Yesterday, C. and E.'s dad was here spending time with them. He'd been to a soccer game, played at home with them, and was on his way to a field trip. He was interrupted by a call from his brother, saying that his father was being taken to the hospital. Mike's father has been dealing with Parkinson's disease, and although able to stay at home, has needed much support from his wife and sons. Yesterday morning, he apparently suffered an aneurysm, and died later in the morning.
The family would appreciate your prayers during this difficult time.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Family Update
It's time for a family update. Everyone's been busy doing their own thing, and some days we're juggling who goes where with which child to get everything covered.
Father and Hugger have gone on a trip to Texas and Mexico. Tonight they have met up with long-time friends, and are delivering a load of goods to them to help in their work with the Mexican people. I'm sure they'll have many tales to tell after their return. I'm so anxious to hear all the details! Later in the week, they'll visit Father's father ("Big Papa") and other relatives.
Teenager received a surprise letter this week, stating that she's won an award through her vocational school classes. It says she was selected by classmates and/or the instructor, and it is "given to students who have demonstrated outstanding cooperation, self-motivation, preparedness, positive attitude, dependatbility, and persistence." She will be honored at a breakfast at the University. We're so proud of you, Teenager!!
Whistle is having a great year at school. Many people have mentioned how hard he's working, and all reports have been good. I went with his class this week to Peach Tree Farm - my favorite field trip ever. In comparison to last year, I see how independent he's become, and how well he fits in with his classmates. You can check out the details from last year's visit here. (This link is to the first of several posts with pictures of our fun time. Click on "newer post" at the bottom to move to the next post.) Last night he went with Sarah and C. to the city blues music festival. He had a good time, and told me he saw "20 or 21 bands, but they didn't have drums, and they didn't stand in lines." "There wasn't a parade. This was a sit-down band." Then he asked if I "heard the music all the way to our house?" I told him I didn't, but he thought I might, because, "It was loud!" His perspective on events is always fun. Whistle and C. are playing soccer, and both made at least one goal today.
C. loves her new school (since they're now living with us), and her teacher had wonderful things to say about her ability to work together with others in groups.
That leaves just Sarah and E. to report on. Sarah works daily at the super center, and E. is my companion at home and elsewhere, whenever possible. She especially loves to help cook in the kitchen. S'pose I could train her to take over?
Father and Hugger have gone on a trip to Texas and Mexico. Tonight they have met up with long-time friends, and are delivering a load of goods to them to help in their work with the Mexican people. I'm sure they'll have many tales to tell after their return. I'm so anxious to hear all the details! Later in the week, they'll visit Father's father ("Big Papa") and other relatives.
Teenager received a surprise letter this week, stating that she's won an award through her vocational school classes. It says she was selected by classmates and/or the instructor, and it is "given to students who have demonstrated outstanding cooperation, self-motivation, preparedness, positive attitude, dependatbility, and persistence." She will be honored at a breakfast at the University. We're so proud of you, Teenager!!
Whistle is having a great year at school. Many people have mentioned how hard he's working, and all reports have been good. I went with his class this week to Peach Tree Farm - my favorite field trip ever. In comparison to last year, I see how independent he's become, and how well he fits in with his classmates. You can check out the details from last year's visit here. (This link is to the first of several posts with pictures of our fun time. Click on "newer post" at the bottom to move to the next post.) Last night he went with Sarah and C. to the city blues music festival. He had a good time, and told me he saw "20 or 21 bands, but they didn't have drums, and they didn't stand in lines." "There wasn't a parade. This was a sit-down band." Then he asked if I "heard the music all the way to our house?" I told him I didn't, but he thought I might, because, "It was loud!" His perspective on events is always fun. Whistle and C. are playing soccer, and both made at least one goal today.
C. loves her new school (since they're now living with us), and her teacher had wonderful things to say about her ability to work together with others in groups.
That leaves just Sarah and E. to report on. Sarah works daily at the super center, and E. is my companion at home and elsewhere, whenever possible. She especially loves to help cook in the kitchen. S'pose I could train her to take over?
Thursday, September 25, 2008
It's Fall Y'All!
I recently read a blog that listed 20 things I Love About Fall. As I mentally made my own list, it began to seem familiar. I looked in the archives, and sure enough, last year at this time I wrote Why I Love Fall. So, in the interest of time, similar feelings and full disclosure, here is last year's list, with the addition of even more things I love about fall. What do you love about fall?
1. Sleeping in the fresh night air, with windows open after weeks of air conditioning.
2. Pumpkins, butternut squash, acorn squash, and gourds.
3. High school football.
4. Watching the tree near our old house, which changes colors from the tips of the branches to the center, making it look like fireworks in the sky, with balls of fire at the tips.
5. Marching bands.
6. Youth soccer on cool Saturday mornings.
7. Planting mums in front of the church sign.
8. Needing a jacket on the way to school in the mornings, and shedding it before the morning is over.
9. Apple pie, apple crisp, apples with caramel, sliced apples . . . .
10. Corn mazes (I haven't through one yet, but this may be the year.)
11. Fall yard decorations: bales of straw; mums; pumpkins, winter squash, gourds; and scarecrows, and more mums.
12. Walking in the yard, with leaves crunching under my feet.
13. Bobbing for apples.
14. Raking up a big pile of leaves, for the sole purpose of playing with Whistle, Teenager, C. and E. in them.
15. Football stew. (A favorite from our childhood - an oven baked stew.)
16. Bonfires: Wood, matches, hot dogs, marshmallows, and song.
17. Pumpkin pie, with real whipped cream.
18. Horses made from cornstalks.
19. Straw bale maze at the Fall Fest.
20. The Hartsburg Pumpkin Festival
1. Sleeping in the fresh night air, with windows open after weeks of air conditioning.
2. Pumpkins, butternut squash, acorn squash, and gourds.
3. High school football.
4. Watching the tree near our old house, which changes colors from the tips of the branches to the center, making it look like fireworks in the sky, with balls of fire at the tips.
5. Marching bands.
6. Youth soccer on cool Saturday mornings.
7. Planting mums in front of the church sign.
8. Needing a jacket on the way to school in the mornings, and shedding it before the morning is over.
9. Apple pie, apple crisp, apples with caramel, sliced apples . . . .
10. Corn mazes (I haven't through one yet, but this may be the year.)
11. Fall yard decorations: bales of straw; mums; pumpkins, winter squash, gourds; and scarecrows, and more mums.
12. Walking in the yard, with leaves crunching under my feet.
13. Bobbing for apples.
14. Raking up a big pile of leaves, for the sole purpose of playing with Whistle, Teenager, C. and E. in them.
15. Football stew. (A favorite from our childhood - an oven baked stew.)
16. Bonfires: Wood, matches, hot dogs, marshmallows, and song.
17. Pumpkin pie, with real whipped cream.
18. Horses made from cornstalks.
19. Straw bale maze at the Fall Fest.
20. The Hartsburg Pumpkin Festival
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Visit with the Dentist
When Whistle came to us he was totally orally defensive and wouldn't let anyone near his mouth -- with or without tools in their hands. He has gradually gotten over that, although he still has problems with foods and eating. Obviously, a visit to the dentist's office is not his favorite way to start the day, but that was our plan for today. One of our first visits to the dentist consisted of counting his teeth. During a recent visit, the dental tech said, "We cleaned 4 teeth today!" Today the report was that all his teeth were polished, "LIGHTLY polished," she said. Big progress! For him, the big news was that two front teeth are loosening; "Right on schedule," according to the dentist. Whistle was very excited, and talked about the tooth fairy visiting, then told the school secretary about it when he checked in at school.
Speaking of the tooth fairy, granddaughter E. told us a story the other day. She wanted to color a picture and put it under her pillow for the Picture Fairy. According to E., the Picture Fairy doesn't exchange money for pictures like the tooth fairy, but she does love pictures.
Another thing E. likes is birthdays. She enjoyed her birthday last month, and had us all "sign up" for her birthday party (writing our names on a piece of paper). Yesterday, she had another paper, and we were signing up for Holly's birthday. Holly is her favorite bear. When I told her mother later that we were having Holly's birthday, she said, "Holly is getting old fast, this is her 3rd birthday since she got her!" (in the spring). What a girl. What an imagination.
Speaking of the tooth fairy, granddaughter E. told us a story the other day. She wanted to color a picture and put it under her pillow for the Picture Fairy. According to E., the Picture Fairy doesn't exchange money for pictures like the tooth fairy, but she does love pictures.
Another thing E. likes is birthdays. She enjoyed her birthday last month, and had us all "sign up" for her birthday party (writing our names on a piece of paper). Yesterday, she had another paper, and we were signing up for Holly's birthday. Holly is her favorite bear. When I told her mother later that we were having Holly's birthday, she said, "Holly is getting old fast, this is her 3rd birthday since she got her!" (in the spring). What a girl. What an imagination.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
The Teacher Said So
Whistle came home from school and announced, "We need a babysitter! Like Amy." It sounded like an instruction from school, but didn't fit quite right.
"A babysitter?"
"Yes - we need a babysitter. Like Amy." (His occasional sitter whom he loves, because she actively plays sports with him all evening.)
I was still confused, and asked if he had a note about it, he thought a second, and said "YES!" and went after his backpack.
Just a Reminder
Kindergarten Curriculum Meeting
Thursday, Sept 4, 2008
6-7 p.m.
Hope to see you there!
Child care will not be provided.
He may not get ALL the facts (or the MAIN fact, even), but he gets something!!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Whistle Tells About the Special School Visitor
Early this morning the house was quiet, and Whistle and I were in the living room. He was talking to himself . . .
Whistle: "Super the hero? Super the hero?? Super . . . ?
Zero! ZERO! ZERO the HERO!"
Other Mother: "Zero the hero?"
Whistle: "Yes - Zero the Hero came to our class." (Then he told me something else that happened but I didn't quite get that part) "Then Mrs. Experiencedteacher said, "Well look who's here!" And it was Zero the Hero coming in the door."
Me: "Did he have a costume on?"
Whistle: "He had hair . . . (as his hand swept in a wide arc). It was all colors. And gloves. Gloves with numbers on them. And if he takes his clothes off, it's not Zero the Hero, it's the PRINCIPAL!"
Thursday, August 21, 2008
School is Off to a Great Start
The Alaska photos haven't been blogged yet because of some major computer issues, but at least I could stay in touch otherwise, couldn't I ?!
Whistle has begun his school year, a second year in kindergarten to help him be more prepared for reading and math in first grade. He's been in school a week, and so far -- it looks great! Yesterday he knew all the letters of the alphabet, and if those letter names "stick" he will move on to their sounds. Unfortunately, for kids with FAS, their ability to recall what they know is sporadic. Some days it's there, and some days it isn't. One of the funniest examples of this is the day he wanted to talk about a sheep, and struggled to get the name of the animal. He ended up calling it a chicken. ;-)
Yesterday he also got his first Super Eagle ticket, a special recognition of being caught doing something well. He said he was waiting patiently -- sitting still in line waiting to be picked up after class. You know what a challenge that is for him! Each Friday the principal draws tickets from the Super Eagle ticket box and awards gifts to those chosen. Whistle's on a new dose of medication - looking for something to help calm his brain so he can focus more easily, another thing that causes learning challenges for him. Even in an empty room working one on one, he is easily distracted, just by his own thoughts. Possibly we are seeing some effect from the med.
Our two little guys, Joe and Andy, have left to return to their parents, and we wish them well. We miss them! Time brings changes though, especially in foster care, and this is the best kind of change -- the positive result of kids returning home.
Now -- we have Sarah and C. and E. at home with us, so we won't be having any additional foster children for a while. C. has begun her second grade school year at Whistle's school, and they are excited to go to school together. It took a few days before they crossed paths during the school day, and they were really excited to see each other! This morning they were both wishing they could stay home with E., though. I'm sure E. would tell them hanging out with Grandma is not all fun and games - we still get to do laundry, cleaning, and other household stuff!
As for teenager, she's returned to the Christian school she attended last year. This year she has the added benefit of attending the county-wide Career Center, a high-tech vocational school with lots of educational options. She's taking a digital media class, and a marketing class there. We'll be getting up at 5:30 to get everyone where they need to be on time - today we were ready to leave 8 minutes early!
With the foster care support group, we had a great school supply picnic, and more than enough supplies. It's fun to see the kiddos so excited choosing their backpacks and packing their supplies.
Whistle has begun his school year, a second year in kindergarten to help him be more prepared for reading and math in first grade. He's been in school a week, and so far -- it looks great! Yesterday he knew all the letters of the alphabet, and if those letter names "stick" he will move on to their sounds. Unfortunately, for kids with FAS, their ability to recall what they know is sporadic. Some days it's there, and some days it isn't. One of the funniest examples of this is the day he wanted to talk about a sheep, and struggled to get the name of the animal. He ended up calling it a chicken. ;-)
Yesterday he also got his first Super Eagle ticket, a special recognition of being caught doing something well. He said he was waiting patiently -- sitting still in line waiting to be picked up after class. You know what a challenge that is for him! Each Friday the principal draws tickets from the Super Eagle ticket box and awards gifts to those chosen. Whistle's on a new dose of medication - looking for something to help calm his brain so he can focus more easily, another thing that causes learning challenges for him. Even in an empty room working one on one, he is easily distracted, just by his own thoughts. Possibly we are seeing some effect from the med.
Our two little guys, Joe and Andy, have left to return to their parents, and we wish them well. We miss them! Time brings changes though, especially in foster care, and this is the best kind of change -- the positive result of kids returning home.
Now -- we have Sarah and C. and E. at home with us, so we won't be having any additional foster children for a while. C. has begun her second grade school year at Whistle's school, and they are excited to go to school together. It took a few days before they crossed paths during the school day, and they were really excited to see each other! This morning they were both wishing they could stay home with E., though. I'm sure E. would tell them hanging out with Grandma is not all fun and games - we still get to do laundry, cleaning, and other household stuff!
As for teenager, she's returned to the Christian school she attended last year. This year she has the added benefit of attending the county-wide Career Center, a high-tech vocational school with lots of educational options. She's taking a digital media class, and a marketing class there. We'll be getting up at 5:30 to get everyone where they need to be on time - today we were ready to leave 8 minutes early!
With the foster care support group, we had a great school supply picnic, and more than enough supplies. It's fun to see the kiddos so excited choosing their backpacks and packing their supplies.
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