Are You Crazy? HAHA. Um, wait... what did you just say?

I know that I confuse a lot of people. Heck, I confuse myself most of the time! It must be genetic because I (we) have managed to pass down these traits to all of our children; even the one that was born of my heart, not in my womb. My goal is to give you a glimpse into every day life here in Chez Vogel, or the funny farm, whichever you prefer.

I am lucky enough to be the proud mother of four children with ADHD. If you know either my husband or myself, you can probably figure how the mix of our traits added up to this, but quite frankly, we never saw it coming. Now I'm not here to have a pity party or try to drum up sympathy, this is just how it is. Love it or leave it.

I've chosen to love it and I really don't know what "normal" is. There have been many times in my life that I've longed for "normalcy" or some hint of it anyway, but I know that God has gifted me with these blessings to refine my character and give me a spirit of compassion, love, and understanding. This is not to say that I've never gazed longingly on a "normal" family having a nice meal in a nice restaurant, or had a day where I didn't want to pull my hair out or "stab myself in the eye with a fork"...lol; that usually happens at least once a day. My friends know when to say "Hide the forks!"

Each of my children is unique and possesses special traits and qualities that make my heart melt with love for them. In juxtaposition, they also have those that require the hiding of the forks. To protect the names of the innocent, I won't tell you who is who, but you might be able to figure it out.

Child A is sweet, caring, and generous. They struggle more with attention and focus than with hyperactivity. But when hyperactivity chooses to rear it's ugly head, watch out! They need constant encouragement as well as gifts. This child also suffers from clinical anxiety and self esteem issues. Medication and strict guidelines required.

Child B is inquisitive, smart, and cuddly. This child talks incessantly and loves to learn. They also suffer from a physical disability which requires a regimen of daily medical treatment and special physical accommodations. If you need this child to move quickly... good luck. Did I mention that this child talks incessantly? Medication required.

Child C is intelligent, nurturing, loving, and sweet. This child loves with an intensity and makes my heart melt frequently. Their classification of ADHD falls under the label of Asperger's Syndrome, which is on the Autism Spectrum, also called ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), and includes OCD, tics, and frequent meltdowns. This child cries a LOT and requires a lot of extra grace and understanding. This child, unmedicated, would have a hard time functioning outside of home. Excessive mood swings are exacerbated by the slightest of triggers, which vary from time to time and place to place. Pretty much, it's anyone's guess as to how this child will respond in a given situation at any given time. Any change in routine or plan is not good. Child C also has another separate physical illness which involves daily medical equipment and treatment. This child evokes my deepest emotions..... that undying, unwaving, mother-bearish, unfailing love....and then, five minutes later, I want to stick a fork in my eye because I'm as mad as a hornet. Medication required.

And we come to Child D. Child D is so lovable and cuddly and sweet. This child always aims to please and is very hard on themself when things don't go as they want them to. If this child steps out of line, they are very remorseful even to the point of self-inflicted punishment and feelings of inadequacy. We try our best to constantly remind our child of their gifts and talents. This child too, struggles with insecurities and self esteem issues. This child is NOT a morning person and lets the whole family know it and desires for us to suffer along, then beats themself up when reprimanded for their contagious crankiness. This child has a very hard time concentrating, even on medication, and is not currently being treated for clinical anxiety, but *sigh*, we are approaching a crossroads where I'm afraid this will be our only option.

These kids are great and they make life worth living. Our house is never dull (or quiet) and I know that without a doubt, God has big plans for these blessings of mine, because He has made them each so special and unique. Now that you've read about them, you can look forward to many entertaining (for you) stories in the days to come.

Love, Kirsten (Medication required)