New Beginnings

Devlyn's class had their end of year party today.  There was a Hawaiian theme and a "red carpet".  Each student was called up and walked up and down "the carpet" while the teacher read a little bit about what they're looking forward to in 2nd grade.  Devlyn's said he's looking forward to learning about Geology.  Devlyn was recognized as the class "Writing Wizard" this year for his stories.  Charles will love that.  As usual, both teacher's commented on how smart he is : )  So proud of him.  We're headed back up to the school in 15 minutes for "Meet the Teacher" where we'll learn who he'll have for 2nd grade.  Incidentally, ran into his kindergarten teacher from last year in the hallway as we were leaving the party.  I heard she was leaving and asked her where she was headed.  Her husband has been transferred and they're moving to Connecticut.  Of course I had to ask where, never in my wildest dreams imagining what her answer would be.......Newtown.  Hard for me not to make about a million connections in my head after hearing that.  I explained that it's a beautiful area and she'll love it.  What a time to move there as a kindergarten teacher.  Wow.

Time to go learn who Devlyn will have for second grade!

The Look

Devlyn still loves to use this look.  This picture represents the beginnings of it.  It was taken in April 2008 PW (pre-Weebsie).  3 days left until Devlyn is a rising 2nd grader.  Doesn't seem possible :)

Devlyn the Poster Boy

Does this face look familiar?  Tweetsie Railroad (a client at Charles' agency - FWV) used a picture we sent them from our visit in a recent promotional post they put up on Facebook.  They were kind enough to give us free tickets so we made out well in the deal!


https://www.facebook.com/Tweetsie

Bubye Dusty Red

When we bought this house the ONLY room we didn't mess with was the dining room. Aside from changing out the cabinetry hardware, new curtains and switching out the light fixture, it remained as is. I'll admit the dusty red color worked well for holidays. It was perfectly festive and made for great pictures :) The other 10 months of the year it was just red and aside from the hair of the "men" in my life, I don't care for red. Especially dusty, almost maroon, SO early-2000 Southern dining room red. Ew! The red got primed today. Next up, charcoal gray.

Devlyn the Budding Artist

One of the best things about kids Devlyn's age is watching their true interests and talents develop. Devlyn has always enjoyed drawing and art but he's really taken that interest to the next level this year. He's always drawing - it's so cute. He takes his sketchbook on the bus and draws every chance he gets. Favorite subjects are superheroes, game characters and animals. He's just starting to branch out into drawing people. His peers and some teachers have recently started to take notice and you should see the twinkle that puts in his eyes. The best part is how much he enjoys doing it. Here is a recent self-portrait and a drawing of a bumblebee bat that he wrote a report on.

From Facebook Today

Nothing bothers me more than when a distressed parent finds our advocacy groups desperately seeking information b/c their child has been injured by fluoroquinolone antibiotics.  Knowing the pain and suffering an innocent child is going to battle for years on end b/c of these drugs shakes me to the core.  I don't understand how this happens and why noone does anything about what, to me, seems like something that should be so simple to eradicate through education.  It's so evil and wrong.  I'll be silently begging the universe to help this woman's daughter.  

Tina Cudworth GilsinnFluoroquinolone Antibiotic Toxicity (Cipro, Levaquin, Avelox, Floxin)

My daughter (then 8) took Levaquin in 2011 for almost 30 days due to an infection that she had in her sacrum bone. Before we started taking the medicine I called the doctor to verify i wasn't poisoning my baby. We stopped taking med because her knee swelled to the size of a grapefruit and her joints kept making a popping sound. She was then sent on to Rheumatologist because the Infectious Disease doctor couldn't explain her knee swelling, but put her on clindamycin and rifapin. She ended up getting a steroid injection to reduce swelling, which it did UNTIL almost a year later her knee swelled up without explanation and she had another injection. The Rheum Dr has now diagnosed my daughter with arthritis. Over the weekend her knee gave out from her and she is in a brace to stabilize it. We are on our way to yet another dr today, ortho, but I feel like all of this is a root from taking levaquin. She still has the issue in sacrum bone, but that has become secondary to the knee situation. Can anyone offer me any advice? Like · · 112 · June 4 at 8:45am near Geneva, IL ·

Tina Cudworth Gilsinn My daughter was just diagnosed with deteriorating cartilage in her knee, I am beside myself! What in the world can I do to reverse all this mess!

Like · Reply · Sunday at 10:12am

Hmmmm

These pics r really bothering me - sorry!

Upside Up Pics

And by the way don't mention this in front of Devlyn when you see him. He's MORTIFIED.

School's Out For Summer!

Well, in our case, not really but from what the teachers have been telling us....everybody is acting like it anyway! We had our first call ever from a teacher this week (and second - ahem). Apparently Devlyn has been goofing around a bit lately. I found these in his daily folder today. I love that he signed them "Love, Devlyn". Aww....