School Successes

Fall has passed, routines are set in place, homework is now normal and workbooks are being used assisting in achieving monthly goals set at the beginning of the year. All the kids are doing excellent in school which Tim and I are really proud of as they work hard at the assignments given to them. What surprises me most is the interest Addison is having for drama and impromptu skits! Yes, this coming from our sweetie who struggled with crowds, speaking and being heard. It's been so much fun to watch Addi grow, challenge herself and make a strong community of friends at Mp3.

Charlie has done well and made big strides with reading and writing. He's made great friends and seems to be Mr. Social at school. Some of the best reports though, are when you hear how your son is the one to stay behind, clean up, organize and model gentlemen behavior. Money doesn't touch how rich a parent feels when hearing those positive remarks made towards your child.

{ Painting therapy creations. }

I had the perfectly organized plan for this fall school line up. Myriam was pre-registered for our church program with Addison and Charlie enrolled for all day campus classes at Mp3. It worked out that on Monday and Wednesday's Myriam and I would have the day to ourselves with the Tuesday/Thursday line up giving the older kids three hours of uninterrupted home school time.

The only glitch was that our youngster was still not 100% potty trained. At that same time, I was also having a few concerns for our little one as we had been seeking professional advice from a dear friend specializing in children's occupational therapy. Megan lives just north of the border and has given Tim and I some amazing insight into our spunky sensory babe. Myriam now has a tool belt to use when feeling anxious, nervous or tempted to take off. I have been immensely blessed by our "play dates" with Megan and feel like we've made significant progress over the past few months.

The problem with making perfectly organized plans is they never get off the ground without a bump or two. Our bump was that Myriam was not accepted into our church program which in turn became a huge gift to her. She's now attending the Peer Pre-School Program at Lynden Middle School and loving it. The best part is that it's on the original weekly schedule I was so excited for back when school started.

Myriam is our first child to ever ride a school bus so it was a big deal here on Double Ditch Road. JoAnn is an absolute doll taking such gentle care of the kids buckling them up, handing them toys, keeping the "Magic School Bus" warm and on Friday's handing out treats.

Teacher Kaaren and her team of support understands Myriam's struggles and already have made a difference in her behavior at home. There is overflowing excitement to share about the day at school once she bounces off the bus. I am extremely thankful for this program.

Whatever the need any of our kids have, we will meet it.

If that means not keeping Myriam home then that's what we must do.

{ First & second day on the bus. }

All the kids are now on the count down until Christmas break. There are Christmas art projects ready to be made, cookies ready to be baked and attempts at obtaining an all-family-smiling Christmas card photo taken. What I love most is that regardless of the successes at school or at home, Jesus remains the only reason for this blessed Christmas season.

So, we focus on that as we keep motivated at our school work. The kids continue to build relationship with their class peers and gain friendships alongside of their schoolwork. ABC's, lessons of making right choices, being respectful and learning colors and numbers are being taught.

As for us as parents, we learn from our kids that it's not easier to over complicate issues. Keep it simple; keep it real; and keep it about Jesus in our hearts.