Good First Week!

Amelia...first day at her new school!!!

Well, the first week of school is over and for the most part, it went well.

It was so hard to watch Amelia get into the car with Dan and head on up to the north side of town to her new school.  I'm still so sad that all three of them won't be together this year.  However, every day I'm more and more convinced that we made the right decision.  She has had 3 full days of school and she's already making new friends!  I'm well aware that there will be good days and bad days....I'm just hoping for more good!  I honestly do see a change in Amelia!  She seems to have less outbursts, less tantrums, and definitely more cooperation.  She doesn't seem to be quite as angry all the time, but there is still an element of opposition.  Things are slowly improving, and I'm good with that.  Slow and steady wins the race!

I think there are many things that can be attributed to her improvement.  For one thing, she is out of the previous environment (and frankly, I think that was 50% of the problem)!  Another reason, I think, is because Dan and I are much more aware of her difficulties and we are showing much more patience in handling some of the more difficult situations.  If she is tired, hungry, frustrated or "out of sorts" in any way...this can lead to the oppositional behavior.  We do our best to be mindful of simple things...like...has she had a snack or is she hydrated. 

This lifestyle is all new to us.  We are learning the ropes of ODD/ADHD, mood disorders, and learning disorders the HARD WAY!  By trial and error and I don't mind telling you that we've had A LOT OF ERRORS over the last 2 years!  We are slowly digging ourselves out of this pit of despair that has consumed us.

I wish I could erase the last 6 months or so of last year from Amelia's memory.....from MY memory, but I can't.  I'm going to have to see it as a learning experience and leave it at that.  It is my understanding that her previous school has a new ESE program this year!  Although Amelia will never be able to benefit from it now...I'm glad that this improvement has been made.  There are a lot of students out there that need this extra help...that need some differentiation of instruction.  Perhaps our bad experience will have turned out to be for the benefit of an other's POSITIVE experience!  I can live with that.

By the way, I did get an email from the previous school a few days ago...from one of the previous "teachers". While I won't share the contents of the email word for word, I will say that even at this point, the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing over there.

I'm still debating whether or not I should share the psychological evaluation with the principal and the others involved.  The psychologist included a few pages after the eval which had suggestions for how things "should" have been handled...or "could" have been handled differently that most certainly would have allowed for different outcomes with regard to Amelia's behavior.  These were simple things....things that I even suggested...but were either ignored purposely or were just deemed "not important" by all those involved.  It's really a moot point now..."water under the bridge" as they say, but a part of me would like the chance to say, "Hey, I may be just a parent, but I'm not an idiot.  Perhaps if we all could have had a more pro-active attitude rather than a re-active one....Amelia would still be here."  But alas, I think that's exactly the point!  I knew from the moment that we met with the county officials the first time....that they didn't really want Amelia there. Truly.  I say this because at one point during that meeting, the one teacher looked me right in the eye and said, "at some point maybe you just have to realize that ACS isn't the right place for you anymore." 

This new school may not be the "magic" spot for Amelia.  I can't know that at this point.  But I know that we are hoping and we are praying that right now...at this very moment, THIS is were God wants us. I'm convinced that He will work it all out in the end as long as we are faithful.

In the meantime, Olivia and Nathan seem to be happy and that's a good thing.  For this year, I'd like the focus to be on Olivia as much as possible because this is a big year for her!  She makes her First Communion in May!  We are so excited!

We are taking one day at time, putting one foot in front of the other, keeping our heads held high!  I believe this is what families are for...pulling together and marching forward!  Let's keep our eyes on the prize!!

New Teacher!

I met Amelia's new teacher yesterday!  It was a quick, brief exchange, but, I liked her right from the get-go!  The most important thing to me was that we were able to meet, eye-to-eye and establish a repoir.  Communication is going to be key.  I made sure she had a copy of Amelia's psych eval and we discussed her medication.

She didn't really want to hear any details about our struggles from last year.  She said she wanted to have an opinion of Amelia that was not biased in any way by what her previous teachers had to say.  How refreshing!  I made her aware that we had briefly begun planning for "504" accommodations at then end of the previous year but that I thought we should see how the year goes.  If, at some point, problems begin to surface (the kind that need something to be done), then we can revisit the issue of making accommodations. 

In other news, I received an email notifying us of Nathan and Olivia's homeroom teachers for this next school year.  They are both happy with who they got.

Apparently, there have been several "administrative" changes in the hierarchy of the school over the summer.  I've heard that at the start of school there will be over 600 students registered!  That's a lot!  We are busting at the seams, quite literally!  Let me just say this, growth (at all costs) is not always good.  Growth that comes too fast, is not always good.  Have you ever heard the phrase, "too big for your britches" before?  Yes, well...that's quite possibly what's happening.  Rapid growth can sometimes produce an elitist attitude.  Unfortunately, there is some of that going on.  I pray for humility... for myself, teachers, principals, parents and students.  Most of all, I pray for a happy and prosperous school year for all three of my kids!  These little humans will be big humans someday and I want them to be able to contribute to the world in a positive way with a Christ filled heart!

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Pray for us!

On hold.

I was finally able to get an appointment with the neuro psychologist.  We will meet on June 5th to go over the results of Amelia's evaluation.  We're on old for another week, and I'm frustrated.

I think the last few weeks have finally "sunk in" with me.  I've gone over all of it in my mind several times and I find myself becoming very resentful.  I feel strongly that our family has been let down.

We've not heard from anyone yet.  Not a teacher (besides the resource teacher that broke the news to us), not the principal or vice principal, not even a parent.  News and rumors fly fast around there.  You would have thought that someone would have called.  Nope. 

When I spoke with the resource teacher on Thursday, she said that she had the contents of Amelia's desk in a bag.  She asked if she could just give it to one of her siblings.  Oh, and she mentioned that there is a math book in her backpack that needs to be turned back into the school.  That's it.  Not, "Gee, Mrs. Widener, I'm so sorry this has happened".  Nothing.  Just, "here's her stuff and we want our stuff".  Clearly, they are glad to be parting ways. 

Please pray that I don't have this chip on my shoulder for long.  I need to work through this and move on...and I am...but it isn't without some sharp pains in my pride.

On a positive note, when we drove to the Jacksonville National Cemetery today, we drove by the school that Amelia will most likely attend next year.  She seemed excited.  We drove around looking at houses for sale.  The kids panicked!  They do NOT want to move!  I'm neutral on the subject.  I'm open, though.

I don't really know what the future holds for us.  Right now, I have to get Nathan through finals and Olivia through her last week of class parties...and I have to keep Amelia from feeling left out.  Oh yea...they said Amelia could attend her end of the year class party, but she would have to be accompanied by a parent.  No thank you, I think we've been ridiculed enough for one year, don't you?

Catching Up Post

It's been a good 3 weeks since I've posted.  I don't really know what has gotten into me lately.  I just don't feel very inspired to write.  I want to, but on most days, my mind is a total blank.  Even now, as I'm typing, I have no idea what will end up in this post.

We have spent the last week trying to get a head start on preparing for school.  School uniforms were a big deal this year.  Since Nathan is going into middle school, his school clothes changed the most.  He now has to wear a button down shirt with a tie!  By the end of last school year, none of his pants fit correctly.  He kept telling me that he couldn't keep them buttoned.  Wonderful...loving...and helpful mom that I am, I told him to hold his breath and lay down on his bed to get them zipped up!  I refused to buy him new pants at the end of the year...knowing full well that even those wouldn't fit him by the end of the summer.

The girls didn't really need anything.  We have plenty of shirts and skorts for them...but I went ahead and purchased the uniform dress/jumper for the both of them.  Olivia really wanted one last year, but I made her wait a little longer.  They were new to the options last year and I wanted to make sure they would still be on the list.

All in all, I spent $259 on new uniform items....2 pair of pants, 2 button down shirts, 1 clip on tie, 2 dresses, 1 PE shirt and 1 pair of PE shorts.  I'm sure I'll end up buying another pair of pants for Nathan by the end of the year.  He's growing so fast.

In addition to all their clothes, we also took care of all the school supplies.  I don't know why but the list is even longer than it was last year.  It was a total of $154 for the 3 of them.  All school supplies were on sale at Walmart.  They also needed new backpacks this year.  They've used the same backpacks for 4 years!  That was another $60.

So now, accept for new shoes and socks....we're set for school.  We're totally broke....but it's all done and I'm very thankful for that.  It's like a weight is off of my shoulders!

I'm trying my best to find J*O*Y in the little things!  I'm so thankful that my kids (if they can't be home with me) are in a good Catholic school and that Dan and I have jobs that allow us to provide for their school needs. 

Apologizing!

There is no particular reason for my lack of blogging lately.  I think it's a combination of a couple of things.  For one thing, I've been concentrating on my eating habits a lot.  Weight Watchers and I have a date every week!  I've been journaling like a crazy woman, trying to keep track of every morsel I put into my mouth!  I just wish I could lose it as fast as I can gain it!

Secondly, we've been getting ready for the kids to start school!  Nathan went for a 4 hour orientation on Wednesday and the girls stayed home.  Today, the girls had their orientation and Nathan stayed home!  Tomorrow, everybody goes for the entire day!  I have been filling out and signing forms, writing checks (sigh), putting special dates on the calendar, registering for soccer (the girls only), reading notes from the principal, the PE coach, the music teacher...and the computer teacher as well as signing up for the mandatory 15 volunteer hours each family has to do!  It's been a whirlwind.  I'm hoping that once the first full week starts, things will calm down.

Amelia told me she had to stand in the corner today!  THIS WAS HER FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!  She was there for F.O.U.R. hours!  How can it be that my daughter would have to stand in the corner on the first day of school...for talking, no less!!  Sigh...this is going to be a long year!

Today, after we visited their classrooms and left them in the very capable hands of their teachers....I cried.  I cried because my kids won't be with me this year.  I cried because I had to throw away the Catholic Heritage Curricula catalogue.  I cried because we won't be homeschooling anymore.  I cried because their teachers will get to see more of them than I do.  I cried for all of it.  Boy, did it feel good to cry!  Apparently, I had been holding in a lot!

Hopefully, I won't be licking my wounds for much longer.

It's over!

Well, our short stint without traditional school, is over!  As most of you know, our kids will be back in our parish school as of Wednesday the 10th!   A part of me is very sad!  Trust me, it's not because our parish school is bad...on the contrary!  I've always said that if my children can't be home with me, then Assumption Catholic School is where I want them!  The reason why I am sad, is very simple....I'm a mother and I want to be with my children! 

As much as I want to be able to control everything, I can't and the reason why they are going back to school is very much out of my control.  So, I've had to really embrace this decision and to accept it as what's best for our family right now.  Most days, I'm OK with it.

I know most homeschooling families are currently in the middle of selecting curriculum, ordering books, and getting their school rooms in order.  Right now, I'm trying to make a list of resources that I plan to try and sell.  I've had to throw away the CHC catalogue this year.....heartbreaking!  Still, I'm moving on.

This year, Nathan will be in 5th grade!  For the first time, he will have a locker, dress out for P.E. and change classes!  This is an exciting step for him.  He's very excited about being back in school and seeing his friends.  However, he keeps asking me, "Mom, why can't we homeschool again?  I'm going to miss you!"  I think he's right at that slightly awkward stage where he wants/needs independence yet, he wants/needs his mom.  I did my best to explain to him that for everything, there is a season and that we were blessed to have last year together and now, God has allowed a different path for this year. 

Dan and I got a babysitter for last Friday night.  We went out for dinner....ALONE!  We talked and laughed!  It was wonderful!  After dinner, we went school supply shopping.  After price comparing, we ended up at Walmart where we spent $134 on supplies for all three kids!  We both thought the number would be closer to $200 and we were pleasantly surprised!  Right now, our dining room table is spread out in three piles.  Today, I will load up each backpack with new loot!

We also spent about $139 total at the uniform store!  Nathan needed P.E. clothes and a new pair of uniform pants.  The girls have plenty of skorts and shirts that still fit them.  Everybody got new shoes, new socks and haircuts.  As far as I can tell, we're ready, except for a run to Sam's for lunch box items.

The schedule is a little strange this year.  For one thing, they get out an hour early EVERY Wednesday!  I feel bad for parents who both work 40 hours or more a week!  Thankfully, I work only 24 hours a week and so Wednesday will be my one day off so I can pick them up early.  On Wednesday the 10th, Nathan has orientation from 8am to 12pm...the girls are home.  Then, on Thursday the 11th...the girls have orientation from 8am to 12pm and Nathan stays home!  Finally, on Friday, they all go for the entire day!
This will include the Kindergarten "BooHoo" breakfast for Olivia!

Amelia will be beginning 2nd grade which includes First Communion preparation!  This will be a very special time.  I know the teacher she will have will do her very best to prepare her spiritually.  Right now, Amelia is in the middle of the "Me, Me, Me" stage and I'm looking forward to curbing that attitude.  I'm hoping that this year will help her to see that she is not the center of the universe and that she needs to share her world with others!

All in all, I feel OK with where things are.  I've been here before.  We know the routine.  I'm ready to jump through all of the hoops.  I am so thankful that God allowed me to have this past year of homeschooling!  It was truly a gift!  I can't wait to see what wonderful things God has planned for this year!

Great Conference!

The Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Homeschool Conference in Tampa this weekend was WONDERFUL!  We had a great time!  I was blessed to attend this conference with 5 very special, Godly women who are completely dedicated to the vocation of homeschooling their children!

These women are awesome!  I don't think I've laughed so hard in my entire life!  Between the 6 of us...we have 24 children!  This made for some wonderful (and funny) discussions about homeschooling, sibling rivalry, family trips and life in general!  I look forward to getting together with them again...SOON!

Refreshments after a long drive!

Two of my favorite people in the WHOLE world!

Can you say, "Margarita"???

View from the hotel room

Another view

Straight down!

If you use Seton...then THIS was the conference for you!

Pius Media...the Catholic version of Netflix.

Lots and lots of books!

The Riverwalk

Conference Center

The only negative thing I would say was that the turn out wasn't that great!  Apparently the H.E.R.I. Convention was the same weekend, right here in Jacksonville.  I've attended this HUGE Protestant Homeschooling Convention before....tons and tons of people.  Perhaps some opted to visit H.E.R.I. instead of make the drive to Tampa.

Overall, I was very impressed and I am very encouraged  and at peace about this adventure I'm about to embark on.  I'm definitely looking forward to starting school!

***Prayer Request****
Could I please ask for your prayers for my nephew Ethan....he is back in the hospital for the second time this week.  He is having a flare up of his ulcerative colitis.  He needs our prayers desperately!

Thanks so much.

We Got Through The First Week!!!

As most of you know, I don't homeschool...although that is the greatest desire of my heart. Each year that I have to do the school "thing" (uniforms, soccer, picture day, lunches, blah-blah-blah) I want to homeschool more and more. Still, for whatever reason, this commercial CRACKS ME UP! Is there anybody out there that sees the humor in it????? Or am I the only one?

A brand new year!

Well, as of today, all of my kids are back in school! It's bittersweet for me. I miss them so much yet I need a bit of a break.

Today was total chaos! There were three lunches and three snacks to pack, there were three kids to drop off at three different classrooms. There were three different pick up times in two different areas....there were three full backpacks to shove into the van as well as three lunch boxes. There were three kids that needed an after school snack and needed to get changed out of their uniforms. There were three kids to get settled down and three different grade levels of homework to get started on. Lastly, there were three grade levels of homework to check.

Which brings me to a question....how closely do you other moms check their homework? I have always checked it in detail. Sometimes, when there are multiple subjects, this can be very time consuming! I find that I have to concentrate on a much deeper level these days as the directions can be tricky. Anyway, as I said, I check everything and if there is anything that needs to be corrected, I make them do it then so that what they turn in doesn't have any errors on it.
I'm mainly checking for neatness and to see if they followed the directions.

Well anyway, it was a very busy day. Here's hoping that I can get into a routine soon!

Back to School!

Well, today I have a 3rd Grader, a Kindergartner and a Preschooler! I'm so proud!
Here are a few pictures from this morning. I must have had the flash turned off for most of these...that's why they look a little "yellow".

Olivia has her preschool orientation tomorrow. She was very upset that she didn't get to wear her uniform today, so, I improvised and let her wear a school PE shirt that's too small for Nathan or Amelia. This made her very happy! (She's pretty easy to please).

I was afraid Amelia might get teary-eyed, but she didn't. She was a real trooper! Come Monday morning, all three of them will be in school for the entire day! This seems so weird. I'll be changing my work schedule from 3 eight hour days to 4 six hour days. I don't know how I'm going to get anything done at home. Dan has two courses (Monday and Tuesday nights) that start the last week in August and we signed up Nathan and Amelia for soccer. Practices will be on Wednesday afternoons and the games will be Saturdays starting in early October! In addition, I will be starting a Little Flowers Girls Club for the Kindergarten in the next few weeks, getting back to Weight Watchers and attending a Women's Spiritual Study. Phew! I see a very busy Fall and holiday season.

My guess is that the dust bunnies in my house are jumping for joy!

9-1-1

We just received a notice from the kid's school today confirming what the tuition payment will be each month for the 2009-2010 school year......I'm having a pain in my chest and I think I need oxygen or CPR...maybe both!!!