So I am in the process of attempting to refinance our home. We purchased our home 18 months ago and over the last 18 months have been making extra payments of $50-200 each month so that we can get our loan balance down. The quicker the better right? WRONG! After talking to my lender/financial advisor (of which I have had the same one for 4 years) I found out that since mortgage rates vary and so do home values that it is better to put your extra money in savings, preferable a money market savings as you can earn more interest in the money market verses a regular savings account. This I never knew!
We were also looking at the cost to refinance the house and were debating if it is worth it, we already have a low rate of 6.37 so we really wanted to wait for the rates to go below 6% to refi because no matter which way we look at it closing costs will be approximately $2500. But we have PMI (Principal Mortgage Insurance) that we are required to pay until our home value drops below 80% of the home value. We are currently at 90% but it would take an arm and a leg to get it below that 80% quick. So long story short we are looking at switching to an FHA loan which will cut our mortgage insurance in more than 1/2 and at at 6% rate we will save $150+ per month. Over a year that is a ton of money... but we have been hanging on to paying the $2500 closing costs... and debated paying them in cash to save the amount of our loan by $2500 but be found out that the difference in payment will be a couple of dollars per month and we found that all of our closing costs again will be tax deductible! So in all - we are waiting for trusty Jim to give us a call as soon as the rates are 6% or less to start our refinance process. In all that min. $150 savings each month adds up to over $1800 a year which we have decided that we can stick into a Roth IRA for Paul so that we can make our later retirement slightly more cushy!
Anyhow - new information to me - mortgages sometimes are hard to figure out and new info is always great so I felt it important to share my new info. Have a great day!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Monday, October 6, 2008
PDD NOS - Info - Vent
Okay - for all who didn't know before - Chandler was diagnosed when he was 3 or 4 with PDD-NOS which falls under an Autistic Spectrum Disorder. As if this is not all confusing enough all by itself. For a long time we had a village of doctors that have seen Chandler since he was 3 years old and they have supported me as a parent for all of this time while diagnosing Chandler and assisting me with finding ways to learn, deal and understand him.
He continued to see these doctors when several appointments were postponed about 2 years ago because of family vacations, planning the wedding, selling and buying a new home... then when Paul and I were married June 2007 I found out that Chandler lost his SSI due to Paul's income counting since we were married, then I found out that he also lost Medicaid because he lost his SSI. So the whirlwind was pretty overwhelming and I simply haven't done anything for the last 18 months because after several phone calls to my insurance provider I found that none of his village of doctors were covered by my insurance so - long story short we were up a creek.
Well - Chan has done better in many aspects over time, tantrums are far and few between, melt downs are not as severe as they once were, he has started to socialize and has a few friends (2 to be exact but they are 5), his speech is far better than ever before, he learned to read last year and is counting triple digit numbers so from a parents perspective we have jumped many of hurdles and are miles further than I would have dreamed of being.
Still 18 months after marriage I am having a hard time having discussions with Paul about Chandler's disability and maybe I am an over protective mother but I am frustrated because sometimes I feel as people want me to pretend that the PDD NOS isn't there... anyhow just frustrated about sometime feeling alone in trying to find ways to make Chandler feel as normal as possible - and to encourage age appropriate friendships.
Anyhow if interested about more info - I have copied info from a web page and pasted it along with the link below - any advise would be gratefully appreciated.
Information provided by: http://www.autismspeaks.org/navigating/pdd_nos.php
PDD-NOS
What it Is Pervasive Developmental Disorder -
Not Otherwise Specified, or PDD-NOS, for short, is a condition on the spectrum that has those with it exhibiting some, but not all, of the symptoms associated with classic autism. That can include difficulty socializing with others, repetitive behaviors, and heightened sensitivities to certain stimuli.
How it's similar to classic autism
Those with PDD-NOS behave like those with classic autism in many ways. First, they are all different (meaning one person with PDD-NOS doesn't act exactly like another; the same holds true for classic autism). When interacting with others, they may appear unemotional or unable to speak, they could have trouble holding eye contact, or they may have trouble transitioning quickly from one activity to the next.
How diagnosis differs
Those with PDD-NOS are different from others on the spectrum in one specific way: While they may exhibit some symptoms of those conditions, they don't fit the bill closely enough to fully satisfy all criteria set by the experts. Perhaps they started having difficulties at a much later age than others on the spectrum. (According to the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities, they are often diagnosed between the ages of 3 and 4 years old.) Or they may have the same challenges — for example, they may be oversensitive to their surroundings — but not to the extreme that others on the spectrum do.
Consequently, those with PDD-NOS are sometimes thought to have a "milder" form of autism, though this may not be technically true. One symptom may be minor, while another may be worse.
What To Do About It Treatments
According to the Yale Developmental Disabilities Clinic, treating children with PDD-NOS could prove tricky: Sometimes, they may not get the help they need as quickly as those whose behavioral patterns are more clearly definable as autistic. Healthcare providers may not provide a diagnosis of PDD-NOS until after they've considered all the other "types" of autism; in short, they may arrive at their conclusion after essentially a process of elimination.As with other conditions, it takes a village of doctors, psychologists, teachers, therapists, and family members to arrive at an action plan that would work best for someone with PDD-NOS. A "one-size-fits-all" approach usually doesn't work: A multi-pronged regimen may be the most advisable. These treatments could include:
*Various behavioral regimens, including play therapy,
*Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), sensory integration therapy, and more
*Medications, including anti-depressants
*Social skills training, which teaches children how to interact with their peers for
specific situations
*Alternative therapies such as martial arts therapy, wherein they flex their muscles literally and figuratively (they get stronger and learn how to function in a group setting); music therapy, which has kids learning how to communicate with the help of songs; or facilitated communication, in which children are taught to use computers or other equipment to make their thoughts known, especially if they have trouble expressing themselves verbally. (It supposedly is helpful to some children with PDD-NOS, says the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities.)
How to Cope
Like other parents with children on the spectrum, you will face many challenges, starting with the incomprehension and insensitivity of others unfamiliar with your situation. They may think your child is "misbehaving" and, consequently, deem you a parent unable to "control" him. This may be especially true because PDD-NOS kids don't fit into the more easily identifiable forms of autism spectrum disorders. Ignorance can bring out the worst in others, and sometimes, when they're not privy to your child's issues (or simply don't understand them or won't accept the diagnosis, as happens in some families), they may be more judgmental.
That's why it's important to surround yourselves with friends, family members, teachers and healthcare providers whom you trust. Be sure that the lines of communication with and among them are clear; you will be relying on them through the many ups and downs of life with a PDD-NOS child.
If you're the primary caretaker (meaning you spend the most hours with your child), you'll need to make time for yourself, too. Caring for others can be draining, and you won't be able to give much if you don't replenish your own stores of energy and look after your physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Ask your child's healthcare providers for referrals to support groups so you can meet parents of other children on the spectrum; or go online — many parenting Web sites have bulletin boards for children with special needs, and Autism Speaks has online forums as well.
Structure is helpful for children on the spectrum, so take this into consideration when deciding what events to attend or places to go. Preparation is key, so let your child know what to expect before the situation takes place or they reach their destinations. Consistency also helps, so check in with your healthcare team before starting or stopping a regimen.
As children grow older and become more aware of the limitations that their condition has placed upon them, it may be helpful for them to receive counseling with a therapist trained in dealing with pervasive developmental disorders. As difficult as it is for parents to go through this journey, it's even harder for the children themselves who have to work through their own personal challenges and other people's ignorance as they make their way in the world.
He continued to see these doctors when several appointments were postponed about 2 years ago because of family vacations, planning the wedding, selling and buying a new home... then when Paul and I were married June 2007 I found out that Chandler lost his SSI due to Paul's income counting since we were married, then I found out that he also lost Medicaid because he lost his SSI. So the whirlwind was pretty overwhelming and I simply haven't done anything for the last 18 months because after several phone calls to my insurance provider I found that none of his village of doctors were covered by my insurance so - long story short we were up a creek.
Well - Chan has done better in many aspects over time, tantrums are far and few between, melt downs are not as severe as they once were, he has started to socialize and has a few friends (2 to be exact but they are 5), his speech is far better than ever before, he learned to read last year and is counting triple digit numbers so from a parents perspective we have jumped many of hurdles and are miles further than I would have dreamed of being.
Still 18 months after marriage I am having a hard time having discussions with Paul about Chandler's disability and maybe I am an over protective mother but I am frustrated because sometimes I feel as people want me to pretend that the PDD NOS isn't there... anyhow just frustrated about sometime feeling alone in trying to find ways to make Chandler feel as normal as possible - and to encourage age appropriate friendships.
Anyhow if interested about more info - I have copied info from a web page and pasted it along with the link below - any advise would be gratefully appreciated.
Information provided by: http://www.autismspeaks.org/navigating/pdd_nos.php
PDD-NOS
What it Is Pervasive Developmental Disorder -
Not Otherwise Specified, or PDD-NOS, for short, is a condition on the spectrum that has those with it exhibiting some, but not all, of the symptoms associated with classic autism. That can include difficulty socializing with others, repetitive behaviors, and heightened sensitivities to certain stimuli.
How it's similar to classic autism
Those with PDD-NOS behave like those with classic autism in many ways. First, they are all different (meaning one person with PDD-NOS doesn't act exactly like another; the same holds true for classic autism). When interacting with others, they may appear unemotional or unable to speak, they could have trouble holding eye contact, or they may have trouble transitioning quickly from one activity to the next.
How diagnosis differs
Those with PDD-NOS are different from others on the spectrum in one specific way: While they may exhibit some symptoms of those conditions, they don't fit the bill closely enough to fully satisfy all criteria set by the experts. Perhaps they started having difficulties at a much later age than others on the spectrum. (According to the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities, they are often diagnosed between the ages of 3 and 4 years old.) Or they may have the same challenges — for example, they may be oversensitive to their surroundings — but not to the extreme that others on the spectrum do.
Consequently, those with PDD-NOS are sometimes thought to have a "milder" form of autism, though this may not be technically true. One symptom may be minor, while another may be worse.
What To Do About It Treatments
According to the Yale Developmental Disabilities Clinic, treating children with PDD-NOS could prove tricky: Sometimes, they may not get the help they need as quickly as those whose behavioral patterns are more clearly definable as autistic. Healthcare providers may not provide a diagnosis of PDD-NOS until after they've considered all the other "types" of autism; in short, they may arrive at their conclusion after essentially a process of elimination.As with other conditions, it takes a village of doctors, psychologists, teachers, therapists, and family members to arrive at an action plan that would work best for someone with PDD-NOS. A "one-size-fits-all" approach usually doesn't work: A multi-pronged regimen may be the most advisable. These treatments could include:
*Various behavioral regimens, including play therapy,
*Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), sensory integration therapy, and more
*Medications, including anti-depressants
*Social skills training, which teaches children how to interact with their peers for
specific situations
*Alternative therapies such as martial arts therapy, wherein they flex their muscles literally and figuratively (they get stronger and learn how to function in a group setting); music therapy, which has kids learning how to communicate with the help of songs; or facilitated communication, in which children are taught to use computers or other equipment to make their thoughts known, especially if they have trouble expressing themselves verbally. (It supposedly is helpful to some children with PDD-NOS, says the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities.)
How to Cope
Like other parents with children on the spectrum, you will face many challenges, starting with the incomprehension and insensitivity of others unfamiliar with your situation. They may think your child is "misbehaving" and, consequently, deem you a parent unable to "control" him. This may be especially true because PDD-NOS kids don't fit into the more easily identifiable forms of autism spectrum disorders. Ignorance can bring out the worst in others, and sometimes, when they're not privy to your child's issues (or simply don't understand them or won't accept the diagnosis, as happens in some families), they may be more judgmental.
That's why it's important to surround yourselves with friends, family members, teachers and healthcare providers whom you trust. Be sure that the lines of communication with and among them are clear; you will be relying on them through the many ups and downs of life with a PDD-NOS child.
If you're the primary caretaker (meaning you spend the most hours with your child), you'll need to make time for yourself, too. Caring for others can be draining, and you won't be able to give much if you don't replenish your own stores of energy and look after your physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Ask your child's healthcare providers for referrals to support groups so you can meet parents of other children on the spectrum; or go online — many parenting Web sites have bulletin boards for children with special needs, and Autism Speaks has online forums as well.
Structure is helpful for children on the spectrum, so take this into consideration when deciding what events to attend or places to go. Preparation is key, so let your child know what to expect before the situation takes place or they reach their destinations. Consistency also helps, so check in with your healthcare team before starting or stopping a regimen.
As children grow older and become more aware of the limitations that their condition has placed upon them, it may be helpful for them to receive counseling with a therapist trained in dealing with pervasive developmental disorders. As difficult as it is for parents to go through this journey, it's even harder for the children themselves who have to work through their own personal challenges and other people's ignorance as they make their way in the world.
Paul's Work
A very good friend of mine told me she had no clue what was going on with Paul's work - wow! I guess I have really dropped the ball on that one - thanks Tiff!
So Paul is still here in Lehi working away on the same project that 3 years ago he was told would only be 9 months... goodie for me and the kids we have stayed here!! However his company has ever changing plans for Paul.
In January we were told that we would move to Seattle, WA in May08. Then in March they told him that Seattle was off the board and that he would stay here till Sep08 then he would go to some place in New Mexico. Several of our good friends left last year to go to New Mexico and several have recently left to go there... but.... we were told in August that Paul will probably be here in Utah at least through the end of the year and then... he will be off to Phoenix, AZ.
So - long story short Paul and I made the uneasy decision that the kids and I will make Utah our home base. As many know we purchased our home in Eagle Mountain June 2007 at the same time as we were getting married... we are still here! The house has gone on and off the market a couple of times.. we are currently attempting to refi so that we can bring our mortgage payment down so that it will allow us to put more money into savings.
Some days I wonder how my poor husband does with his long hours with hardly any days off but we make the most of it. He isn't too thrilled about leaving us this Spring to work in AZ or which ever state that his work changes his mind to but his career is really big for him just as mine is to me so we together will make it all happen - plus with the state going to 4 days I have more time to go and see him which will be helpful.
All in a days work - Post again soon
So Paul is still here in Lehi working away on the same project that 3 years ago he was told would only be 9 months... goodie for me and the kids we have stayed here!! However his company has ever changing plans for Paul.
In January we were told that we would move to Seattle, WA in May08. Then in March they told him that Seattle was off the board and that he would stay here till Sep08 then he would go to some place in New Mexico. Several of our good friends left last year to go to New Mexico and several have recently left to go there... but.... we were told in August that Paul will probably be here in Utah at least through the end of the year and then... he will be off to Phoenix, AZ.
So - long story short Paul and I made the uneasy decision that the kids and I will make Utah our home base. As many know we purchased our home in Eagle Mountain June 2007 at the same time as we were getting married... we are still here! The house has gone on and off the market a couple of times.. we are currently attempting to refi so that we can bring our mortgage payment down so that it will allow us to put more money into savings.
Some days I wonder how my poor husband does with his long hours with hardly any days off but we make the most of it. He isn't too thrilled about leaving us this Spring to work in AZ or which ever state that his work changes his mind to but his career is really big for him just as mine is to me so we together will make it all happen - plus with the state going to 4 days I have more time to go and see him which will be helpful.
All in a days work - Post again soon
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Here is a quixk update
So we all know that life, marriage and family is never perfect... I have been gone for so long I had almost forgotten that I started this thing... that was till my friend Tiff started blogging and I realized that I suck at doing this.
Anyhow - life has been busy. We have had a very busy summer and fall bit are welcoming the cooler air and fall season.
Family update: we are still here! Paul's work still has him in Lehi which is good for the home front in a lot of ways. Looks like sometime next spring he will probably move to Arizona for a few years. With the economy scare I think it may be best to stay in Eagle Mountain with the kids so that they have a stable home and I can keep my job for a while. I am still with the state trudging along... slowly.
Chandler has been doing so well in school - I am so darn proud of him! He is adding and subtracting triple digit numbers and is reading almost on level. He has been getting 100% on his spelling tests and simply has amazed me each day!. He started football late in the summer hence my reasoning for never being around. But he has done really well with that too. He plays defensive end and wide receiver positions so that has been pretty exciting and he has handled being in the group with the 21 other players just fine so far. But he misses play time since football takes up 3 nights a week after school then every Saturday morning.
Alexys has also been doing great in school - gosh I can't say enough how proud of my children I am. Alexys has been doing cheerleading for Chandler's football team in addition to her uncle Kam's football team - she has her two outfits and changes between them in between games since they are usually one after the other. She has got so much spirit! As almost always she is doing really great in school - straight A's so far. Little turkey has had to work of $60 to replace her lost cell phone though... she lost it Labor Day Weekend when we went camping at Lagoon for Chan's Birthday... but she only has $10 to go and she will be paid off and can have her new phone!! I know.. she is only almost 11... should she have a phone... but she has except this one time proven to be very responsible so why not. lol
Paul and I have had some rocky patches the last 18 months but have really grown a lot together which has been really nice.
Well.... off to football practice - will try to update and blog more often.
Anyhow - life has been busy. We have had a very busy summer and fall bit are welcoming the cooler air and fall season.
Family update: we are still here! Paul's work still has him in Lehi which is good for the home front in a lot of ways. Looks like sometime next spring he will probably move to Arizona for a few years. With the economy scare I think it may be best to stay in Eagle Mountain with the kids so that they have a stable home and I can keep my job for a while. I am still with the state trudging along... slowly.
Chandler has been doing so well in school - I am so darn proud of him! He is adding and subtracting triple digit numbers and is reading almost on level. He has been getting 100% on his spelling tests and simply has amazed me each day!. He started football late in the summer hence my reasoning for never being around. But he has done really well with that too. He plays defensive end and wide receiver positions so that has been pretty exciting and he has handled being in the group with the 21 other players just fine so far. But he misses play time since football takes up 3 nights a week after school then every Saturday morning.
Alexys has also been doing great in school - gosh I can't say enough how proud of my children I am. Alexys has been doing cheerleading for Chandler's football team in addition to her uncle Kam's football team - she has her two outfits and changes between them in between games since they are usually one after the other. She has got so much spirit! As almost always she is doing really great in school - straight A's so far. Little turkey has had to work of $60 to replace her lost cell phone though... she lost it Labor Day Weekend when we went camping at Lagoon for Chan's Birthday... but she only has $10 to go and she will be paid off and can have her new phone!! I know.. she is only almost 11... should she have a phone... but she has except this one time proven to be very responsible so why not. lol
Paul and I have had some rocky patches the last 18 months but have really grown a lot together which has been really nice.
Well.... off to football practice - will try to update and blog more often.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Graduation/Life
Wow, that just seems to sum it all up. Today is the day that I graduate. I never thought that I would make it this far and honestly without Paul I am not sure that I would have. He has really been great this last semester in helping with the kids and taking on additional things in the home to ensure that my studies were top priority. It has been hard but I think it was all worth it.
Updates - we bought a new truck and trailer. Now we have a 5th-wheel toy hauling travel trailer so that we can camp without ruffing it too much. (LOL) We are excited since we are going to take it out for the first time today. Funny - all we know is that we are headed south, other than that there is no plan, no where to be, no time restrictions - honestly Paul and I probably really needed this and today couldn't be a better day.
Recently Paul went with Alexys' class on a field trip to Camp Floyd. Paul was asked to participate and be the group drill sargent and also teach a little of gun safety. Alexys was beaming and proud that her daddy got to be the one in charge. They both had a great time.
Poor Chandler had a boulder roll over his fingers and had several tip fractures (meaning the tips of his fingers were fractured). He was a trooper and sucked it up and went to the school the next day till I decided that we should really have it looked at and found out that his fingers were fractured. Can you say mean mom? I can - I really thought that they were fine till I took the badages off the next day and realized how ugly it looked. What a learning experience. He still loves me so we are good to go!
Well... it has been far too long since I have blogged and updated everyone - sorry - with work and school - life has been crazy. I will post pics of the trailer and truck soon - hopefully I will remember my camera this weekend and post some camping pics too.
Hope all is well with everyone else.
Happy Trails - From The Brooks
Updates - we bought a new truck and trailer. Now we have a 5th-wheel toy hauling travel trailer so that we can camp without ruffing it too much. (LOL) We are excited since we are going to take it out for the first time today. Funny - all we know is that we are headed south, other than that there is no plan, no where to be, no time restrictions - honestly Paul and I probably really needed this and today couldn't be a better day.
Recently Paul went with Alexys' class on a field trip to Camp Floyd. Paul was asked to participate and be the group drill sargent and also teach a little of gun safety. Alexys was beaming and proud that her daddy got to be the one in charge. They both had a great time.
Poor Chandler had a boulder roll over his fingers and had several tip fractures (meaning the tips of his fingers were fractured). He was a trooper and sucked it up and went to the school the next day till I decided that we should really have it looked at and found out that his fingers were fractured. Can you say mean mom? I can - I really thought that they were fine till I took the badages off the next day and realized how ugly it looked. What a learning experience. He still loves me so we are good to go!
Well... it has been far too long since I have blogged and updated everyone - sorry - with work and school - life has been crazy. I will post pics of the trailer and truck soon - hopefully I will remember my camera this weekend and post some camping pics too.
Hope all is well with everyone else.
Happy Trails - From The Brooks
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)