We are settled into our new place, and Bright Eyes loves it. In fact, he has had a remarkable transition. He was so well prepared for moving here that it hardly even registered as a blip. He hasn't asked to go home once. Even sharing a room (albeit with a partition) with his brother has been nothing like the trauma I thought it might be. I am extremely thankful.
I have had the privilege of spending the last two days with him alone while the other kids went to school and preschool and we did a whole lot of RDI - probably the best we've ever done. It was great to have nothing else to do, and plenty of time to wait for him to participate.
The next BIG thing is school next week. He's going three days, for two hours each day. I'm nervous. My daughter is also nervous of how he'll be received. I'm hopeful it will be a positive experience for him. I'd appreciate any prayers you want to offer up for him...
Showing posts with label progress. Show all posts
Showing posts with label progress. Show all posts
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Stage 5 here we come
I haven't written here for about a month. So much has happened.
Firstly, our funding appears to be secure until he is seven, thanks to our consultant and her clever reading of the appropriate documents. Yay and thanks.
Secondly, he has completed Stage 4 of RDI. Probably that means the most to me - I like ticking things off lists, and getting to a whole new stage makes me feel happy. We had a look at the 20 'Foundations' of Stage 5 today and we're confident he has those except for two, so that's good too. Once we've moved and settled in, we'll start working on the next objectives.
Thirdly... he's going to start school in Kangaroo Valley when we get there. I had a great meeting with the principal, kindergarten teacher and our lovely preschool teacher who drove all the way down for it, and everything went as well as it could possibly go. The principal listened, asked good questions and then asked me, "so, what do you want him to do?"
My answer was: "go to school part time three days a week please." And the answer was "Yes."
Bright Eyes was funny at the school. We bought the uniform and he wanted to put it on straight away. Then he wanted to go out and start that day. He was really disappointed when I said he was starting on another day!
How do I feel? Pleased, and terrified at the same time. My beautiful daughter came to me in tears and said, "Mum, what if there's a bully at the school and they pick on him?" I assured her that if anything of the sort happened, I would be in there like a flash and would do everything possible to protect him. In the end, her fear is my fear too.
Anecdote: These days whenever we go out shopping, Bright Eyes has no qualms about talking to the checkout ladies like this. "Hello, it's Bright Eyes here. I am number 5. I go to big school in Kangaroo Vaaaa-lley." (I'm trying to teach him to say "I'm 5 years old.")
Resource: There's a new book out about RDI entitled (appropriately enough) The RDI Book by Dr S Gutstein. I have two copies. If you're desperate to read one, let me know!
Firstly, our funding appears to be secure until he is seven, thanks to our consultant and her clever reading of the appropriate documents. Yay and thanks.
Secondly, he has completed Stage 4 of RDI. Probably that means the most to me - I like ticking things off lists, and getting to a whole new stage makes me feel happy. We had a look at the 20 'Foundations' of Stage 5 today and we're confident he has those except for two, so that's good too. Once we've moved and settled in, we'll start working on the next objectives.
Thirdly... he's going to start school in Kangaroo Valley when we get there. I had a great meeting with the principal, kindergarten teacher and our lovely preschool teacher who drove all the way down for it, and everything went as well as it could possibly go. The principal listened, asked good questions and then asked me, "so, what do you want him to do?"
My answer was: "go to school part time three days a week please." And the answer was "Yes."
Bright Eyes was funny at the school. We bought the uniform and he wanted to put it on straight away. Then he wanted to go out and start that day. He was really disappointed when I said he was starting on another day!
How do I feel? Pleased, and terrified at the same time. My beautiful daughter came to me in tears and said, "Mum, what if there's a bully at the school and they pick on him?" I assured her that if anything of the sort happened, I would be in there like a flash and would do everything possible to protect him. In the end, her fear is my fear too.
Anecdote: These days whenever we go out shopping, Bright Eyes has no qualms about talking to the checkout ladies like this. "Hello, it's Bright Eyes here. I am number 5. I go to big school in Kangaroo Vaaaa-lley." (I'm trying to teach him to say "I'm 5 years old.")
Resource: There's a new book out about RDI entitled (appropriately enough) The RDI Book by Dr S Gutstein. I have two copies. If you're desperate to read one, let me know!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Brand new boy
"Campbell has new shoes. Campbell is a brand new boy. James is a brand new boy too. James has new shoes too. Campbell goes really faster. James goes faster too. Campbell has a new big striped shirt."
This is what Bright Eyes is telling me to write as he stands here looking over my shoulder, reading everything I am putting down.
He really is a 'brand new boy' this week. He is wearing new jeans and new shirts and I managed to convince him that he would go faster if he had fast shoes. After two and a half years wearing crocs, day in and day out, he is finally in joggers! This is a red letter day!
Why all the improvement? I really think brain gym has had a lot to do with it. A lot of gains have been made in the six weeks since we started doing such simple things as hand rubs and muscle stretches. The body is really complex.
I'm feeling so optimistic right now that I'm even going to negotiate with the principal of the school in the new town we're moving to in five weeks time to see if he can attend part time, maybe a couple of mornings a week. This is the FIRST time ever I have felt that he might be able to cope.
Yesterday was beautiful too. We dropped into our daughter's youth group for a parents' evening. A 5 year old boy Bright Eyes knew slightly was also there. They spent an hour actually playing - simple stuff like 'tip' and pulling and pushing a heavy box but... they were really relating. I am a happy mummy.
Challenges will come as we move, however, so I'll keep you posted.
This is what Bright Eyes is telling me to write as he stands here looking over my shoulder, reading everything I am putting down.
He really is a 'brand new boy' this week. He is wearing new jeans and new shirts and I managed to convince him that he would go faster if he had fast shoes. After two and a half years wearing crocs, day in and day out, he is finally in joggers! This is a red letter day!
Why all the improvement? I really think brain gym has had a lot to do with it. A lot of gains have been made in the six weeks since we started doing such simple things as hand rubs and muscle stretches. The body is really complex.
I'm feeling so optimistic right now that I'm even going to negotiate with the principal of the school in the new town we're moving to in five weeks time to see if he can attend part time, maybe a couple of mornings a week. This is the FIRST time ever I have felt that he might be able to cope.
Yesterday was beautiful too. We dropped into our daughter's youth group for a parents' evening. A 5 year old boy Bright Eyes knew slightly was also there. They spent an hour actually playing - simple stuff like 'tip' and pulling and pushing a heavy box but... they were really relating. I am a happy mummy.
Challenges will come as we move, however, so I'll keep you posted.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Brain gym and empathy
Bright Eyes has begun a thing called Brain Gym which is kinesiology or something like this. Personally, I'm not completely up on how it works - only that the muscles of your body connect to your brain, and somehow by working specific muscles in particular exercises you can help your brain make connections which will help you.
That's all fine and dandy, but the thing I really want to share with you is that Bright Eyes has progressed in 3 sessions from not wanting to go in, not talking to the lady, not doing anything she asks, and not even letting her come near him, to being able to hop up on the table, let her touch him and follow her instructions such as 'push your feet', 'pull your toes', 'breathe in and bring your head up', 'no, not so much, just a little bit' etc.
It was amazing to watch him cooperate with her and even enjoy her company this week. I'm delighted.
His little friendship at preschool has continued. This morning when I arrived his buddy said, "Oh, you brought your Thomas again. I asked my mum for a Thomas and she said No no no. That's not fair." Bright Eyes agreed. "No, that's not fair."
That's all fine and dandy, but the thing I really want to share with you is that Bright Eyes has progressed in 3 sessions from not wanting to go in, not talking to the lady, not doing anything she asks, and not even letting her come near him, to being able to hop up on the table, let her touch him and follow her instructions such as 'push your feet', 'pull your toes', 'breathe in and bring your head up', 'no, not so much, just a little bit' etc.
It was amazing to watch him cooperate with her and even enjoy her company this week. I'm delighted.
His little friendship at preschool has continued. This morning when I arrived his buddy said, "Oh, you brought your Thomas again. I asked my mum for a Thomas and she said No no no. That's not fair." Bright Eyes agreed. "No, that's not fair."
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Journalling
My RDI task at the moment is journalling about working with Bright Eyes to cooperate and co-regulate.
Bright Eyes has been improving in his ability to be guided and to participate in a game or a task, as opposed to having to control it all the time.
We have really been enjoying having games with his Brum car and another one which I christened 'Sheridee'. It's a girl car apparently. They have been shopping, built garages, visited the beach and the snow, sailed in boats, pretended to be airplanes, gotten married to each other and generally had as full and interesting lives as is possible for small toy cars.
Bright Eyes continually invites us to participate with him, saying 'Want to play?' in a really sweet voice and full eye contact.
Today we made signs with the names Brum and Sheridee. I wrote their names in pencil, and gave him the fat texta to hold to trace over them. He wouldn't do it unless I had my hand very close to his on the pen, but the movement and the grip was all his. He seemed very proud of them at the end when I showed great excitement at the fact that he had written by himself.
We had a blow-out the other day on a walk around the lake. Bright Eyes decided to be the 'leader' and delegated his brother to being the 'follower'. His brother was unhappy about this and chased him to try to take over the 'leader' role. Fisticuffs ensued and I had to hold Bright Eyes back and say "That is not ok."
His brother took off, and Bright Eyes collapsed on the path. "I can't go. We have to go home. Home time. etc etc" in loud yells and screams. I sent the sister after the little one and got Bright Eyes up by noticing that he might get bitten by mosquitoes if he remained on the path. We walked along with him in varying states of unhappiness, but at least he was moving. It will be interesting to see if he can cope with not necessarily being the leader next time we try it.
Bright Eyes has been improving in his ability to be guided and to participate in a game or a task, as opposed to having to control it all the time.
We have really been enjoying having games with his Brum car and another one which I christened 'Sheridee'. It's a girl car apparently. They have been shopping, built garages, visited the beach and the snow, sailed in boats, pretended to be airplanes, gotten married to each other and generally had as full and interesting lives as is possible for small toy cars.
Bright Eyes continually invites us to participate with him, saying 'Want to play?' in a really sweet voice and full eye contact.
Today we made signs with the names Brum and Sheridee. I wrote their names in pencil, and gave him the fat texta to hold to trace over them. He wouldn't do it unless I had my hand very close to his on the pen, but the movement and the grip was all his. He seemed very proud of them at the end when I showed great excitement at the fact that he had written by himself.
We had a blow-out the other day on a walk around the lake. Bright Eyes decided to be the 'leader' and delegated his brother to being the 'follower'. His brother was unhappy about this and chased him to try to take over the 'leader' role. Fisticuffs ensued and I had to hold Bright Eyes back and say "That is not ok."
His brother took off, and Bright Eyes collapsed on the path. "I can't go. We have to go home. Home time. etc etc" in loud yells and screams. I sent the sister after the little one and got Bright Eyes up by noticing that he might get bitten by mosquitoes if he remained on the path. We walked along with him in varying states of unhappiness, but at least he was moving. It will be interesting to see if he can cope with not necessarily being the leader next time we try it.
Friday, January 23, 2009
A recent email from a friend who did some babysitting
Dear Cecily
Thought you might like to know that Bright Eyes really interacted well today with the kids and me! I think I told you he sat at the lunch table, waited till we were all there, and then said ‘George is my friend, and Amelia is Jemima’s friend’. A bit later when there was a lull in the conversation, he said “Sarah, I went ice skating and I had hot chippies (I think that’s what he called them) for lunch”. Also, we had a conversation then about whether he fell over, whether he got bruises, if he went roller skating.......
And like you suggested when he wanted a second apple iceblock, and I said that’s fine, but can you ask me with manners (which is exactly what I say to mine), and he did.
I have read your blog about Bright Eyes, and the past week at RDA (how full on). I was reflecting on what I knew of him when he first arrived here and where he is now, and although I know you see a long way to go, I also see a long way come. Please be encouraged, and encouraged to keep going.
Thought you might like to know that Bright Eyes really interacted well today with the kids and me! I think I told you he sat at the lunch table, waited till we were all there, and then said ‘George is my friend, and Amelia is Jemima’s friend’. A bit later when there was a lull in the conversation, he said “Sarah, I went ice skating and I had hot chippies (I think that’s what he called them) for lunch”. Also, we had a conversation then about whether he fell over, whether he got bruises, if he went roller skating.......
And like you suggested when he wanted a second apple iceblock, and I said that’s fine, but can you ask me with manners (which is exactly what I say to mine), and he did.
I have read your blog about Bright Eyes, and the past week at RDA (how full on). I was reflecting on what I knew of him when he first arrived here and where he is now, and although I know you see a long way to go, I also see a long way come. Please be encouraged, and encouraged to keep going.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
2008
We've seen good progress this year - although it was a bit hard to believe that in the middle months somehow.
Speech is better. He is having more conversation type interactions. He is understanding more. He is asking questions about things. He is saying "Look at me" and being motivated to join in games with others. The other day we went to the park where he saw a little boy from preschool. "Eden. I got a Woody toy for Christmas. Eden. Do you want to play with me?"
He's better with people that he knows - if he's in the mood for them. He quite likes Mr Wardle next door and usually says hello and goodbye and makes a comment or asks a question. Today he asked for his grandparents to come and visit him. He knows the relationships between different people.
He shows great interest in what others are doing. Tonight our daughter was out with friends at fireworks. "Where is she?" asked Bright Eyes. I gave a vague answer but that wasn't specific enough for him. "Where did they go?" "What is she doing?"
He can cope with more noise and chaos than previously, although it's still not a whole lot.
He can deal better with transitions - he doesn't yelp any more - he can get in and out of the car without hassles (most of the time) - he doesn't have to do his specific rituals at the front door any more.
And I can deal better with it too. My everyday sadness has lifted somewhat. I feel more optimistic for him. I find myself treating him more like the other children than I used to. I expect more from him, and I don't panic or shut down as much as I used to.
So looking back, all in all it has been a good year, even though at times it seemed impossible to go on. I don't want to sound falsely happy as though it has all been great and steady progress and everything is on the up and up. There was a period where I really wondered if I could go on with this, and one or two episodes where I felt as low as I have ever felt, and in fact, really truly understood how some parents either harm their children or engage in self-harm.
Thankfully, though, with help and grace from God and from people, I have made it through the year - and I'm ending it with optimism. That's a real blessing - and probably the greatest miracle yet.
Speech is better. He is having more conversation type interactions. He is understanding more. He is asking questions about things. He is saying "Look at me" and being motivated to join in games with others. The other day we went to the park where he saw a little boy from preschool. "Eden. I got a Woody toy for Christmas. Eden. Do you want to play with me?"
He's better with people that he knows - if he's in the mood for them. He quite likes Mr Wardle next door and usually says hello and goodbye and makes a comment or asks a question. Today he asked for his grandparents to come and visit him. He knows the relationships between different people.
He shows great interest in what others are doing. Tonight our daughter was out with friends at fireworks. "Where is she?" asked Bright Eyes. I gave a vague answer but that wasn't specific enough for him. "Where did they go?" "What is she doing?"
He can cope with more noise and chaos than previously, although it's still not a whole lot.
He can deal better with transitions - he doesn't yelp any more - he can get in and out of the car without hassles (most of the time) - he doesn't have to do his specific rituals at the front door any more.
And I can deal better with it too. My everyday sadness has lifted somewhat. I feel more optimistic for him. I find myself treating him more like the other children than I used to. I expect more from him, and I don't panic or shut down as much as I used to.
So looking back, all in all it has been a good year, even though at times it seemed impossible to go on. I don't want to sound falsely happy as though it has all been great and steady progress and everything is on the up and up. There was a period where I really wondered if I could go on with this, and one or two episodes where I felt as low as I have ever felt, and in fact, really truly understood how some parents either harm their children or engage in self-harm.
Thankfully, though, with help and grace from God and from people, I have made it through the year - and I'm ending it with optimism. That's a real blessing - and probably the greatest miracle yet.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Christmas progress
If you've been reading for a while you might remember that last Christmas was pretty disastrous for Bright Eyes. He didn't cope with the noise, the presents, the people, the excitement. It was pretty much the worst Christmas I think he ever had.
This year, however, it is a different story. Tonight we had the first of our three family Christmas parties, with presents, dinner... the works. And he was great!
First, he had to wait for at least an hour for the rest of the family to get there. Then, he had to wait to find the present he really wanted (Woody from Toy Story). He helped to deliver the presents to all the rest of the family. He opened things by himself. He coped with the delays of getting toys out of boxes (&*$%^ packaging). He even coped with the delays in putting batteries in things and finding screwdrivers etc.
All in all, he was absolutely a normal child opening his Christmas presents. It was really wonderful to see such progress in a year.
And just now, he brought his Woody toy to me and said, "In the morning I will go to preschool and I will put Buzz and Woody in my locker. Then it will be news time. I'll show Woody for news."
After that, he said, "Woody is really fantastic. He is just fantastic. I want to show him to someone."
It's so nice to make progress.
We are now more than halfway through Stage 4 objectives. When we first looked at them in January, I thought, "Oh no, there is no way Bright Eyes can do this stuff." I looked again at the remaining ones yesterday and thought, "he can at least do half of all of these. There is nothing hugely out of his reach."
Then I looked at the Stage 5 objectives and thought, "But there's no way he's up to these." It's great because from the experience with Stage 4 I can see that he will get there. He's got this far, and unless things really change, he can get further and do even better as long as I'm content to go piece by piece, step by step.
This year, however, it is a different story. Tonight we had the first of our three family Christmas parties, with presents, dinner... the works. And he was great!
First, he had to wait for at least an hour for the rest of the family to get there. Then, he had to wait to find the present he really wanted (Woody from Toy Story). He helped to deliver the presents to all the rest of the family. He opened things by himself. He coped with the delays of getting toys out of boxes (&*$%^ packaging). He even coped with the delays in putting batteries in things and finding screwdrivers etc.
All in all, he was absolutely a normal child opening his Christmas presents. It was really wonderful to see such progress in a year.
And just now, he brought his Woody toy to me and said, "In the morning I will go to preschool and I will put Buzz and Woody in my locker. Then it will be news time. I'll show Woody for news."
After that, he said, "Woody is really fantastic. He is just fantastic. I want to show him to someone."
It's so nice to make progress.
We are now more than halfway through Stage 4 objectives. When we first looked at them in January, I thought, "Oh no, there is no way Bright Eyes can do this stuff." I looked again at the remaining ones yesterday and thought, "he can at least do half of all of these. There is nothing hugely out of his reach."
Then I looked at the Stage 5 objectives and thought, "But there's no way he's up to these." It's great because from the experience with Stage 4 I can see that he will get there. He's got this far, and unless things really change, he can get further and do even better as long as I'm content to go piece by piece, step by step.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Oh my goodness
I have just this minute come back in from my husband's study where Bright Eyes has shown me a new song he has 'written' with our keyboard. He chose a rhythm and automatic arpeggio setting and then sang a version of Dorothy the Dinosaur with the CORRECT CHORD SEQUENCES! He pressed C then G then F then C again.
This child is definitely musical.
This child is definitely musical.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Resistance
All year we have been working on an objective aimed at reducing resistance. Sometimes I think it will never end, but other days I can see how he is learning to build resilience.
Today and yesterday he wanted to watch more TV than I was prepared to give. He was very definite about it and went into a bit of a yelling/screaming thing when he hit my 'no'. After about 10 minutes, he went outside, sat by himself for a little while and then came in prepared to do something else.
Other good things that happened: he helped me fill a beanbag with beans, and then was really keen to help me vaccuum up the ones that fell all over the floor. He got interested in blowing them around during the job, but he did refocus to come back to putting the beans in the bag. It was great.
He was also keen to help unload the trolley a little bit at the shops. All in all, it was quite a 'partnering' type of day.
Today and yesterday he wanted to watch more TV than I was prepared to give. He was very definite about it and went into a bit of a yelling/screaming thing when he hit my 'no'. After about 10 minutes, he went outside, sat by himself for a little while and then came in prepared to do something else.
Other good things that happened: he helped me fill a beanbag with beans, and then was really keen to help me vaccuum up the ones that fell all over the floor. He got interested in blowing them around during the job, but he did refocus to come back to putting the beans in the bag. It was great.
He was also keen to help unload the trolley a little bit at the shops. All in all, it was quite a 'partnering' type of day.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Conversation
I'd rather write about his improvements. It makes for a happier blog. This week we had two happy days at preschool.
On Wednesday he invited another little boy to sit down with him at lunch. Then he made conversation by saying "I've got a skateboard at home." Wow!
He's also playing well with his little brother. They are quite good friends, and enjoying jumping, wrestling and trying things out together.
It's nice when these flashes of good stuff come through. It gives me strength to keep going through all the scripting and silly stuff that goes on.
On Wednesday he invited another little boy to sit down with him at lunch. Then he made conversation by saying "I've got a skateboard at home." Wow!
He's also playing well with his little brother. They are quite good friends, and enjoying jumping, wrestling and trying things out together.
It's nice when these flashes of good stuff come through. It gives me strength to keep going through all the scripting and silly stuff that goes on.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Science centre
We joined up at the Wollongong Science Centre and have been three times so far. Each time I have noticed improvements in Bright Eyes.
One of the exhibits is called the 'ballerina stand'. The science centre staff have to help the children stand in the right position, tell them what to do, and then set them spinning.
The first time we went, Bright Eyes ran away as soon as the staff member started to talk.
The second time, he lasted about 20 seconds before it was all too distracting for him.
This last time, he listened, adjusted his position, referred to the staff member's face, and did the ride until the end!
The only improvement could have been to say thank you at the end. I was very pleased!
One of the exhibits is called the 'ballerina stand'. The science centre staff have to help the children stand in the right position, tell them what to do, and then set them spinning.
The first time we went, Bright Eyes ran away as soon as the staff member started to talk.
The second time, he lasted about 20 seconds before it was all too distracting for him.
This last time, he listened, adjusted his position, referred to the staff member's face, and did the ride until the end!
The only improvement could have been to say thank you at the end. I was very pleased!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
new clothes
This morning, Bright Eyes is sitting up eating his breakfast, wearing a new red racing car shirt (!!) and reading 'Peter and Jane' with his sister. Cute.
Today was such a better day!
I am following our consultant's advice and hanging back. Today my dear sweet Bright Eyes solved his own problems, including mending his paintbrush that fell apart. The more I support him in doing his own things, the more competent - and confident in his competence - he will be become.
He is a lot happier since going back to his diet and the homeopath.
Today I left the paints out on the table and was delighted to see him paint a picture of a river (ie. the whole piece of paper was filled with watery blue paint from edge to edge). He wanted me to paint fishes in it, but I 'didn't have time sorry'. Who knows... he may paint them himself tomorrow.
We are painting our cubby house and he was pleased to come down and handle a brush for a bit. We painted together. I think he even did more than his nine year old sister!
I am following our consultant's advice and hanging back. Today my dear sweet Bright Eyes solved his own problems, including mending his paintbrush that fell apart. The more I support him in doing his own things, the more competent - and confident in his competence - he will be become.
He is a lot happier since going back to his diet and the homeopath.
Today I left the paints out on the table and was delighted to see him paint a picture of a river (ie. the whole piece of paper was filled with watery blue paint from edge to edge). He wanted me to paint fishes in it, but I 'didn't have time sorry'. Who knows... he may paint them himself tomorrow.
We are painting our cubby house and he was pleased to come down and handle a brush for a bit. We painted together. I think he even did more than his nine year old sister!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Today's progress
I went back to the homeopath today. It was reassuring to see her. Bright Eyes did make a lot of progress under her up until I gave it up three months ago or so. He's on a new remedy, so we'll see how it goes.
I also did some focused RDI today after a bit of a break. I'll have a clip to show our consultant referring to parental resilience. I needed to be very calm today!
And... he went to preschool happily! Amazing. This time it is because of sheer bribery. The preschool staff have made him a 'treasure box' filled with cool stuff they know he'll like, including a brand-new Brum Toy, to play with only at preschool. Talk about an excited child! He practically ran through the door.
I also did some focused RDI today after a bit of a break. I'll have a clip to show our consultant referring to parental resilience. I needed to be very calm today!
And... he went to preschool happily! Amazing. This time it is because of sheer bribery. The preschool staff have made him a 'treasure box' filled with cool stuff they know he'll like, including a brand-new Brum Toy, to play with only at preschool. Talk about an excited child! He practically ran through the door.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Progress
Things were much better today. Bright Eyes is adapting back to his GF/CF diet and seems to be becoming calmer.
I was very very happy to discover a really good bread recipe which he has taken to very easily. I've made it twice now - once with sultanas and once just plain - and it tastes lovely. Even my husband likes it!
This is how I did it:
In a small bowl combine and leave the following:
1/2 cup warm water
2 1/2 tsp yeast
2 tsp sugar
Mix up the wet ingredients:
1 1/2 cups rice milk (or water)
4 eggs
4 tbsps oil
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Mix the dry ingredients:
4 cups GF flour
an appropriate amount of the Orgran gluten substitute (read the packet)
I also added 1/2 cup of LSA mix (linseed, sesame and almond)
(For the raisin bread, I added about 1 cup sultanas and a bit of sugar)
1 1/2 tsp salt
Combine everything and mix well. Put it into a well oiled bread pan and smooth it out with oily hands. Score it down the middle and leave to rise in a warm place under oiled plastic wrap for up to 90 minutes.
Bake for about 1 hr at 200C.
I was very very happy to discover a really good bread recipe which he has taken to very easily. I've made it twice now - once with sultanas and once just plain - and it tastes lovely. Even my husband likes it!
This is how I did it:
In a small bowl combine and leave the following:
1/2 cup warm water
2 1/2 tsp yeast
2 tsp sugar
Mix up the wet ingredients:
1 1/2 cups rice milk (or water)
4 eggs
4 tbsps oil
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Mix the dry ingredients:
4 cups GF flour
an appropriate amount of the Orgran gluten substitute (read the packet)
I also added 1/2 cup of LSA mix (linseed, sesame and almond)
(For the raisin bread, I added about 1 cup sultanas and a bit of sugar)
1 1/2 tsp salt
Combine everything and mix well. Put it into a well oiled bread pan and smooth it out with oily hands. Score it down the middle and leave to rise in a warm place under oiled plastic wrap for up to 90 minutes.
Bake for about 1 hr at 200C.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Sad eyes
Poor Bright Eyes has not had such bright eyes recently. He's been pretty aggro, especially with his brother for the last few days.
It's not because his brother is particularly difficult - he just seems to have a need to get him away and express his dislike loudly and violently.
I've noticed his eyes being quite glassy again too.
I have a bad feeling that it's because he hasn't been on his diet for a while now. At first he didn't seem to react to gluten, but the longer time goes on, the more I think I need to get him back to the GF/CF diet.
I'm dreading it. It's going to be so difficult to take bread and biscuits away again. You can pray for us if you think of it!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Apprentice again
I was pleased to see that Bright Eyes is getting back to being interested in being an 'apprentice' again after his bad week and a half.
This morning he helped me put out the church morning tea, finding bowls and opening packets. We found the tea trolleys and wheeled them out, trying to be careful over the bumps.
Then this afternoon he helped daddy wash the car. "I can do that," he said frequently. "I can help!"
It's nice to have him back!
This morning he helped me put out the church morning tea, finding bowls and opening packets. We found the tea trolleys and wheeled them out, trying to be careful over the bumps.
Then this afternoon he helped daddy wash the car. "I can do that," he said frequently. "I can help!"
It's nice to have him back!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Back to the bad old days...
I haven't seen Bright Eyes this stressed for weeks. He has had two very bad days and is bossing and yelling and tantruming like crazy. It's not exactly fun, but it does make me realise how far things had come. Hopefully we can get back there again relatively quickly.
What's made the difference?
Possibly birthday party stress. We had two in a week (his and his sister's), plus presents, plus people in the house and lots of excitement. Also, straight after the second party, he left to spend the weekend with Grandma. He spent two nights with her and I think being on his best behaviour and away from his normal routine left him pretty tired.
I hope we can soothe him down soon. He's not fun to be with right now and the other children are feeling the tension too.
One thing I did notice while he was away was how light I was without the responsibility and guilt I usually feel when he's in the house. I seem to worry all the time that I'm not doing enough, not spending enough time with him, not giving him everything I could possibly give him to help him improve. Somehow I need to work on being more free of guilt yet still doing what I need to.
What's made the difference?
Possibly birthday party stress. We had two in a week (his and his sister's), plus presents, plus people in the house and lots of excitement. Also, straight after the second party, he left to spend the weekend with Grandma. He spent two nights with her and I think being on his best behaviour and away from his normal routine left him pretty tired.
I hope we can soothe him down soon. He's not fun to be with right now and the other children are feeling the tension too.
One thing I did notice while he was away was how light I was without the responsibility and guilt I usually feel when he's in the house. I seem to worry all the time that I'm not doing enough, not spending enough time with him, not giving him everything I could possibly give him to help him improve. Somehow I need to work on being more free of guilt yet still doing what I need to.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Playtime or bedtime?
RDI and homeschooling have made me a lot less finicky about keeping the rules compared to seeing the bigger picture.
For example, late last night, both boys were still awake. Normally I try to get them to play quietly in their rooms (their body clocks are not set to going to sleep at 7 any more and haven't been for ages) but they had kind of migrated to the lounge room.
I said to AP: "I must go and put the boys to bed or put them back in their rooms."
But he could see what was going on, and said, "Hang on - you should see the game they are playing together. They are actually relating really well and playing in a coordinated way."
I had a look and it was true. Somehow, after a day of hitting each other, they had reached a happy point together and were running around together, getting into 'boats', rescuing each other and generally having a happy game.
I decided the bigger picture was more important. improving Bright Eyes' relationship skills, and helping the two boys to build a happy relationship together was more important than making them be quiet in their rooms.
We left them for another 20 minutes and they didn't falter in their coordination once. It was a delight to see (another answer to prayer) and I'm sure it has helped build memories of happy play with each other.
For example, late last night, both boys were still awake. Normally I try to get them to play quietly in their rooms (their body clocks are not set to going to sleep at 7 any more and haven't been for ages) but they had kind of migrated to the lounge room.
I said to AP: "I must go and put the boys to bed or put them back in their rooms."
But he could see what was going on, and said, "Hang on - you should see the game they are playing together. They are actually relating really well and playing in a coordinated way."
I had a look and it was true. Somehow, after a day of hitting each other, they had reached a happy point together and were running around together, getting into 'boats', rescuing each other and generally having a happy game.
I decided the bigger picture was more important. improving Bright Eyes' relationship skills, and helping the two boys to build a happy relationship together was more important than making them be quiet in their rooms.
We left them for another 20 minutes and they didn't falter in their coordination once. It was a delight to see (another answer to prayer) and I'm sure it has helped build memories of happy play with each other.
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