn’t changing every other week, yet she labels him differently each session).

Then last week was the final straw. During the session Z brought up the subject of food and he was questioned about his picky eating (which he didn’t declare to be picky, yet it is). As the therapist was talking about how unhealthy banana muffins and ice cream are, she grabs a 20-ounce soda and starts chugging it. First of all, I make those banana muffins from scratch. They have lots of banana in them, as well as whole wheat flour and other good things. When Z has a snack, I’d rather give him a homemade, whole wheat banana muffin than most other options. And, the ice cream I purchase is the best you can get — no fillers or additives or strange sounding ingredients. Much, much, MUCH better for you than 20 ounces of sugar water with imitation flavors and colors, if you ask me. How dare she criticize Z’s eating habits while making poor choices herself???? Z has never had soda. EVER. I have one soda a year, if that. Water is Z’s beverage of choice. He doesn’t eat much candy, a few bits of chocolate, and certainly not on a regular basis, and that’s it. Nor does he eat chips or other empty calorie foods. So who is she to talk with him about poor eating habits while displaying a bad choice herself?

Okay, so that obviously got on my nerves.

But the biggest issue is that she isn’t helping. She is just amazingly talented (that is said with sarcasm) at solving all Z’s problems during therapy sessions. Really? She talks with Z for half an hour and then *poof* the issue we’ve had for months is suddenly all better and nothing for us to worry about any longer. Ummm, I don’t think so. But that is how well Z can manipulate her. And yet she doesn’t see it. And I’ve spoken to the head guy about this, telling him what I’ve noticed and that they need to be aware of this. Yet, no change. Not one change to how she deals with Z.

I’ve had Z home from school with me a lot lately, due to illness after illness, and I think I’ve become better at knowing how to handle his anxiety issues and idiosyncrasies … without her help. So that’s that. No more therapy for now. In the future, maybe. But not with that practice. And not with her.

2. My kids are all home! And yet they’re mostly never home. Trout is home from college for a few weeks, and it’s lovely to have family meals again, filling all the seats around the table, but he’s also going out often with friends. And Jane is out babysitting and spending time with friends quite a bit. So there are many times hardly anyone is home, but at least they’re all close by. And that’s what makes me so happy and pleased.

3. I am not ready for Christmas. Cards have not been sent out yet. Presents have not been wrapped. One present has not even been purchased.

I’ve got just a few days left to accomplish the shopping and wrapping. The cards, well, those may not go out on time, but that’s okay.

But I’ve got the Christmas day menu planned. We’re doing our third annual appetizer fest! Appetizers all day! It’s a genius plan, and everyone is happy. And each person is responsible for one appetizer, which means even less work for me. Yahoo! That way we can spend the whole day watching movies and eating and playing and — dare I say it — napping. It will be a great day for sure!

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