Like...They are Going with STRANGERS?!?! Sayonara Part 1- Join Us on the new thread!

[MRYPPNS]

Wow....I just I came back just at the right time or I would have been really confused!

 

[Pollito916]

Wow, big news! Too bad it's happening so fast when you can't get time alone with your hubby to talk it all over. Even if you have to delay the trip, F&W is awesome and you will still have a great time no matter when you go!

 

[kimmylaj]

wow that is really big news and much faster than you were thinking, but i am sure everything will fall into place

 

[Millie12591]

What's that saying about fish and guests starting to smell after four days? At any rate, keeping you in my thoughts and hoping your gallbladder isn't still at full attention with everything going in. I just can't believe you don't celebrate Russian Orthodox Christmas, Lieas..we're going to a huge celebration tonight..fireworks, parade, statues of Lenin all decorated for the holiday. Sheesh! I would have thought better of you!

Holy cow Liesa! One might even say fart knocking! Excited you get to experience the joys of full spectrum flushing, but hoping all the details work for the trip / school.

Good point Amanda. I'm at a total loss too, as to why you don't celebrate these things. Although it was very sweet of the neighbor to bring you flowers, just bad timing.

I have always homeschooled until my oldest went to International school. The remaining 4 are still home, and do DVD school (for the high schoolers) and other stuff for the elementary kids. I love it, but am tired--- 17 years is a long time to go at it.
Uuuuh, yes, yes it. I was thinking I was doing good to just start! I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy.

I've been reading Oy Bolshoi's Dining Report, which is hilarious. F&W sounds crowded, but heavenly!

If I remember right on who this is...She's hilarious!!!

 

[All7OfUs]

What's that saying about fish and guests starting to smell after four days? At any rate, keeping you in my thoughts and hoping your gallbladder isn't still at full attention with everything going in. I just can't believe you don't celebrate Russian Orthodox Christmas, Lieas..we're going to a huge celebration tonight..fireworks, parade, statues of Lenin all decorated for the holiday. Sheesh! I would have thought better of you!

I'm certainly starting to believe that.

LOL! At full attention... that wuz a good one!

Yeah, no Orthodox for us. I so think there are some folks who celebrate it in the States, but maybe call it Epiphany. EIther way, it's certainly NOT a big deal in which someone would expect to be showing up to a party. I honestly think she was flustered and even disappointed that there wasn't a party table set.

Holy cow Liesa! One might even say fart knocking! Excited you get to experience the joys of full spectrum flushing, but hoping all the details work for the trip / school.

Indeed, I think this is one of those situations that fart knocking would be appropriate.

Full spectrum flushing, replete with paper going down.

I just wanted to offer some prayers and hugs. I know you'll make the right choice for your family, and things will work out for you.

Thanks, TK! I think once things settle down here come Monday, I will feel better and less stressed.

Oh no! I hate it when everything is in turmoil! I really hope you are still able to take your trip!!



They say September 18th through 25th is a GREAT week to be there.... plus you'd be able to work in one extra meet!



Oooh, sounds intriguing - I 've never heard of this. I'll have to look it up on allrecipes....

ME TOO!

Hmmmmm.... 18th-25th. Wheels are turning. F&W, FD, Pin Code still in effect, cooler temps, party still going on, AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAND a meet with ya'll.

Re: Spanish tortilla... easy and delish! Give it a try!

Wow....I just I came back just at the right time or I would have been really confused!

I hope to get out a complete update in the next couple days.

Wow, big news! Too bad it's happening so fast when you can't get time alone with your hubby to talk it all over. Even if you have to delay the trip, F&W is awesome and you will still have a great time no matter when you go!

Too fast!! I know i'd enjoy F&W, but then the timing would be all wrong for seeing my son off to his semester at school.

wow that is really big news and much faster than you were thinking, but i am sure everything will fall into place

It is!! I had really hoped we would aim for December, but with his parents pushing us to make a decision on the house, it really had to be moved up.

Good point Amanda. I'm at a total loss too, as to why you don't celebrate these things. Although it was very sweet of the neighbor to bring you flowers, just bad timing.



If I remember right on who this is...She's hilarious!!!

Wanna hear something funny about the flowers?? Upon closer inspection, they turned out to be "old" flowers- probably ones she had gotten from New Year's!! So, even those in other cultures have discovered re-gifting!!

 

[All7OfUs]

I promised to write up all my thoughts in one long post, so everyone could be on the same page, and not have to read through all the chit-chat to get what's going on.

I will call it a VOMIT post; it will be full of stinky-pants news, swimming in meaty tidbits, messy in style, completely disorganized, and in the end be a puddle of lingering unknowns.

First I will re-cap what this term of service was supposed to look like: We arrived in May, 2009, and have been back here for what? a year and a half now. Our "contracts" are 3 years long, so our time would have been up in June, 2011, when our Bekka (MKBekka) would have graduated. The timing was perfect as far as kids were concerned considering graduations etc...

But, as the time wore on DH became more and more "bored" with his job. It just really isn't suited so much to his giftings or passions. He is a full-blooded scientist who loves to crunch data, manipulate water modelling programs, design water flow whatevers, and kinda NOT have to work in a relational setting all the time. Here, his job is writing proposals and working with people all day long. (in another language)

Not only was DH becoming more dissatisfied, it was becoming more and more apparent that our younger son was falling more and more behind grade level in most areas of school. He really, really needs speech therapy and will need to be re-tested to see if he qualifies for special ed. On that front, we shall see.


Enter the house on the river. This house of my in-laws has been in the family for several generations. It is nothing special in design, but has a fabulous location, being right on the Willamette River, in a rural location outside of Salem, Oregon. It is large, but older, making it hard to heat. It has a beautiful yard, but is far too large for us to keep up like my in-laws have (neither of us loves gardening). Anyway, their health has declined over the last few years significantly. MIL has cancer (slow growing lung and women's) and has started bleeding again. She has told us that she will not do chemo again. FIL has some painful back issues and just isn't as active as he once was. It is difficult to watch them go through the downside of life.

So, last week my SIL writes a letter on her reflections and observations about the Christmas visit down to Salem. They live in Olympia, WA and just got back from spending a week in Salem at the big family get together. She was very clear and firm that she saw some visible differences in their health and demeanor, and pressed pretty hard for Mike to make a decision about the house. I should mention that making decisions is probably DH's most horrible area of procrastination. He is a pretty good all-around procrastinator, but holds off on decisions until it's usually too late. If I had a genie in a bottle, that'd be my one wish- to make him a better decision maker. They had asked him like 2 years ago about the possibility, but either never caught on that they wanted a decision, or was simply not ready to make one- I surmise it was probably some of both.

So, 3 days ago, Mike wrote a letter to my in-laws clearly stating his intentions to start a concrete process of buying the house. How would we buy it? Would they loan the money to us? How much do they want? All that stuff. We already own a house! It's paid in full. But it's in Portland, and the location is C.R.A.P.P.Y. It needs a ton of work having had renters in it for 10 years, and has not been maintained well. So, we could sell the rental and use that for a down payment. But while we're fixing it up, FIL mentioned that for a while we could live together!!! Cherie, DID YOU HEAR ME??!! I so do not want to live with them. This is the same MIL that accused my son of "inappropriate" behavior with our daughter. I just can't handle that! She is prone to silent temper tantrums like a 3 year old, and doesn't have the skills to discuss things rationally. It would be a serious stretch for me to endure this!

So, as you can see, the timetable for our return after, almost 10 years in Central Asia, has been moved up by a year. One of the worst parts about the whole thing is that we just had a teammate move here after a year and a half of trying to get her here. She was supposed to be here when we arrived last year, but then she got a bloodclot and had to be on thinners for a year before she could fly again. Then it took 6 months to get a visa for her. So, I feel REALLLLLLLLLLLLY guilty telling her that we will be leaving after only being a team together for less than a year. She will have to leave also, because her organization won't allow her to be here without a team. There are no others here for her to team with, and none in the pipeline to come either. This is super heavy on my heart, and I feel like a betrayer in the highest form of the word.

One more thing that gets seriously screwed up is that we had planned Bekka's high school career and curriculum around the assumption that she would be going to the same international school that my son is at now. If we move back and have her finish up there, she will most likely have to graduate late. If she goes to Community College, there just won't be enough time in her days to take all the classes she's need for completion. I won't send her to a public high school, as I think it would be WAY too overwhelming of a transition going from totally isoated to totally NOT. So, I'm having to mull over all of that as well.

Now, onto the part that most of you are probably interested in... The TC3 Trip.

The plan WAS for me to fly back from here a week before my son would start university, help get him settled, visit family, then tack on the trip and fly back here. Now that Mike wants to be back by the end of summer, that puts us home within weeks or even days of the trip. I still have the "need-to-get-son-settled-at-school-card", but it happens that the first week of school in the district that the younger kids would go to, is that same week- the week after Labor Day.

So, as I see it, here are my choices:

1) Postpone the trip a week later and have my in-laws watch the kids. Not ideal. Last time, MIL watched the kids, Zach (my LD son) ended up with a tic. He was so stressed out by her, that he literally developed an eye tic/twitch. Scary!

2) Go, and postpone putting the kids in school- leaving them in Oregon while DH watches them. (Not ideal because he needs to be both looking for a job AND fixing up the rental for sale.)

3) Ask my parents to pay to fly the kids out to KY, and have them watch the kids while I take my trip, and keep the dates the same, and just put the kids in school a week late. I don't have a problem with this. The first week isn't so crucial. And we'll all still be so jet-lagged and busy unpacking and settling in anyway, that I might do this anyway, trip or not.

4) Not put them in at all and continue homeschooling (my favorite choice), but still ask the district if they can provide the speech therapy, which is really all I'm hoping for anyway.

5) OR ?????
So, let's hear your thoughts. What would you do? I"ve already talked to maroo about all this, and she thinks the trip needs to come after the family's needs. I know this, and she does too. I have no told LeeAnn anything yet, and will most likely wait a week or so until Mike and I have had time to talk things over.

There you have it. A bucket of vomit.

 

[kimmylaj]

holy cow i can see why you are so confused , i would be too. i have to say the two things that stand out in my head are the guilt that you will be feeling about leaving the new teammate. i am a huge guilt carrying gal, no matter what i do i feel guilty for the outcome (i swear my mothers catholic guilt tricks are stronger than jewish guilt)so i understand where you are coming from on that front, but chances are she will understand exactly why you are doing what you are doing and will want you to do what is best for your family. the second thing that stands out is your sons need for speech therapy. this is the teacher in me talking the earlier you get the interventions the better. i am a big fan of taking anything and everything the school system will give you. i live in ny who happens to be good about giving a lot of services and i always advise parents to take what they are offering. so i think that moving back will definitely help your son.
as far as living with the inlaws i would have a nervous breakdown. i say no way, but out of curiosity where will they go ? would they turn this into a long term situation?
school choice is another huge decision i am glad i dont have to make. i am a product of nyc public schools, but i will say that i think that public school would be a major shell shock and probably not the best choice unless the kids want to give it a try.
now onto disney. every time i postpone a trip and yes it has happened 2 times. i tell myself disney will always be there. it just gives me more time to save money and get disney dollars for birthdays and holidays so i can do better things while i am there.
for you
p.s my hubby is not a decision maker not even about what kind of takeout to get for dinner (you know wendys or mcdonalds) i have gotten very used to make all decisions independently (mia's 2 eye surgeries, school decisions , not getting h1n1 vaccine, etc) it gets old after a while and leads to more guilt about choices made. so seriously i know it seems careerwise he is ready to leave but make sure you know straight from him what he wants to do. and make him give his input about the school and housing situation so its not all on you. too much stress for one person to handle alone.

 

[All7OfUs]

holy cow i can see why you are so confused , i would be too. i have to say the two things that stand out in my head are the guilt that you will be feeling about leaving the new teammate. i am a huge guilt carrying gal, no matter what i do i feel guilty for the outcome (i swear my mothers catholic guilt tricks are stronger than jewish guilt)so i understand where you are coming from on that front, but chances are she will understand exactly why you are doing what you are doing and will want you to do what is best for your family.

Kim, To start off, I really appreciate and value your input! Thanks for being willing to dialogue with me some.

It's a heavy load, and I need to be better at giving more to the Father that cares.

I'm am a first born, and have always been one to feel responsible- perhaps for more than I even should. She is a very Godly woman and I don't think she'd be angry or feel a grudge, but after so long in getting here, I know it must be so totally disappointing to her.

the second thing that stands out is your sons need for speech therapy. this is the teacher in me talking the earlier you get the interventions the better. i am a big fan of taking anything and everything the school system will give you. i live in ny who happens to be good about giving a lot of services and i always advise parents to take what they are offering. so i think that moving back will definitely help your son.

Yeah, I understand the sooner the better thing. He will be 12 in April, and I know that these next few years are very important in character and identity formulation. So, I do feel a sense of urgency in this area. I'm absolutely NOT feeling guilty about using school district money for sp. ed. or Sp. Th., afterall, we pay a huge amount of taxes so these things can be available.

However, I am skeptical. In 2004, Zach was in a kindy class, and they wouldnt' concede that he needed anything. I just didn't have it in me to fight. I think I need to find an advocate when I return who knows the system and how to navigate it.

as far as living with the inlaws i would have a nervous breakdown. i say no way, but out of curiosity where will they go ? would they turn this into a long term situation?

My thoughts exactly. Other of my DH's siblings have lived with them in the past, soemtimes for up to a year. I know it was stressful for all involved - a lot because of her character. I don't think it'd go beyond a year. Luckily there are 2 stories so there is a place to run and hide.

school choice is another huge decision i am glad i dont have to make. i am a product of nyc public schools, but i will say that i think that public school would be a major shell shock and probably not the best choice unless the kids want to give it a try.

That is exactly what it would be!!! But for son, he may have to just to get some helps that I cannot provide anymore. DD, 7, on the other hand is VERY smart and very social, so I think for her, it wouldn't be so bad.

DD, 14, a freshman now, I could never have the heart to throw into a huge public high school!! EVER! She is very "3rd Culture Kid" in every way. It would kill her. So homeschool it will be for her. At least for a while (2 more years).

now onto disney. every time i postpone a trip and yes it has happened 2 times. i tell myself disney will always be there. it just gives me more time to save money and get disney dollars for birthdays and holidays so i can do better things while i am there.
for you

I know- postponement wouldn't be the end of the world. Seriously hoping it isnt' more than a month or so, though.

p.s my hubby is not a decision maker not even about what kind of takeout to get for dinner (you know wendys or mcdonalds) i have gotten very used to make all decisions independently (mia's 2 eye surgeries, school decisions , not getting h1n1 vaccine, etc) it gets old after a while and leads to more guilt about choices made. so seriously i know it seems careerwise he is ready to leave but make sure you know straight from him what he wants to do. and make him give his input about the school and housing situation so its not all on you. too much stress for one person to handle alone.

I wish I did have some of the freedom to make some of these choices, but then he gets mad if I do. So, for me, it's often just a waiting game.

 

[kimmylaj]

gotta head to work but just a quick note
in nyc if your child is evaluated for services at the meeting to decide what services to give you are supposed to be given a parent advocate, unfortunately this doesnt happen in reality all of the time so make sure you find out ahead of time if the state provides for one it may be something you are entitled to all along. also as a teacher i have been to a few meetings where they have stated the child didnt "need" services , scored to well , not a 25% delay in 2 or more areas or 33% in one area, etc. as the teacher i just sit there and disagree until they agree to give something, then 1 month later we reopen the case and have the service provider (speech , ot, special ed teacher) come to meeting or write a letter as to why more hours, services, etc are needed. it usually works. good luck and i will say a prayer that everything works out as it is meant to be

 

[pipersmom]

This has to be one of those "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" times in your life, Liesa. I would be having major issues as well, because from reading your post the only decision you have in your power seems to be your trip, and that's being affected by everyone else! While I wouldn't call myself a control freak, I make all of the decisions for Piper and I. There's no one else that chimes in or has a say. I think it's a lot harder when someone else is doing that for you.

I am the Queen of Guilt..I was just saying on my PTR that I'm feeling guilty for updating so often..silly, I know, but true. I completely understand why you would feel guilty for leaving your teammate, but it sounded like the powers that be took that out of your hands a while back..it was just a matter of when. Try not to feel too guilty, all it will do is make you feel bad and it won't change anything. I'm sure your teammate will understand, and let's face it..there are a lot of places in the world that could benefit from her help, hopefully she'll be reassigned (I'm kind of assuming that's how it would work) and she'll get to experience another culture..that's a good thing!

I think things will fall into place, education-wise, no matter which route you choose to take. I'm with you on the homeschooling, at least for the first year you're back, it would give the kids some transition time. I don't know the laws re receiving services from the district when you're homeschooling, sounds like finding an advocate is definitely in your best interest. I know there are non-profits who provide advocacy services, you might try posting on the disabilities thread as you get closer to doing that, there are a lot of folks over there that have kids with non-typical learning disabilities, etc, and they could prob give you some good advice.

On to your trip! I wouldn't want to start my kids at a new school without me being there either. I bet your parents would be more than willing to have them come visit, especially considering how long it's been since they've seen them, and how much you need a break! I'm sorry you're even having to think about living with your in-laws! As an adult, I think it's always hard to live with another adult..when Piper and I lived with my Mom after first moving back here, there were times we wouldn't speak to each other for days! Usually because I was trying to make a decision she didn't agree with, but a lot of times also because she was getting too involved with Piper..ie.."I can't believe you let Piper _________". That being said, we lived through it. It's not something I would ever want to repeat, but we would live through it again. If it ends up that you have to do that, just think of how happy you'll be when it's over.. Not very helpful I know, but hey.

I hope you'll be able to resolve everything with at least some sense of satisfaction with the results, things will fall into place the way they're supposed to, especially with the Man upstairs being the one that's really in charge.

 

[All7OfUs]

This has to be one of those "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" times in your life, Liesa. I would be having major issues as well, because from reading your post the only decision you have in your power seems to be your trip, and that's being affected by everyone else! While I wouldn't call myself a control freak, I make all of the decisions for Piper and I. There's no one else that chimes in or has a say. I think it's a lot harder when someone else is doing that for you

I think it definitely is. When we came here, I had a real sense of adventure and "this is going to be fun!" sort of attitude. Now on the reverse end, I'm really scared, and not excited at all. We had unknowns when we came, but for some reason those were exciting; now they're just scary.

I wouldn't call myself a control freak, but I feel like at every turn the things I want/ wanted aren't happening at all. It's like with every decision there's going to be a "loser" and right now, I'm feeling like the loser.

I am the Queen of Guilt..I was just saying on my PTR that I'm feeling guilty for updating so often..silly, I know, but true. I completely understand why you would feel guilty for leaving your teammate, but it sounded like the powers that be took that out of your hands a while back..it was just a matter of when. Try not to feel too guilty, all it will do is make you feel bad and it won't change anything. I'm sure your teammate will understand, and let's face it..there are a lot of places in the world that could benefit from her help, hopefully she'll be reassigned (I'm kind of assuming that's how it would work) and she'll get to experience another culture..that's a good thing!

You are so right on this!! It really isn't in my power to change things or anything for her, so I'll have to leave that in her hands- and ultimately to "The Man Upstairs".

I think things will fall into place, education-wise, no matter which route you choose to take. I'm with you on the homeschooling, at least for the first year you're back, it would give the kids some transition time. I don't know the laws re receiving services from the district when you're homeschooling, sounds like finding an advocate is definitely in your best interest. I know there are non-profits who provide advocacy services, you might try posting on the disabilities thread as you get closer to doing that, there are a lot of folks over there that have kids with non-typical learning disabilities, etc, and they could prob give you some good advice.

On the one hand, I see Zach's need for services, yet I don't want to throw him into something so foreign and scary to him either. At any rate, if we come back in early August, I don't see them going to school for a couple months, and that's after my trip.

On to your trip! I wouldn't want to start my kids at a new school without me being there either. I bet your parents would be more than willing to have them come visit, especially considering how long it's been since they've seen them, and how much you need a break! I'm sorry you're even having to think about living with your in-laws! As an adult, I think it's always hard to live with another adult..when Piper and I lived with my Mom after first moving back here, there were times we wouldn't speak to each other for days! Usually because I was trying to make a decision she didn't agree with, but a lot of times also because she was getting too involved with Piper..ie.."I can't believe you let Piper _________". That being said, we lived through it. It's not something I would ever want to repeat, but we would live through it again. If it ends up that you have to do that, just think of how happy you'll be when it's over.. Not very helpful I know, but hey.

There is FAR too much of that when we are around for ANY length of time. So there you have it. What else can I say?? Hopefully, she will stay out of my kitchen, and wont' nag about the yard work or the kids.

I hope you'll be able to resolve everything with at least some sense of satisfaction with the results, things will fall into place the way they're supposed to, especially with the Man upstairs being the one that's really in charge.

Amen!!

 

[jenb1023]

Wow! What a lot to process! I really wish we could all be there to have a cup of coffee/margarita/whatever and help you hash it all out. But since we can't, here is my two cents.

The main thing that stuck out to me is I wouldn't leave Zach alone with the in-laws. Moving back to the states will be enough of a transition without them adding to his stress. At least with you there, you can be a buffer even if you are living with them for a little while. As for the house thing and the move, I understand why you had to wait for DH to make the decision and the move but I would put my foot down on the in-law thing. It would be ideal if they did not have to live with you at all but if they have to live with you there has to be a firm timeline on when they will be out and firm boundaries (otherwise they might drive you and your kids insane).

As for education, to me it looks like you have done a great job so far so I am sure the choices you make will be right for each child. I really applaud you for recognizing that Zach needs more help than you are able to give. I know a few parents that stick their heads in the sand instead of recognizing there may be an issue and working on helping their child.

As for the trip, I think time will tell as you know more about the move and you will know what is right for you and your family. As it stands right now and based on the information you have given us, I would probably postpone the trip for a little while. However, a lot can change in the next several months and you know you, your family and your situation best.

I know that your heart, your faith and time will lead you in the right direction and to the right choices for all of you.

 

[If U Had Wings]

That's alot to have on your plate. I can't imagine living with the in-laws though. While moving a few years ago, I needed to stay with my own parents for a couple of months while work was being done on my new place. Slowest few months of my life, and I adore my parents. I can't imagine having to do it with someone else's.

 

[eandesmom]

First and foremost you are in my heart as you navigate through this. As I have faith in HIM to steer you through, I also have tremendous faith in YOU.

A few thoughts in no particular order.

Speech therapy. Apparently the criteria (at least here) by which they measure progress counts 2nd grade as a significant speech milestone so many many things that would not previously qualify as needing help, the assumption being that it will resolve itself, when it doesn't now becomes qualified. Eric, and 2 other classmates, qualified at the end of last year and it was not something I was even looking for or had occurred to me (lame I know). Basically he has issues with his "th" sounds. "That" sounds like "dat" and so on.

He is understandable, well to me anyway, and it just makes him sound immature. Which, well, he is lol. At any rate I am only providing this example to show if something as mild as that, qualifies, I really bet Zach will do, especially if you push a little. I think the key though is to be patient with the process. Which is long.

Which brings me to my 2nd point. Timing. The IEP process is LOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNGGGGGGG. It took almost 5 months after being identified as a need. Now in Zach's case you'll walk in asking for testing but still. If you arrive only 1 week before school starts you'll probably be lucky to get him any help by Christmas. I imagine it isn't possible to somehow get him tested before school lets out this year so I'd just factor that in. You might be able to talk to the district and find out what you can do from there so that he is set up when you arrive, I would definitely look into it. I agree, you don't want to start him out in a hard situation and if he can start therapy at the same time as public school it would help. I have no idea about services if you homeschool but definitely ask them about that too!

I wouldn't leave the kids with your in law's either, just too much transition, MIL issues are just icing on that cake.

Regarding starting school late, it really depends on the grade whether it's much of an issue and I can't recall what grades they all would be come fall!. Elementary school, not much of an issue. Later than that? It could be. It may be better to wait and put them in at the next logical break based on the grading periods, when new classes start for both MS and HS.

For Bekka. When you talk about CC are you thinking Running Start? I would think that could make a lot of sense for her and perhaps she could take the placement tests from there and you could supplement as needed from home to keep her from graduating late. It's funny, in Running Start they actually have a lot less total classes as the work is much harder, just like in real college, you just have to fulfill the graduation requirements. You've probably already looked into it but she may not need as many classes as you think.

Your trip. Are Maroo and LeAnn able to move their dates or are they locked in? Your family does need to come first and it sounds like you need to be in 3 places at once!

My gut would be to postpone the trip by a week or 2 to let you get settled, and homeschool through Christmas while you navigate the best options for Zach and Bekka.

 

[Sleepingbooty]

1) Postpone the trip a week later and have my in-laws watch the kids. Not ideal. Last time, MIL watched the kids, Zach (my LD son) ended up with a tic. He was so stressed out by her, that he literally developed an eye tic/twitch. Scary!

Sounds like you are not real keen on this idea, so we'll skip it...

2) Go, and postpone putting the kids in school- leaving them in Oregon while DH watches them. (Not ideal because he needs to be both looking for a job AND fixing up the rental for sale.)

But, I bet the older kids help out a lot with the younger ones, right? And its only a week - or wait - was longer than that, wasn't it?

3) Ask my parents to pay to fly the kids out to KY, and have them watch the kids while I take my trip, and keep the dates the same, and just put the kids in school a week late. I don't have a problem with this. The first week isn't so crucial. And we'll all still be so jet-lagged and busy unpacking and settling in anyway, that I might do this anyway, trip or not.

This sounds like a great plan - provided your parents would go for it.

4) Not put them in at all and continue homeschooling (my favorite choice), but still ask the district if they can provide the speech therapy, which is really all I'm hoping for anyway.

If your heart is leading you here, I think you should go for this! I know our school district provides special ed services for all who live in the district. Whether they home school, go to a private school, or go to public. A family that lives behind us homeschools, and they take their 3rd grade son up to our elementary for speech. Of course, there is the issue of getting them to certify that he NEEDS services, but the process would be the same whether you were attending the school or homeschooling (here, anyway). I'm guessing it might be similar there?

5) OR ?????

I can tell these decisions are whirling around your head like a duststorm. I know just how you feel. I get that same feeling when I try to figure out my career situation. But you know, you just have to do what you told me: Let the One in charge guide you. Make yourself open to His will and it'll be clear what you should do. Of course, as you know this takes a lot of patience! Its so hard when we want answers now! Praying that you are able to find some quiet in your mind. Just breathe!

 

[MRYPPNS]

My gut would be to postpone the trip by a week or 2 to let you get settled, and homeschool through Christmas while you navigate the best options for Zach and Bekka.

I agree with everything she said! But I'd go to Disney in late October/early November. You really are not going to get the chance to enjoy the planning and getting ready for your trip if you have so much going on at the same time.

On a personal note my son Liam has speech delays and he recieves EI services -it can be a slow process and YOU have to be the one that keeps everything moving in the right direction....I'm in the middle of it now and have been getting great advice from my DIS friends to help me get him to the next step!

 

[winkers]

Your fil suggested you live with them awhile? Run!! Run, as fast as you can! just kidding, sorta.

If I were you, I definatly wouldn't leave the kids with your MIL while your on the trip. You don't need to be worried about the therapy your kids will need after spending a week with her.

I'm sorry I don't have any words of wisdom for you. Just keep praying and follow the inspiration you are given.

 

[TarzansKat]

I wish I had some wonderful, profound advice for you, but I really don't.

I can only tell you that in any given situation, my family comes first. And although this may involve guilt with a variety of people who are also important in my life, when you come right down to it, my DH, DS (and now the bean), are the number one priority. Whatever is going to work for us as a family, that's what we're going to do.

I will pray for you that you can come up with the best decision for all of you.

 

[kdzbear]

Wow! I miss a few days and there is a lot to process. First, I would continue to pray. It is amazing the way God answers prayers. It sounds as if you would continue to do a great job at home schooling. I started high school in OH in an all girls private high school with 200 girls in the whole school. My sophomore year I was moved to a public school in OK with 2,000 students when my family moved. My senior year I was moved to another school in VA due to another family move. I would think if your daughter likes home schooling then keep things the same. The moving wasn't so bad. The worst part was all of the requirements that I had to keep catching up on each time we moved to a new state. I took three different state's history classes.

As for your trip, it can be postponed. Last year Disney extended free dining until December. You never know what sort of promotion may be around the next corner. I know that you weren't planning on using the free dining, but a new promo might be even better.

Hang in there!

 

[jordanyosh]

I really do feel like one of Cynthia's (EandE) gifts is wisdom. She has a way of looking at a situation without getting too caught up in the emotion of it all.

I agree with her that you should postpone it. I also agree with MRYPPNs that you should postpone it (if the others can) til October giving u enough time to settle in and then get ready for your trip.