Another Journey Ahead

For those who are just checking in or glancing at this blog.  I have been MIA for several years, although I do check in, or respond to comments or emails.  I haven't been actively involved in the Tourettes World here in Utah like we were in Ohio.  This decision was mostly because I had so much on my plate to navigate, and help everyone get settled, and functioning with the new change, different state, new schools, and I was finishing up my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education.  Let's just sum it all up for not enough time in the day to keep up on the blog.

It has been 5 years since our move from Cincinnati, Ohio.  We have been living in the Salt Lake City/Northern Utah area.  My kids are enormously big and grown up.  I will have to post an update another day, with Pictures, I promise.

I have decided to start my Masters of Special Education program.  It has been my life long goal to do get my degree and work in education, doing what I have the most experience in Special Education.  I have spent the last 3 years teaching in a regular education classroom, both in a public setting and a charter school setting.  I still get frustrated at the things I have seen in school when it comes to identifying students with learning needs, and difficulties.   It seems that I know what I am talking about and my suggestions and experience works well in my classroom, but for others they seem to think that having 3 children with Tourette Syndrome, isn't enough experience, I need the degree.  So it is the degree I am getting to make sure I can move as many kids forward in their education and set them up for success as I can.

I am hoping to post information and direction for the rest of you.  The most visited post on this blog is about Accommodations in the classroom for student with Tourette Syndrome, which I posted in October 2010.  There is so much more information available now then there ever was 5 years ago, and TSA.org has come a long way is getting the word out there and assistance with educational material.

If you have a great resource or link you would like to share for other families to access;  feel free to email me at morethantics@gmail.com.

I specifically will be looking for more resources for accommodations in college.  Tanner is going to be needing these in the next few months, as he prepares to embark on that journey.  (He's dragging his feet at going but we have to at least try it all out to see if it is something he wants to do)

Here's to another journey ahead, and sharing what I learn.

Happy Days,

Cari

On the Move

When opportunities present themselves,  we need to have the courage to act on them.  Our family did just that this summer.  We got a job offer to return to our first career love- TEACHING- and be closer to our families, after 12 years of living away.  We decided to accept the offer, and move to UTAH.  We have been here for almost 3 months.  It was pretty stressful there for a while, but we have all made the adjustments in school, and are making buddies, and looking for a permanent home.

 We have gotten to see our Great- Grandparents for the first time for some of our kids, and 7 years for others.  It was awesome to spend time with them and listen to Great-Grandpa's World War 2 stories, and look at his memorabilia.

 I think the best is Great Grandma's Lap- and her persistence to still teach someone how to tie their shoes. 

 We got to see great things on our adventure out west we took a week to travel, and see sights along our way.  Hey why not,  I don't know when we would travel back like that again.  The kids got to see amazing sights, and learn so much.

Riding in a Covered Wagon pulled by Oxen in Illinois

Lots of Farm Land

Crossing the Mississippi River- admiring the lilly Fields

Floods in Missouri-

Wild Horses in Wyoming

Just the other side of Devil's Gate is UTAH!

So what does this mean for the More than Tics Support Group?

We had our last get together in June with everyone and said our goodbyes to Ohio.  The families that have participated so far, are still in contact with each other.  I still have contact information for TS families that want to continue to meet other TS families.  There isn't a family support group meeting any more,  however,  we would encourage you to continue to reach out to others, and educate others in Ohio.  Tanner had such a great opportunity as the Ambassador, and this is the same kind of opportunity you can apply for each year through www.tsaohio.org.  They have applications there and select new ambassadors to go to D.C. each spring.  PLEASE APPLY!  Have courage to do things that bring you out of your comfort zone, and provide opportunities for your family.  Tanner gained so much confidence and really came to know and empathize with other kids.  He had courage to get out of his comfort zone and put himself out there to help other kids.  It wasn't always easy but it was so incredibly rewarding for both of us.  We met and became friends with amazing kids and families, who just like you,  needed to know they weren't alone in their TS Journey. 

Tanner now is a junior at Roy High School in Roy Utah.  He decided to join the swim team this year and has enjoyed it.  He loves that his tics aren't as bad, and also for the goals and accomplishments he has made so far.  This is the first time for him to EVER swim competitively.  Another act of courage, and trying something for the first time.

We want to continue to help families with TS,  although we do not live in Ohio any longer, we still have our list of contacts, and information of clinicians, and other families who would like to connect with other TS Families.   Please feel free to contact us

TSA Annual Report 2010

TSA Annual Report

Here is a surprise on the front cover of the TSA's Annual 2010 report.   Tanner's Photo was on there for his work he has done as the Ohio Youth Ambassador.  He is featured with another fellow Ambassador Hayley. 

Sad News

We received some really sad news yesterday.  Sam the Red-Tail Hawk, that we were going to see next week, died suddenly from an infection she contracted a few days ago.  Matt and his family are devistated as you can imagine this Sweet pet, was a big part of their life.  They grew to love her very much for all she contributed to their family, and caring for her. 

We will still be having our Meeting on the 25th but we will be changing what we are doing in light of this news. 

Our deepest sympathy goes to you and your family Matt.  Thank you so much for being so willing to share Sam with us.

In leiu of the sad news- we are changing plans for the Group Meeting on Monday, August 25th.

We will still be meeting at
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
8250 Cornell Rd
Montgomery

7:00 p.m.
Parents will be meeting in the Room across from the Gym-
Topic
504 Plans- IEPS and School issues
Question and answer session helpful hints

Kids- Meet in the Gym
Adult supervised
Game Night-  depending on number of kids-
Group games or Fun Card and board games

Refreshments in Gym- Rootbeer Floats

Thank you everyone for your understanding and flexibility. 

Cari

The Miracle of the Chinese Bamboo Tree vs Parenting

I heard a wonderful talk a couple of months ago with the most incredible analogy in it.  The talk was very inspirational to me.  It was a discussion on parenting, persevering.  The most inspirational story was the story about The Miracle of the Chinese Bamboo Tree.  I wanted to share it here for those parents who may be wondering if all the work, therapy, love, and discipline will ever pay off or will they ever see the results of their efforts.  (Stephen R Covey, "7 Habits of Highly Effective Families")

"After the seed for this amazing tree is planted, you see nothing, absolutely nothing, for four years except for a tiny shoot coming out of a bulb. During those four year, all the growth is underground in a massive, fibrous root structure that spreads deep and wide in the earth. But then in the fifth year the Chinese Bamboo tree grows up to eighty feet!"


Many things in parenting are like the Chinese bamboo tree.  You work, invest time and effort and do all you possibly can and sometimes you don't see anything for weeks, months or even years.  It's this process that often demands patience to adapt to situations you didn't set up-- anything from buying track pants because they are softer than Levis, to allowing items to be touched as many times as makes your child feel even, making it through the rages, answering questions and commenting on stares.  There is speed reading, speed writing, but no Speed Parenting.

As you may or may not know,  Tanner is the oldest of 5 children.  Aaron and I are parents of 4 sons and a daughter.  Tanner and our 3rd son Mason have Tourette Syndrome.  You see a lot of Tanner, on the blog because he is the most outspoken, and paving his way.  I don't post the "Accomplishments of Tanner" on here to "brag", (we are proud of him, and his determination as any parent would be of their child)  We post the accomplishments and activities, to show other kids, they can be or do whatever they want in spite of having Tourette Syndrome.  Tourette Syndrome can be a lonely, isolating disorder.  I think many parents feel isolated in their journey because there aren't many families who talk about having kids with TS.  It can also be isolating because of co morbid disorders that go along with it.  (OCD, ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Rages)  which at times can be more debilitating than the TS, which means there are the stares, and comments, and difficulties, in school, or even activities you can't participate.

As Parents, it seems like you live a double live-  there is the life at home, when your child may be completely melting down, and the life at work or school.  Most times in our life, no one would believe that we were doing all the correct things at home to try and circumvent the meltdowns, or behaviors.  We would often hear about Tanner. "Oh he is perfectly fine at school,  We have no problems.  What is going on at home that there would be meltdowns and rages all the time."  I felt for years I had "Stupid Parent"tattooed on my forehead.  After all these years,  we have come to accept our home as the "Safe Haven"  I wouldn't want my child to melt down like he does at home at school.  I am so glad he feels safe, and comfortable to let out his stress at home.  (granted we had to adjust what ways were okay to do that) but I am so glad they want to come home and tell me what is happening.  We were doing everything right.  We need to adjust along the way but we are planting the right kinds of coping skills, and roots for our kids.

Next as a parent, you work, work, work, going from doctor to doctor, and specialists.  Then there is the medication roller coaster,  which one works, the side effects, one doesn't work,  or you finally get on a good even keel, and then something needs to be tweaked.  Did I mention dealing with everything with school, and getting it set up and working, and the good school years, and the bad ones, then the teachers who "GET IT" and those who don't want to be bothered.  It is emotional and physically draining.  I didn't even cover, keeping  up with your other children  functioning and helping them feel like they aren't living their brother or sister's TS life. 

This story can apply in so many ways, I hope you can take from it what you need to give you the strength for your Journey.  We share our story and Tanner's life so you can see that the Journey is worth it,  all of the effort and work will pay off, and eventually you will see your sprouts of bamboo.  It takes years,  but you are laying the root system to give them the strength  and tools for the rest of their life.
Sometimes we take our children's goodness for granted. Let's tell them how truly amazing they are, how each step in the right direction is valiant, even if sometimes its one step forward and two backward, don't forget the step forward. They are facing a strong head wind--at times a hurricane.


BAMBOO, my Friends, BAMBOO!

February/March Community Out Reach Presentation

Monday, February 28th, from 7-8
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
8250 Cornell Rd, Montgomery

We are having a community outreach Tourette Syndrome Youth Ambassador Presentation. Anyone wanting to learn more about Tourette Syndrome are welcome to attend. This is a great opportunity for educators, family, friends, coaches, and others who work with or associate with others who have a disability to learn more about what it is like to have Tourette Syndrome and live with a disability.

You can click on the Flyer above to read more about the program, and presentation.

More than Tics-
Coordinator Cari Hutchison

www.morethantics.blogspot.com

WCPO Student of the Week- February

WCPO Student of the Week Tanner Hutchison- February 7th

We were all surprised to hear that Tanner was nominated as WCPO Student of the week February 7th.  He was nominated by 2 different teachers, one from Mason Intermediate School, where he did a lot of his presentations in 2010 and on his home turf at Milford High School.  Neither Teacher new the other had nominated him, so it was sweet for Tanner to be acknowledged for his hard work in giving the Tourette Syndrome Presentations. 

Tanner received a Plaque to hang on his wall, and was interviewed by WCPO Channel 9 news.  He was very honored to receive the award. 

Click on the above link to view the interview.


While we were in the mood of celebrating,  Tanner also had his Eagle Scout Award and was honored in his Eagle court of honor, on February 13th.  He has worked hard to complete his Eagle Scout requirements, and excited to continue working on his Palms. 

Congratulations to Tanner for his hard work and dedication to his goals.