Charter Schools, Anti-Psychotics, and Oxford Commas

Critical mass was nearly achieved at the house this summer, with the eldest boy watching his younger siblings. While they were able to follow their chore charts (mostly) successfully, we did have to hand out the occasional threat of bodily harm, followed with a most sincere apology.

Once in a while, we caught the kids trying out new and exciting ways of changing the story when asked what happened that day, but I'm certain that we know everything we need to! Most certainly, at the top of the kid's lists: they're tired of eating our massive crop of zucchini, and beans. But this is my way of combating the constantly hungry child. "Mom, I'm hungry again!" is met with a pointed finger leading toward the Bottomless Crockpot.

Today, at Trillium Charter School, we've returned to the land of social ineptitude; the realm of discomforting stares and squealing friends who have missed each other all summer long. I have to admit, I've actually missed some of the half-grown faces I'd grown accustomed to peering into last year, looking for a sign of recognition. Or planetary foothold. Whatever...the kids have great hats at Trillium.

I'm really into the idea of the new rooftop garden this year, and wonder what will be grown in it? Meaning, I wonder what the intention will be, and which high school-er will toss in a little extra seeds of his/her own. Don't act like you never did!

Those of you who know us well, will know that I've been on a crusade for years, trying to find a good school for the kids, as well as the proper medication for my most awesome girl, Miss Erin. She's come a long way, and doesn't let something silly like Pediatric Bipolar Disorder affect her.
Her medications are delicately balanced, so without them, she will have a difficult time. With them, she still feels the rough edges of the world, and learns to take her falls just like any other kid. Read more on Pediatric Bipolar Disorder here:

• Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation
• Juvenile Bipolar Research Foundation
• The Bipolar Child - Dr Demitri Papolos and Janice Papolos
• the Genetics of Bipolar Disorder

Another very cool achievement last year, was that Mr Eric can now read! Thankfully, his suggested "touch of Autism" that I choose to leave officially undiagnosed, has gifted him with math skills that are a force to be reckoned with, and his self-esteem has taken a launch in the right direction. ADHD doesn't scare that kid. Concerta seems to have settled well with him, balancing the previous battles associated with short-acting medications and the school day. He can stay focused for much longer than before, and I can't help but consider that his age is helping as well. Hopefully, one day he won't require any medication at all, and will continue to eat the right food, and surround himself with people as epic as his family.

Darian, meanwhile, continues to grow, and as of September, is now exactly as tall as his momma. In a few months, I fully expect to be looking upward into his nose, as he bellows about his nagging hunger. For the record, his hair is now as long as his seemingly infinite measure of patience with the slew of off-sets in his house - CouchSurfing, Mondo Croquet games, group discussions over the use of the Oxford Comma sibling mayhem, young parents, 4 cats, and a lot of impromptu visits to the weirdest events Portland has to offer.

While we search for a house closer to the school, we're working some pretty ruthless hours; Benjamin at his downtown food cart - weather permitting business, of course - and myself, as a secondary educational regulatory expert (Sounds much cooler than it actually is). I'm still school-bound, bet getting ever closer to that degree which will allow me to work in the Restorative Justice field!

Overall, I think we're going to have a really good year.