Hi friends! I am very excited today because I am not blogging at home, or my home site, or whatever you would call it. I have been selected as a guest writer at one of my very favorite websites 'The MOB Society' today so come visit me over at The MOB Society and let me know what you think!
God Bless!
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Monday, September 10, 2012
Back to School 2012 . .
And so it begins, again . . .
We are beginning our 3rd week of school around here so I thought I'd give you a quick update on how the kids are faring with our new routines.
TYLER -
Oh boy - we have started junior high. JUNIOR. HIGH. PEOPLE. I am pretty sure that I was more nervous about this than Tyler was. He did kind of break down the night before school started so we spent some serious time praying about his anxieties and placing both of our fears in God's hands. As you can see, he was totally fine the next morning. How awesome that his faith is so strong, that once he gave his fears to Jesus, he left them there and did not pull them back! I admit, I am not so strong so I spent the day praying he wouldn't be one of those random kids chosen to be cyber bullied for no reason. So far, so good.
Tyler would tell you it's just school so he doesn't really like it. I remember middle school being pretty traumatic though since I had to do things like change clothes in front of other girls in a locker room so from what I can tell his start has been pretty smooth so far. Some highlights:
1 - His Latin teacher didn't speak a word of English for the first 4 days and barely any since then. This teacher sounds so fun - Tyler has enjoyed figuring out the 'puzzle' of what his teacher is saying and he comes home singing songs in Latin that help him memorize what he needs to remember. He knew more Latin words after two days than I knew Spanish in 3 weeks of beginning high school. He is totally ENGAGED!
2 - He has his very first 'coach' for a teacher, predictably in Texas History. Tyler does not understand why he will get in trouble for calling him 'Mr. whatever' instead of 'Coach whatever' as he can't relate the earning of this title to something like 'Dr.' I'm with Tyler on this one, but I'm encouraging respect even while I crack up over the stories he's bringing home about mixed-metaphor lessons. This is a teacher Tyler likes, but doesn't get. I can't wait to meet him.
3 - Tyler was most worried about pre-AP science, but it is taught by his absolute favorite teacher. This guy showed so much respect and care for his students from the very first day, treating them as mature beings that Tyler noticed a difference right away. His desire to not disappoint this instructor is outweighing any doubts about his ability to perform.
4 - It looks like Tyler got lumped with the higher group of players for Orchestra class so he'll have to step up his practice schedule on the Violin, but he's ready. I have him signed up to start private lessons soon and then I about cried when I saw the Orchestra schedule for the year. Yikes! That's a lot of dates. We are going to be busy!
So, other than a little broo-ha-ha that has led to Tyler being in every lunch slot at least once so far and now settled into one that includes no close friends, he's doing great. It's going to be different and hectic around here with the changes, but I think we're ready. He has more homework than we are used to and already had to complete a project over 2 novels that we weren't quite prepared for, but nothing traumatic or horrific.
SCOOTER
Oh my little man. Every change is so challenging for this guy and I just ache for him. No pictures, sorry. He's not ready for me to take one yet. The first day of school was more like what I expected last year, tears and clinging. I knew it was going to be rough when we went to meet the teacher night and he wouldn't talk to anyone, even his speech/socialization therapist. He tucked his chin down and wouldn't look anyone in the eye. Finally by the time we made it through the school and reacquainted him with every room and teacher, he let his Gym teacher hug him and make a fuss and nodded in response to her, still not looking directly at her.
So the first week met with tears and clinging and our familiar tug of war to get him to stay in class. Once in the door though, Scooter likes his new teacher and there are some familiar kids in his class with him. He's doing great once inside. Since the 2nd grade teachers had the first rotation of door duty (and they don't know him), I was pretty worried by that Thursday that the next few weeks were going to be really hard and I expressed my concerns to Ms. Stella, the school therapist. She called me later with a plan to introduce Scooter to all the teachers and give them a heads up that I was going to need their assistance in the coming weeks and talked to me about doing a social narrative at his first session about this particular issue. Ok.
The next morning Ms. Stella happened by the door just as we were coming in so she decided to take Scooter to his class. Normally she sees him within the structure of his day so she was totally not prepared for the screaming that followed. I turned my back, clenched my fists and walked away like I am supposed to do. Strangers were asking me if I was okay. It sounds horrible but it was probably the best thing that could have happened. I have never seen such quick reaction at a school before. I got phone calls and emails filled with action plans and comfort. The counselor spent time with him that day and read him a special book that came home with him as well. When we went back the next week everyone was ready for him and it has been a lot smoother. No more tears, but we're still doing the tug of war to get him inside. And he's resumed his 'I don't want to go to school' chant at night and in the morning, so I say 'I know, but we have to go' every single time.
We had our first tears after school on Thursday and again, this is more of what I expected last year, and that never happened. He was over tired and stressed by all the newness and held it all together during the day, but once he saw me he fell apart. We relaxed and talked it through and had no major issues the next day. His teacher said he's doing great though and a model student in class. It's just another example of Scooter's issues with transitions. He can do A and he can do B, but getting from A to B is the hard part.
Your continued prayers and support are so appreciated. Scooter is so special and sweet and smart. When he is 'on' he is soooo 'on' and he amazes me. My biggest prayer for him is always that he can show the world who he is, not just us. One step at a time, one day at a time, we're gonna get there.
RILEY
Riley had to wait an extra week to start school so he was very, very ready. Decked out with a new backpack and lunchbox he could not wait to have his turn for a picture under our big pecan tree out front on his first day of Pre-K.
Riley told us the night before he was 'a little bit happy about school and a little bit not happy', but those were just nervous jitters. I have given the 'first days make everyone nervous, even me' spiel so many times now with these boys and I know I am nowhere near done. We prayed and I reminded Riley that unlike last year, he wasn't the 'new' kid and it was everyone's first day in this class.
I always wondered how parents got their kids to do stuff without being shy or too quiet. Now I know it has little to do with parenting and more to do with who the kid is - Riley's a pro. He loves his new school and his new class. He's getting a little worn out, but he'll be used to everything soon. I try not to compare the kids too much since I know firsthand how different they all are, but I do admit that I was pretty relieved to have this easy start for at least one of my little men.
And school wasn't the only thing Riley started this week. He really wanted to play soccer and when our indoor league didn't reform this year, he told us he didn't care if he played inside or outside, he just wanted to play. Back to the YMCA we go. Since we coached him last year, I wasn't sure how much I'd have to coax him into listening and joining in, but again I should not have worried. Riley just went on the field and got right in the mix at the first practice and for his first game.
He is the oldest kid on the team, and the smallest boy. There's one girl shorter than he is by maybe half an inch. He just plowed through though and during his first game the coach's son and Riley fought each other for the ball more than the other team, but they are working that out. Ha! He scored three goals and assisted his team on several others. I am so grateful that Riley has this little something that is just for him this fall and for once the other boys are coming to wait around for him instead of the other way around. He's waited a long time for all of this.
We are still getting used to our new schedules and the new car routes and everything else, but the year is looking good so far - just very busy. I've been reading this book lately that is messing with every idea I ever had about poverty vs. wealth, luxury vs. necessity and want vs. need. It's messing with me so much that I've been feeling more like I fit the role of Scrooge than I ever thought possible. However, that being said, I can verify with utmost certainty that having a functioning air conditioner in your vehicle in Texas is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Especially when you have three school pick ups and the temp outside before heat index is factored in is over 105. The kids air worked fine in the back and they were aided with tinted windows, but I was not so lucky. Last week was very long and very hot. I am repaired now, sort of, and can run my air on high or nothing. The van doesn't know it yet, but it's on it's lastlegs wheels.
Hope your school year started off well and that you are enjoying the break in weather we've had. You know, right after I got the air in my car fixed. Sigh.
God Bless!
We are beginning our 3rd week of school around here so I thought I'd give you a quick update on how the kids are faring with our new routines.
TYLER -
Oh boy - we have started junior high. JUNIOR. HIGH. PEOPLE. I am pretty sure that I was more nervous about this than Tyler was. He did kind of break down the night before school started so we spent some serious time praying about his anxieties and placing both of our fears in God's hands. As you can see, he was totally fine the next morning. How awesome that his faith is so strong, that once he gave his fears to Jesus, he left them there and did not pull them back! I admit, I am not so strong so I spent the day praying he wouldn't be one of those random kids chosen to be cyber bullied for no reason. So far, so good.
Tyler would tell you it's just school so he doesn't really like it. I remember middle school being pretty traumatic though since I had to do things like change clothes in front of other girls in a locker room so from what I can tell his start has been pretty smooth so far. Some highlights:
1 - His Latin teacher didn't speak a word of English for the first 4 days and barely any since then. This teacher sounds so fun - Tyler has enjoyed figuring out the 'puzzle' of what his teacher is saying and he comes home singing songs in Latin that help him memorize what he needs to remember. He knew more Latin words after two days than I knew Spanish in 3 weeks of beginning high school. He is totally ENGAGED!
2 - He has his very first 'coach' for a teacher, predictably in Texas History. Tyler does not understand why he will get in trouble for calling him 'Mr. whatever' instead of 'Coach whatever' as he can't relate the earning of this title to something like 'Dr.' I'm with Tyler on this one, but I'm encouraging respect even while I crack up over the stories he's bringing home about mixed-metaphor lessons. This is a teacher Tyler likes, but doesn't get. I can't wait to meet him.
3 - Tyler was most worried about pre-AP science, but it is taught by his absolute favorite teacher. This guy showed so much respect and care for his students from the very first day, treating them as mature beings that Tyler noticed a difference right away. His desire to not disappoint this instructor is outweighing any doubts about his ability to perform.
4 - It looks like Tyler got lumped with the higher group of players for Orchestra class so he'll have to step up his practice schedule on the Violin, but he's ready. I have him signed up to start private lessons soon and then I about cried when I saw the Orchestra schedule for the year. Yikes! That's a lot of dates. We are going to be busy!
So, other than a little broo-ha-ha that has led to Tyler being in every lunch slot at least once so far and now settled into one that includes no close friends, he's doing great. It's going to be different and hectic around here with the changes, but I think we're ready. He has more homework than we are used to and already had to complete a project over 2 novels that we weren't quite prepared for, but nothing traumatic or horrific.
SCOOTER
Oh my little man. Every change is so challenging for this guy and I just ache for him. No pictures, sorry. He's not ready for me to take one yet. The first day of school was more like what I expected last year, tears and clinging. I knew it was going to be rough when we went to meet the teacher night and he wouldn't talk to anyone, even his speech/socialization therapist. He tucked his chin down and wouldn't look anyone in the eye. Finally by the time we made it through the school and reacquainted him with every room and teacher, he let his Gym teacher hug him and make a fuss and nodded in response to her, still not looking directly at her.
So the first week met with tears and clinging and our familiar tug of war to get him to stay in class. Once in the door though, Scooter likes his new teacher and there are some familiar kids in his class with him. He's doing great once inside. Since the 2nd grade teachers had the first rotation of door duty (and they don't know him), I was pretty worried by that Thursday that the next few weeks were going to be really hard and I expressed my concerns to Ms. Stella, the school therapist. She called me later with a plan to introduce Scooter to all the teachers and give them a heads up that I was going to need their assistance in the coming weeks and talked to me about doing a social narrative at his first session about this particular issue. Ok.
The next morning Ms. Stella happened by the door just as we were coming in so she decided to take Scooter to his class. Normally she sees him within the structure of his day so she was totally not prepared for the screaming that followed. I turned my back, clenched my fists and walked away like I am supposed to do. Strangers were asking me if I was okay. It sounds horrible but it was probably the best thing that could have happened. I have never seen such quick reaction at a school before. I got phone calls and emails filled with action plans and comfort. The counselor spent time with him that day and read him a special book that came home with him as well. When we went back the next week everyone was ready for him and it has been a lot smoother. No more tears, but we're still doing the tug of war to get him inside. And he's resumed his 'I don't want to go to school' chant at night and in the morning, so I say 'I know, but we have to go' every single time.
We had our first tears after school on Thursday and again, this is more of what I expected last year, and that never happened. He was over tired and stressed by all the newness and held it all together during the day, but once he saw me he fell apart. We relaxed and talked it through and had no major issues the next day. His teacher said he's doing great though and a model student in class. It's just another example of Scooter's issues with transitions. He can do A and he can do B, but getting from A to B is the hard part.
Your continued prayers and support are so appreciated. Scooter is so special and sweet and smart. When he is 'on' he is soooo 'on' and he amazes me. My biggest prayer for him is always that he can show the world who he is, not just us. One step at a time, one day at a time, we're gonna get there.
RILEY
Riley had to wait an extra week to start school so he was very, very ready. Decked out with a new backpack and lunchbox he could not wait to have his turn for a picture under our big pecan tree out front on his first day of Pre-K.
Riley told us the night before he was 'a little bit happy about school and a little bit not happy', but those were just nervous jitters. I have given the 'first days make everyone nervous, even me' spiel so many times now with these boys and I know I am nowhere near done. We prayed and I reminded Riley that unlike last year, he wasn't the 'new' kid and it was everyone's first day in this class.
I always wondered how parents got their kids to do stuff without being shy or too quiet. Now I know it has little to do with parenting and more to do with who the kid is - Riley's a pro. He loves his new school and his new class. He's getting a little worn out, but he'll be used to everything soon. I try not to compare the kids too much since I know firsthand how different they all are, but I do admit that I was pretty relieved to have this easy start for at least one of my little men.
And school wasn't the only thing Riley started this week. He really wanted to play soccer and when our indoor league didn't reform this year, he told us he didn't care if he played inside or outside, he just wanted to play. Back to the YMCA we go. Since we coached him last year, I wasn't sure how much I'd have to coax him into listening and joining in, but again I should not have worried. Riley just went on the field and got right in the mix at the first practice and for his first game.
He is the oldest kid on the team, and the smallest boy. There's one girl shorter than he is by maybe half an inch. He just plowed through though and during his first game the coach's son and Riley fought each other for the ball more than the other team, but they are working that out. Ha! He scored three goals and assisted his team on several others. I am so grateful that Riley has this little something that is just for him this fall and for once the other boys are coming to wait around for him instead of the other way around. He's waited a long time for all of this.
We are still getting used to our new schedules and the new car routes and everything else, but the year is looking good so far - just very busy. I've been reading this book lately that is messing with every idea I ever had about poverty vs. wealth, luxury vs. necessity and want vs. need. It's messing with me so much that I've been feeling more like I fit the role of Scrooge than I ever thought possible. However, that being said, I can verify with utmost certainty that having a functioning air conditioner in your vehicle in Texas is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Especially when you have three school pick ups and the temp outside before heat index is factored in is over 105. The kids air worked fine in the back and they were aided with tinted windows, but I was not so lucky. Last week was very long and very hot. I am repaired now, sort of, and can run my air on high or nothing. The van doesn't know it yet, but it's on it's last
Hope your school year started off well and that you are enjoying the break in weather we've had. You know, right after I got the air in my car fixed. Sigh.
God Bless!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)