So, another school year is upon us. Not just any old school year though. This particular year was going to be special. This was the year that Naethyn would be starting Kindergarten. Oh, I had so many thoughts about this special time. All of the boys would be in school and I'd be returning to a full-time teaching position. I'd have them all in before school care and tell each of them to look out for the other. I'd have kids in 4th, 2nd, and Kinder and cheering for no more daycare costs (with the exception of the before care). I had envisioned teachers making comments like, "I had your younger brother last year" or "This must be your youngest" or "They all look so much alike." You get the picture. Urgh, I had it all planned out once. Now, I'm smiling a bit because I don't have any of the kids in traditional school. D and T are learning online and doing extremely well.
D passed his State exam. We were nervous as he needed to pass in order to move onto 4th Grade. He did it and he also made Honor Roll! With this news that came in mid-June, we decided that he could make the final choice in continuing with online or going back to the neighborhood traditional brick and mortar. He wants online, so we'll do it again. We are taking each school year at a time with these decisions. Last year, was sort of a trial for all of us. I didn't pull all of my hair out and husband reports that there is actually less in the shower. I don't feel as stressed. There is A LOT to remember and it can be a bit overwhelming at times with live lessons and jamming in the car to get to therapies on time. I love it though! Thankfully, most of the therapy clinics have wi-fi and we can do some lessons at the tables. I love the flexibility of the program and it's nice to have morning and mid-morning therapies and not fight the after school crowd. It's a choice and I am so thankful to have it. AZ is very big on school choice and I'm glad to hear that FL has passed some similar legislation. I hope that other states will soon get on board to see just how this funding can work for some families and Special Needs students who just need more flexibility.
The boys are having a pretty good summer. We've hit all of their favorite places, saw a few movies, Science Center, D-Backs games, riding sessions, bowling and social groups, and lots and lots of pool time. We started to do more night swimming with outside lights and they think that's pretty neat. Hoping there are no more pool repairs for awhile. We've done a few more projects with United Blood Services. Hubby just did a videotaping in English and in Spanish telling our story. These will be used on the radio, tv, and at school events to help raise awareness about blood donation. When we sit down together and write out revised versions of our story and what new pics we want to share, I stop and remember that I'm so very lucky to be watching these two grow up. It's crazy the way your life can change in an instant.
Well, we attended a baseball game last weekend for Star Wars Night. The kids got to put on their costumes and walk on the field before game time. It was FUN (for my husband too)! We'll probably try and do that each year from now on if we can. I've got a little boy who will be turning 7 in another week. He is SO excited and he lost his first tooth last week! It was cute as he was asking his older bro about the tooth fairy and that whole process. I think that he was nervous about the whole thing. A strange lady comes into your room to take your tooth, but will leave you money. Don't worry. That has to sound weird! It's really hot here right now. I think the weather person said that it went up to 116 degrees! You know, anything above 110 is really hot! It won't be this warm during SU. The temps will drop a bit, a little bit.
D was Darth Maul and T was Obi-Wan. Gave me snarly smiles. Hey, they sat for 7 innings. Awesome!
Oh Lindsay, I'm sure it's a tough time with all the kindergarteners starting school, given that this is the year Naethyn would have started. I remember the leader of the support group I have gone to since losing Marco (she had a full term stillborn 17 years ago) would always point out that she the day her son should have got on the school bus to start kindergarten was a really hard day for her.
I'm glad to hear that you all are having a great summer! Also glad to hear that the D and T have found a way of learning in online classes that really work for them!
Love the pic :)
Lots of love,
Libby
Looks like you are having a nice summer. My husband would have also enjoyed the starwars night at the ball game as well. Life sure likes to throw curve balls at us I too had everything planned out for how life was going to work...if only things would go as we plan them in our head. I have seen advertisements on Tv about online schooling and have wondered about it. I'm glad that it seems to be a good choice for your children and they are benefiting from it. As a teacher myself I have wondered if they hire teachers to teach online or how does it work?
The year Akeelah would have started have my pause as well. It's such an iconic time. So special that you have found a routine that works for everyone- sounds like the upcoming year things will fall I to a groove even more. I can't believe how old all three boys are getting!!
Xoxox
Lauren
Lindsay the year Trinity *should* have started school was one of the hardest school years start I have had. Sending you many many hugs to you as this school year approaches. Happy to hear the boys are doing good! LOVE the pic love the star wars theme!!!!
Samantha!
Hi Lindsay ... I know what you mean about those milestones and how they bring you back to reality. Ethan and Casey would be in second grade this year. Sounds like you guys are having a wonderful summer filled with lots of great activities. I'm happy to hear that schooling is going well. I'm sure the one-on-one teaching has helped them learn more than they might have in a bricks and mortar school. Keep up the great work!
Looking forward to seeing you in a few months. I sure hope it's not that hot in September! :)
erin
Oh Praise the Lord that the temp will at least be down to 110 by SU time!!! LOL!!!
Sounds like the summer has been super fun for the boys and that things are lining up well for their school year. I always hate the start of school for similar reasons that you mentioned with your "plan". I planned to have 2 starting and always wonder how she'd react to the new grade level, the school supplies, the friends in her class. (SIGH......)
Hugs for you!!
Tracy
I'm so happy that online school is going well for D and T, and for you too. Congrats on honor roll! I'm so sorry that it can't be what you imagined, with Naethyn and his big brothers all together. .
It sounds like you guys had a lot of fun this summer! My boys love Star Wars too.
Hugs,
Marissa
(P.S. You can let T know that he's not the only one who thinks the idea of the tooth fairy is a little scary!)
I know just how you are feeling. This is also the year that Arianna would have started Kindergarten also. I don't know how I am going to feel on the first day of school. I imagine probably pretty emotional. I am so glad the boys had such a great time. That is an awesome picture. lol
Hugs
Jami