House of A Writer

Welcome to my blog where I share my special needs parenting journey with my heart, truth, and love, one story at a time. ❤️

Dec 7

Ten Things of Thankful

by Jeanine Lebsack

I’ve had a busy weekend up before the sun and back after sunset. My son had a hockey tournament and I found so many things to be grateful for in this weekend alone! It’s been a long week that had my kids and I sidelined with the flu bug. In that time I felt sorry for mysel and had to look for things to be grateful for. I’m glad that in my fever hazed and sick days that I was able to see a silver lining in the grey clouds. Tome to wrap up my week with The TTOT linkup. 

I’m thankful for cuddles with my children. There’s something about the vulnerability of a child when they just need their Mama to help them to feel better. 

I’m thankful for my oldest son looking after me when I fell prey to the flu germs infesting our home. He was on his way to recovery but still needed to rest. So he set up movies for his little brother, made me some tea and watched over me while I slept. God bless him and his beautiful loving heart. 

I’m thankful for finally feeling better after not being sick since a year ago! Then it was my youngest son’s turn luckily it was a fast acting flu bug and he got rid of it quickly. He was so weak and exhausted and he spent most of his time sleeping. I was so glad when his fever broke and he was able to keep down some food. My poor sweet boy was so grateful for Mama cuddles as was I. 

I’m thankful for a family road trip. There’s always music, laughter, and yes even some fighting between my son’s. Yet it’s the conversations that take place that are the most special way to get to know what each other’s thinking. 

I’m thankful for sunrises that take my breath away. There’s nothing more spectacular than seeing God’s graciousness in the colourful tapestrys of beauty. 

 I’m thankful for the clouds that roll in to signify the end of the day and turn into a stunning sunset. Beautiful like a treasured artwork painted by God’s paintbrush. 

I’m thankful for strong little hockey players that put there all into playing their game. My son’s team finished up in third place after two wins and one loss. They passed, played, and held themselves with pride and did everyone in that arena  a service of watching their hearts on display. 
I’m so proud and thankful that the coaches recognized my son for the heart and hustle award for the second year in a row! He was so excited to show me his certificate and hockey puck. 

 I’m thankful for a fun but hectic weekend. There was so upset and meltdowns to deal with due to my son’s special needs and crowds of people can be hard for him to process. He knew that I would be there for him and protect him when needed. 
I’m thankful for pizza pool parties with a bunch of happy hockey players, and taking turns trying to out splash each other on the water slide. After all that was said and done soaking in the hot tub was the best gift of the day. 

life

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Mar 28

Friday Feats and Fails 

by Jeanine Lebsack

Hello Friday where have you been? I’ve been searching for you since Monday and couldn’t find you. Whenever you show it up its so wonderful and when you leave I’m so sad. Let’s enjoy the time we have together before another twenty four hour day comes and whisks you away.

FEAT 

I had a great weekend wrap up to my Captain’s hockey season. On the Saturday it was the Dad’s versus the kids game. My husband was the goalie for the kids side. Every time one of them scored he skated to the blue line and high fived them. The Captain loved playing hockey with his Dad, and  I could see and feel his pride. *Sigh* how I love that man with all my heart. ❤️ On Sunday we had a wind up party at the pool. We swam, soaked, dived, played, and slid on the waterslide. It was an absolute blast, I even ran into an old work friend I hadn’t seen in ten years!!!  A great day shared with great company. I can’t wait till the next hockey season. Now onto to decide what the next sport will be. Soccer, baseball, golf, or lacrosse. The choices are endless in the big city!

FAIL

I had to deal with some confusion in regards to my youngest son’s health journey. I applied for finding through my province and received back a letter stating I didn’t have enough medical information. So I contacted my Paediatrician to ask her help. She got very ignorant with me and told me she couldn’t give me a diagnostic letter. I told her I wasn’t asking for that, I was asking for her to write up a letter stating that she made referrals to the children’s hospital. She said she put the referrals in and I needed to be patient and wait and get a diagnostic letter from the neuropsychologists. I responded I don’t want to wait I’m only going to be a case file till the end of May and I’ll have to apply again! She responded with more ignorance and said she could write me up a letter but it’s not covered by my insurance. I just need something that says she’s tested my child and the referrals are going through for more tests. So that will be $100 dollars for two letters ugh I’ve never wanted to throat punch someone so badly before! ?

FEAT

Ive managed to keep my house fairly clean and get out and enjoy some beautiful spring weather. I also did a meet and greet in town where I didn’t know a soul. I even made some new friends and I went to geocaching three times this week. I love treasure hunting and finding little treasures its so much fun. My kids love it too, especially my youngest as he adds new treasures to his collection. ?

FAIL

I managed to have ten clean laundry baskets throughout the week so yay me!!! I have four folded, three put away, and three to be folded. I’m totally owned by my bitch laundry. It’s just easier to light a match and walk away. Either that and walk around naked, I’d probably have to invent some creative excuse as to why I was. ?

I wish I had this sink , I’d spend a lot more time in my laundry room. ??

FEAT

I was brave this week I stood up for my beliefs and didn’t allow the professionals to dictate to me what I was thinking or saying. I resisted the urge to throat punch bitches, and pushed back when I felt cornered. I crossed my hurdle and started seeing a therapist. I wrote from my heart even though it pained me. It was for the #1000 speak compassion movement called building from bullying. I verbally puked that story out of me as I wrote about my experience of being bullied for a year in high school. I’ve been so fortunate to have it published on the www.originalbunkerpunks.com. And my lovely friend bought me a t-shirt to celebrate. I made some new friends and connected with old ones. If you look up in the dictionary for the definition of brave you’ll find my picture. I’ve also been blessed to be nominated for the One Lovely Blog Award from the fabulous https://one mothertoanother.com.  I also guest blogged for https://happylifeaholic.com. My 1000 speak story can be read here 

http://wp.me/p46h5g-kO

My guest post can be read here

https://happylifeaholic.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/24/thl-guest-post-jeanine-lebsack-my-pursuit-of-happiness/

 

Rocking my new OBP t-shirt. ?❤️

FAIL

I’ve been fortunate to be co-host this segment Friday’s Feats and Fails recently with the lovely www.morethancheeseandbeer.com. And my big fail is not getting my link up in time and to share and promote within social media. I have no excuse but to say I got so busy with trying to complete a book review project, planning my Mad dog’s birthday party, and ran out of time and sleep doing all the above!!! I haven’t been a very good sister and I’ve needed to make apologies for that. I’ve judged a friend harshly for the decisions she’s made, and with zero patience left in my bucket I’ve yelled at my kids, husband, and anyone else who pissed me off.?

FEAT

 I took a personal day on Wednesday and read all day. I of course parented and enjoyed myself immensely. I need to have more days like that. I was reading the sequel anthology to I just want to pee alone. Oh my sides still ache from laughing and my eyes are red and swollen from crying. Funny, touching, hilarious, and a much needed feel good book. You can read my reviews over at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Special thanks to the awesome www.tracyontherocks.com who’s featured in this fabulous book for this wonderful opportunity. Please check out her latest blog post that has the links to all of the lovely Jen Mann books. ?❤️

 

I want to be in the next group with these amazing, funny, talented, group of writers! I’m fangirl crushing on all of them. ❤️


*Update*

My cousin and her family have been home from the hospital for a week tomorrow. Amazing Grace has been growing well, putting on weight, catching up on sleep, and doing so incredible. Thank you to everyone for sharing/contributing to the Go fund me. All the proceeds will go to providing whatever services, and baby supplies that Grace will needed. And thank you to everyone for all your prayers and support. My family is so grateful for all the kindness bestowed on their precious baby girl. ?

It’s link up time tell me how your week was. ?

life

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Feb 7

Friday’s Feats and Fails

by Jeanine Lebsack

Wahoo it’s Friday last week I was drinking beer with my husband this week I’m drinking wine with my sister and niece!!! I love when they come to visit it’s like the sun starts shining bright on my heart. ? So let’s do a roundup of how my week was. Cheers my dear readers. ?

FEAT

It was hockey weekend and we were off on a road trip. I was so excited to get out of town and do some socializing. I got everyone packed up and we were ready to go in record time. And SIRI even cooperated by giving us better directions when we figured it out in map quest, it was quicker to go around the city than through it! My sons were occupied and for once not driving each other to screaming fits.

FAIL

We were 40 kms from our destination and a bad snow storm blew in. That’s life in the Prairies. Everything’s so flat you can literally see it roll in. We saw some erratic driving as the roads turned to ice very quickly. People were passing us and landing in the ditch every five kms, it was so scary. My youngest was sleeping and my oldest was enthralled with his video game, none the wiser. I was so stressed by the time we arrived at the hotel my fingernails had embedded creases in the palms of my hands!!! I cracked open a beer and I was still shaking!

FEAT

It was a busy weekend and the Saturday morning game was at 8 am. It was very early but I had everyone organized to go the night before so it was a case of being motivated. My Captain played a great game and they won 4-3. They had a break and then we ate and played again at 11:30 am. My Mad dog was doing great he was playing and being entertained with his video game device. We even did some colouring as well. My Captain ended up winning the heart and hustle award for the game and I was so proud of him. He kept looking up in the stands while I snapped pictures. ❤️

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FAIL

We arrived back at our hotel very tired and hungry so it was a potluck in the lobby and I was starving. The team won their game 8-3 and spirits were high, and hockey in the hallway was being played. My Captain was hanging out with his friends, and Mad dog was running all over he was so would up that when I tried to get him from playing floor hockey to eat he just lost it. He was going up and down these steep stairs while I was getting us food. I went to take care of him and he was really upset by this time, and honestly so was I. So I grabbed him and carried him back to the room while balancing a plate of food. I was exhausted, embarrassed, and I literally wanted to crawl under the covers and cry. My husband said I shouldn’t worry we’re all parents and get it. When overtired, over stimulated, sensory, ASD behaviours rear it’s ugly head everyone gets caught in the crossfire.

FEAT

After a cooling off period we went for a swim at the local recreation centre. It was so fun to hang out and relax with my kids. I was very happy to find a hot tub and later meet up with a new friend that I’ve been corresponding with. It’s always a treat to find out you gel with someone in person as well as online. Classy from Classy with a touch of some is my sister from the vineyard. We had a lovely visit, enjoying so wine, laughter, and conversation, and she met my family. I know this isn’t always the norm to meet someone off of Facebook and really bond. I used caution as did my friend and we met in a public place. I trust my instincts and the vibes I get. God always leads me to good people, and good situations as long as I pay attention to my intuition. I have a wonderful friend as the result and we look forward to a much longer visit next time. ?
FAIL

We made it through the night with very little sleep but had a 10 am game. So breakfast was had at the hotel and off to the rink we went. The opposing team was very good and we ended up losing 7-3. It was heartbreaking to see as my son’s team was up 3-0 in the second period. We were tired and hungry so off for lunch we went. The next game wasn’t till 3:15 pm so that was a long wait. I was already high strung from having to be around a lot of people and keep Mad dog regulated. So I was just going to watch a movie and then wander in the for game. That didn’t go so great as we ended up running for a bathroom and my son had an accident. I cleaned him up and while I washing my hands he took off!!! I was able to catch him in the stands but I was really scared so we went back to the truck again. ?

FEAT

My Captain’s played for fourth place and still made it into the medal standings. I was so proud of him and how hard he worked and that he kept out of the penalty box this game. We made it home to catch the last ten controversial minutes of the Super Bowl. All in all it was a fun weekend but four hockey games and all the activity was a lot for my sons to process. I will have a better game plan in mind for our next adventure. The next two days I was a sloth. I caught up on laundry and became a homebody for the week. So now we’re working through some potty training aggression so that’s disheartening. I have faith though we’re not giving up the dream of being diaper free, just postponing it, till we get back on track. It was fun to get away, and it’s always so rewarding to get back home. Till next time my friends enjoy your weekend making some wonderful memories. ?

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This has been my submission to Ash’s Friday’s Feats and Fails. Check out how her week went and all the other talent who link up. Thank you. ?

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life

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Jan 31

Friday’s Feats and Fails

by Jeanine Lebsack

Well it’s that time of the week, the time I look forward to. It’s Friday and I’m not watching Netflix I’m drinking beer and relaxing so with no further delay here’s the week in review.

FEAT

Well every weekend starts out with hockey so off to another game we go. Everything’s good with the Captain he’s packed up his hockey bag the night before, so we’re bound to be early. We end up still arriving with 10 minutes to spare because Mad dog has a temper tantrum about getting into his seat without his Thomas train. I retrieve said train that has been dropped in the mud and life carries on. We’re experiencing a Chinook where the weather changes from -13 to +16 overnight. So now all our snow is melting. The Captain’s team ends up winning their game and we continue on home to hot chocolate, popcorn and movies.

FAIL

I haven’t been at my most patient, my kids playing musical beds has caused that. Mad dog waits till I’m sleeping or crawling into bed and then runs and jumps into his brother’s. I let them sleep as I’m too tired to move or to sore. Then Mad dog’s restless legs syndrome takes over and he kicks the Captain out of his own bed! Then he comes to me and crawls into my bed. It’s a long endless cycle and by the time Friday comes around I’m at my wits end and feeling stabby. ?

FEAT

I’ve kept up with the laundry and hockey practices all week and I’m feeling successful. My kids have been really happy lately so that’s always a good thing. I’ve settled my mind with all the up coming doctor assessments and received help from my former province. It’s been a relief that the squeaky, bitchy, wheel gets the grease, which is the help I need. Now that I have medical insurance the process of evaluation can commence. I took a long walk with my Mad dog while the Captain was at hockey with his Dad. I took some beautiful pictures of the sunset and have used them in my blogs. I also found out I was featured again on the www.originalbunkerpunks.com. I was feeling particularly vulnerable and I went to catch up on some blog reading. Low and behold I find my submission featured on the main page!!! It’s a story I wrote for my beloved Mama so I’m really proud of it. And my story I wrote of my journey to a diagnosis was featured on the www.mighty.com. Two features in one day, you couldn’t kick me off cloud nine if you tried. ?

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FAIL

Mad dog has had a nasty cold/cough so he hadn’t had much of an appetite. When he does say he’s hungry he just wants sugary cereal. I only allow that for a special treat but I’m just happy he’s eating something. So in turn we’ve had healthier dinners than breakfast and lunches. My Captain came home from school right before I had respite for his brother. He didn’t even say hello he just burst into tears and fell on his bed. I was at loss about what to do because he was sobbing and I couldn’t understand what it was about. He finally was able to tell me that he got into trouble at school for accidentally hitting a student in the eye with a pillow. It was a mistake he was throwing a pillow onto the chair that someone was sitting on, and the kid was walking by and bam right in the eye. ? I had a friend of mine pass away suddenly and I’m feeling sad. He was a really wonderful man, and him and his lovely wife were like Grandparents to my sons. I sang a song for them and recorded it and sent it to the wife. She’s recovering in the hospital and I’m praying that she’ll hear I and it will bring her some comfort.

FEAT

I got that situation resolved and the Captain and the student worked out their differences and are friends. Morgan never gets in trouble at school so this was devastating for him. I took him out for hot chocolate and doughnuts just the two of us, and we had a great talk. Today a magazine that I was published in went live. I’m so excited, elated and feeling so proud. I owe it all to my beloved Mama she told me I could do anything and it feels so good to believe that again. My confidence took a shaky fall after she died and I didn’t write anywhere except for in my journal. My pain of losing her was so raw, and uncut that I didn’t think I’d be able to get through it. Well here I am today to say I am one day, one story at a time. If you’d like to read it I posted a link for it on my Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/jsackmomblog

Thank you for reading my week in review this has been my submission to Ash’s www.morethancheeseandbeer.com. Check out her week and all the other talent that links up. All the best to you, until our next adventure take care of you. ?

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life

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Jan 25

Whine

by Jeanine Lebsack

I’ve had it, I’ve heard enough, this is the last straw!!! It’s all incessant whining in my household. So starting out this blog post I shall offer a disclaimer.

*Whining will NOT be tolerated unless it’s by the Mother of the household of whiners.*

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Now you may think this is unfair I assure you it’s how I see it as I’m up to my eyeballs in it. I was up late last night, I’m not even going to attempt to whine about that since that is my life. I listened to my Mad dog coughing till 2 am. I couldn’t wake him up enough to give him so medicine so I rubbed his feet with an essential oil flu blend. I continued chatting with my friend who was up at the same time as me. And we poured out our thoughts, wishes, inspirations, and songs.

I finally went to bed tossing and turning over this weeks events. I thought about how excited I was to have chicken wings and my husband wanted them cooked to crispness perfection. I opened up the oven and it set off the smoke alarm! The noise was deafening as we opened doors and windows. There was no visible signs of smoke just very delicious chicken wings I couldn’t eat. ?

I had two very sensory boys to deal with. One that just turned up the TV and one who was potty training and running around naked. I was trying to catch him before he erupted all over the place. Honestly it would’ve been quicker to catch a greased pig at a BBQ. I finally corralled him in a corner and got his underwear on, then turned down the blaring TV. Meanwhile the alarms was still making it’s annoying beeping. The sound of it’s shrill whine made me hide in my laundry room. As my sensory bucket was full to the brim and overflowing.

What would I do if I had a magic wand in these situations? Voila my youngest would be completely potty trained and accident free! His brother would think before he says the hurtful words that spew forth from anger. I would get more sleep, and alone time with my husband. I wouldn’t have to be on constant vigil listening for sounds of breathing, snoring, or choking. And there would be more date nights with copious amounts of wine enjoyed. ?

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*Image used with permission from www.sharingwithshari.com*

Back to my story after my own ADHD moment, finally the nails on the chalkboard sound stopped and I crawled out from the black hole of my laundry room. I put my kids to bed, amidst the whining of I’m not tired, I don’t want to go potty, read me another story. Finally I had freedom and I grabbed a huge plate of wings and retreated to my safety of my bedroom. My husband and I comforted ourselves with watching Grim and I drank some wine. It was a pleasant end to a long experience of sensory proportions.

This morning I awoke to the sounds of whining. My Captain couldn’t find his elbow pad. I somehow got blamed for it, although he was the one who aired out his gear and packed it up after. I listened to the stomping, whining, and after 4 hours of sleep the angry Mama bear had arisen. The elbow pad was found in my sons hockey bag (where it was the whole time) and his whining and temper tantrum woke up his brother. Who was none to happy about breaking his slumber after hacking most of the night. He stumbles around dehydrated, cranky, and in need of Mommy cuddles.

Mornings like this really make me want to day drink but I chill my bottle and know it will be waiting for me at the end of the day. So I said Father and son out the door to their hockey game and I curl up on the couch to reflect. Now I’m whining about not enough milk left for cereal for me. After my Mad dog devoured two big bowls and I’m currently munching on Caesar salad. With just the two of us home there’s laughter, hockey, zamboni ice clearing, and most important a whine free zone.

This has been my submission to Ash’s Sunday confession of www.morethancheeseandbeer.com. Please check out her blog, her anonymous confessions on her Facebook page and all the other talent who link up. Smooches to a whine free day. ?

life

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