Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho, It's Off to School He Goes (Kindergarten, that is)

Has it really been almost four years that Whistle's been with us? In some ways, it feels like forever, as he's so much a part of us. However, the idea of going to Kindergarten is pretty unbelievable. Can it really be that time ALREADY?

For kids with disabilities, beginning kindergarten has few similarities with a typical five year old. He's already had much more school experience than most pre-K kids. (We won't discuss the day-care tots - that's different, and a whole 'nother discussion.) When he was between one and two years old, we went to the site of a special needs pre-school in a near-by city for physical therapy and occupational therapy. Then for a year he attended that pre-school for 3 hours, twice a week, along with his therapies. His class of about 5 were specially chosen as "tiny-two-year-olds." The last two years, he's attended 4 mornings a week, received speech, PT and OT, and ridden a special bus. An earlier post tells about his graduation from there.

As he was finishing up his 'getting ready for school - school,' we were preparing for the real school. Medical appointments, evaluations, meetings, conversations with teachers, multiple emails, decisions, testing, and so forth. Then the school called to set up his 'kindergarten screening.' As it turned out, that was a mistake, and he wouldn't have to have more tests after all -- he'd already had many more tests with more detail than they would obtain that day. However, he would go to visit the kindergarten class. Each child attends with this year's class for one morning, to see what school is like. He loved it, of course. His only disappointment was when he found out he didn't get to go back again the next day. (When I picked him up at the appointed time, the teacher was reading a giant book to the class. The students were all sitting on the carpet, listening. That is, all except one. Whistle was standing in the middle of the group, asking a question. Then another. And beginning a third, when the teacher kindly pointed out, "Your mother is here to pick you up." :-)

In the olden days (aka not very long ago) 5 year old children started Kindergarten in the fall. It took them a little while to adjust to school, but by the end of the year it was 'old hat' to all of them. A successful plan, I would think. It seems the newer option is to start with summer school, to make the transition easier. So . . . a little over one week after the pre-school year was over, he began again! For traditional kindergartners, that may be a fine idea. For kids like some of ours, I'm not so sure. We've done the testing, and documented strategies that will help him be successful, hoping to ward off a few future difficulties. The Kindergarten teachers, therapists, and specialists have visited the other school to prepare for the group who are moving to their district this year. The IEP has carefully been written, and information prepared to be shared with those who are expected to be working with him. The only thing yet to be decided is the classroom placement (which teacher). That may even be decided - but we haven't been told yet. So . . . with every possible preparation made for the fall, we jump into Summer School. The teachers are different (in fact, one teacher for two weeks, another for two weeks, and neither will be kindergarten teachers in the fall), the schedule is more relaxed, and they're going swimming three times. Whew!! That's scary for me. It might be easier for some students to have a gradual introduction to school, but for kids who need schedules and routines . . . whoa! A phone call to the first-two-weeks teacher helped calm me some. I was able to let her know how he might be different from others in her class, and she seemed appreciative of the information, and asked good questions. She might have been receiving more info through the sp. ed. department before summer school was to start, but at least I knew she knew the basics of what she needed to know, and she was appreciative of the direct contact.

As it turned out, Whistle and I were out of town the first four days of school, but I justified it in my mind knowing that the other kids would have the routine down when he arrived, and he'd slide in smoother. Friday was his first day. He was ready to go, and helped me get ready, too, "so we can't be late." The principal met us in the hall (remember those earlier meetings? we're already known), and he took us to locate the class (not a K room in the K hallway, either) and meet the teacher. She showed Whistle where to put his back-pack, and how to mark his lunch choice. From there, it was outside with the others until class time, and the time had come for me to leave. Hugs and a kiss, and he was off with the high-school-age classroom helper, to return to us after the school day was over at 3 o'clock.

Our kind readers who are acquainted with Whistle describe him as a 'little man,' with his long sentences and big ideas. However, there is much about him that doesn't show initially, and school will always be a challenge for him, progressively more so as the years roll on, I imagine. Many people have had a part in helping him prepare for this day, and we appreciate all their support, and will rely on many resources as he continues through school.

I try not to look back at How Long Ago it was that Hugger started kindergarten, because that makes me realize How Very Old we'll be when Whistle graduates from High School, if the Lord blesses us to raise him. But if the next 13 years go as fast as the last 4 have, it will be here in no time at all!

Whistle Helps with Laundry

I was doing laundry today, folding and hanging clean clothes. I asked Whistle to bring me some hangers from his closet. He brought out three, and I asked for more. Next, he brought a shirt on a hanger. I said I needed hangers with NO shirts on them. He then brought about six more hangers.

This evening, I went into his room, and in a pile on the floor, I found the six shirts that WERE on the hangers earlier this morning. Way to follow directions, Whistle! Next time, just tell me there aren't any more hangers.

Please.

Graduation!

Whistle says he "gradulated today." His Early Childhood Spec. Ed. program held a graduation for those going to kindergarten. Last Thursday they practiced "walking across the bridge, and not falling," marching to a vocalized Pomp and Circumstance, and talked about throwing their hats. All weekend he kept talking about the song we were going to sing, "Dum, dum (dum) dum, dum, dum." Those were the only notes he knew, but he regularly said, "Sing it with me!!" He was probably surprised by the recorded music today.

Being the ham he is - he stood on the (playground) bridge and waved to the adoring crowd of parents a few feet below, with a huge grin on his face. He was so proud, and we were proud of him! Kindergarten will bring a new set of challenges for him, but today was all about the accomplishments of the last 3 1/2 years.

In deference to the state's regulations, I won't post a real photo, but can't resist sharing a little snippet of the day with you. The students all had white caps and gowns (some on backwards - you-know-who included). We thought the boys were the cutest! Last year's boys couldn't keep theirs on without enough hair to pin them to, so this year the boys got a new version: the Mortarboard Baseball Cap!

"Congratulations Whistle, 'Gradulations' to you!!"

Movin' on out!

Hugger has moved out. That's it. He's not here. It's hard to believe. We weren't sure it would ever happen, and certainly didn't expect it this soon. There are waiting lists, priority numbers and other hurdles we didn't even know about -- but one day, there it was.

A phone call. A simple phone call.
An invitation to live in a supported living apartment.

What? Him? Now? Why? Are you sure?

Yes. An apartment.
Yes, Hugger.
As soon as it can be arranged.
(Because it's the right time, apparently.)
And yes, they were sure.

It's what he's wanted (Independence!), and God provided a way. Our loving Father, who knows what we need before we even ask. I've been asked by other parents of kids with special needs since then about what we did to arrange it, and what his priority number was. I don't know. I didn't even know there WERE priority numbers. I'm sure that's not the answer they were looking for. We've been told he was a good match for his apartment mate, but that's it. Sometimes we just don't know, and it's best not to know.

This we do know. Hugger has wanted to 'move out' for a very long time. When he was in elementary school, he'd pack. Often. A small suitcase full of necessities (videos, and his special bear), and a paper sack with some clothes in it. A little later it was necessities (videos, bear), clothes, and a sleeping bag. Maybe a pillow. Sometimes we'd find these things outside by the front door. A few months later, there was a period when we'd find his things in the pickup on the driveway, ready to go. He never seemed unhappy, just 'moving out.' It was just somthing he did. We'd bring his things in, and a few weeks later, he'd do it over again.

In the interest of full disclosure -- those 'moving out' times were different from the OTHER 'movin' out' times over the years which sounded more like this: "Hugger - would you load the dishwasher?" Huh? Huh. I'm movin' out!!! Use paper plates at my new house!!" We've had conversations like that a few (hundred) times, too.

So. . . this is it.
His sister graduated, and moved out.
His brother graduated, and moved out.
His other sister did, too.
Now, he graduated, and less than two years later, he moved out.

It's wonderful for us to have the agency's support for continuing to teach life skills, job hunting, and other necessities, as we continue with the little ones at home. I'm happy for him. Very happy. He wanted it so badly, and he's so glad to be there. He's made new friends, and he's so proud, showing folks around, saying, "Welcome, to my NEW HOUSE!"

My tears are tears of happiness, really.

Hugger, Welcome, welcome, to your New House! We love you so much, and are so thankful for the man you've grown up to be.

School Night at the SK8 Center

Last night was C's skate night for her elementary school, and I got to take E, C, and Hugger to roller skate. It was great fun -- seeing C with her school friends for the first time, and sharing E's first skating experience. Their different personalities showed in their skating styles - and I enjoyed every minute.





Warming up in the children's area.







Pairs skating

Everything's more fun with a friend!

Do the Hokey Pokey and you turn yourself around. That's what it's all about!!

Future speed skater!

As for me . . . it hasn't been too long since I've skated, but I decided since I was the designated driver it would be safest to keep my shoes on. :-) All in all, a wonderful night!

Safety Nicknames, Part 2

Referring to this earlier post about nicknames, the results are in!

Ladies and Gentlemen . . . the envelope . . . please. After much consideration, thought, meditation and flipping of the proverbial coin, the virtual nickel is awarded to Tracy, who suggested 'Hugger' as a nickname for D. Strem earns two virtual pennies for second place with 'Bear Hug.' From this day henceforth and forevermore, D. shall be known as Hugger, for obvious reasons.

There were no suggestions for thefatherofthemall (which looks more like The Father of The Mall, instead of The Father of Them ALL), so he will be called 'Father.' How's that for originality?!

Wunnerful, Wunnerful, Wunnerful!

I've started several times to write about Liz and George's wedding last weekend, but have had lots of interruptions. We've had post-wedding chores, meetings and such put off until "after March 3rd," and then a virus that brought Teenager down and is working quickly on Whistle as well.

But - back to the wedding, and trying again. The final details were in place, and family and friends gathered from several states to witness the vows, and give the newlyweds their blessing. It was a Spirit-filled ceremony according to one observer, and I think others would agree. Both Liz and George feel blessed in God's provision for them in bringing them together, and their families have welcomed their 'new child,' feeling blessed in how they've come together. It's truly a circumstance where we can see that two have become one, and in bringing them together, God has made each of them complete.

As a mother, one of the riches blessings there is, is seeing our children grow up and knowing them as the wonderful adults they have become. When they are small, it's hard to visualize the next stage before it arises, but we must remember that every day has an impact on the future, and that we are ordained by God to care for HIS children -- they are not our own. Our work is set out before us before they are born, and it is a privilege and blessing to have the honorable names of Mother and Father. (Needless to say, it's not always easy, and none of us are perfect, but we'll save that for another post on a different day!)

Thanks to each of you who came to be with us, and those who were not able to come, but were praying. We love you all.

Virtual nickels to those who recongnize the phrase, Wunnerful, Wunnerful! It helps to be of our generation or older. :-)