A Long God Story...

Yesterday was our first elementary field trip. The kids walked down the street to the fire house and the park. We ate lunch and the kids played at the playground. There were about 70 kindergarteners and 10 adults. There was no way to watch every child at each moment. The whistle was blown and the kids went running to line up. As they lined up one of the other moms on the trip turned to a little girl and asked where her glasses were. All we heard was "....p..." (a word beginning with P but we couldn't make it out)

"They are at the park?"
".....p..."
"Where are they?"
"They are in her pocket," said another little girl.
The mom looked at her, "Are they in your pocket?"
The little girl shook her head.

We began walking down the path- 1/4 of a mile. We got to the front and after a little dividing kids up the teacher's attention was brought to the little girl.

"Where are your glasses?"
"at the park." Clear as day. My heart sunk. The teacher asked if I could take the remainder of her class and she'd go back with the girl and look for the glasses. I asked her if I could just go back with her.

We walked back. The whole way there I was looking ahead at the two different playgrounds, the pavilion, the swings. A lot of ground to cover. A lot.

I can't go into details, but I knew that the little girl wouldn't be able to help me much. I began asking her where she had gone. All I knew was that, according to her she wasn't on the swings.

The cute story came when she informed me that somebody had taken them off her face.
"What did she look like?"
"She had long hair. She had a long tummy. She had long legs. She had long ears." I smiled. I didn't see any dogs around. :)

As we began looking I lost hope. I think I said a quick prayer, but to be honest if they weren't on the surface to where we saw it I didn't know where they were. They could be under mulch- somewhere in the grass. I didn't want to give up. I knew that it could be a financial burden on the family.

I gave up. I didn't want her to think she was in more trouble and miss the fire house tour. She needed to be able to see what the others were seeing. We walked back. Most of the time she held my hand and kept looking up to find her glasses. We talked a little. We had already talked at lunch and she had already had found her way into my heart.

I told the teacher we didn't find them. She told me that this was one of the first weeks she wore her glasses to school because her parents were afraid she'd lose them. However, it is school so she needed to see what was in front of her.

I told the teacher that I'd try to get back to the park that evening, but in the hustle and bustle of getting Ty picked up and getting to church, with Daddy out of town, I didn't make it over. I felt bad.

That evening during bedtime prayer I almost mentioned the glasses, but decided not to. I think I was worried we wouldn't find them. I should have. My kids need to know that God answers prayers in different ways. I just didn't want to. keyword: I!

Daddy promised JJ that he would let him do some Star Wars Legos the following day. After dinner they began working. Ty so badly wanted to go to the park. I so badly wanted to stay home and let my aching feet rest, after two days of field trips and getting stuff done around the house.

I gave in. We went on the swings. Then, as we were headed to the "big" playground I asked Ty if we could look for some glasses at the "little" playground. He was happy to go. As I walked over I again did one of those "oh Lord, let us find them" but deep down I didn't know if we'd find them.

As soon as we got there I glanced at a table. Ever have a feeling like there is light shining down on something? Well, there was that evening- in our park- on a simple little picnic table- on some blue framed glasses. The arms are a little uneven, but other than that- they are fine!

Amazing that God cared about these glasses. I don't know if this family knows the Lord, in fact, I don't think they do. However, God cares about this little girl. God cares about her glasses and that her family may not be able to just run out and get some new ones.

God decided to use this little girl's glasses to teach me that nothing is impossible. Everything is worth a prayer.

Ty Update

Ty had his first field trip...the day after JJ had his first Kindergarten field trip. I will admit that after JJ's walking field trip the park for a picnic and playtime plus the visit to the firehouse I was pooped. I wasn't sure how I would go the next day but then I remembered I would be focused on only one child and it was fun!

Last year I left Ty with my mom so that I could focus on JJ with some one-on-one time. This year JJ was in school so I got that time with Ty and his preschool friends. (and even saw a few friends from our church, too!) Ty and I are having some good quality time this year. He is my little buddy and he will often come to me with a request to "cuddle me." Can't pass that opportunity up!

My little guy is having fun during his first preschool experience. The first two days away from me he cried for a few minutes. Then, the petting zoo came- that morning he did great. From then on I am greeted during pick-up with "I no cry today, Mommy!" He's so proud of himself. I'm proud of him! He is trying to take on the big boy role but it doesn't always come natural for my cuddly, youngest of the family. He is still connected with a diaper. While it annoys me, I'm just going with it. He's pretty easy other than that and is actually terrified of the potty going into the toilet. Weird. JJ did the same thing but he was potty trained at three. He'll get there.

Last week we were told he will be getting speech lessons. They will call me in the next month to get it started. I can't tell you how excited I am. Excited? Yes. I know some people think it means there's something wrong. Some people think they'll learn to correct it. However, Ty has A LOT to say and when you can't even understand as his parent- it's frustrating. I knew it was getting bad when we would ask JJ to translate and he would guess, too.

We had his hearing checked and all but one were normal. The other was very slightly below normal. Something we can go back and have reevaluated but they think it's fine. He did well during this test. He did everything they said with ear buds in his ears.

We did the speech test. They had him saying words. My heart sunk. I suddenly understood what he was saying. At the end of the test the lady looked at me. I think she could see my concern. Her words, "Don't worry, Mom. He definitely qualifies for speech." Out of 77 sounds he got 63...wrong. (or just dropped a part of a word in the front, middle or end.) In fact, he qualifies for one of the "highest" forms of speech. I am relieved. I will understand him. Others will understand him. There won't be frustration. (though he doesn't show much right now. She was actually shocked at this and said she was surprised he hadn't slowed down his speech.)

This picture is just cute to the mommy- he was pooped after all of his evaluations...not even a camera was waking the boy up!

He is talking from the back of his mouth, instead of the middle. Most kids who need speech talk from the front of their mouth. She said that his, while uncommon, is the easier to correct. It also causes them to add "g" in words. For example, out of Ty's mouth a "banana" is a "bananga." I can't even begin to tell you what "Thomas" or "Transformers" is. It is the same every time, but sounds nothing like the actual words.

Other than that he's doing great! He scored well on his Dial-3 evaluation. (pretty much a skills test for three year olds that they had to have him do to see how he was doing overall for the state/district. From there they were able to send him on to the speech/hearing evaluation.)

As I used to say on our old blog- this may not be great reading, but these are my baby journals. I often look back at those and remember these times so I'm trying to get better about getting some more on the blogs. :)

Ty Starts Preschool

 Dear Ty,

Today it was your turn to start preschool! You were excited! I helped out in your class just to make sure they had enough hands and you were sure to stay by my side at the beginning but by the end of playtime I could ask you to go play with toys and you would run off. You kept a close eye on me, but you warmed up to the idea that I was there and that you didn't have to be by my side.

You enjoyed circle time and since I was a mommy helper you got to hold the flag. Such an important job! (Ask JJ- he waited for what seemed like days before I was his mommy helper the first time- he couldn't wait to hold the flag!) You also got to be line leader for potty break and going outside.

We have broken one rule, but your teachers assured me it was okay. The rule was that you are not potty trained. Up until this weekend you didn't even want to try. However, this weekend when you went to the lake with Daddy's family you tried...for a bribery! I didn't care what it took! You may find yourself in big boy pants...ummm..tomorrow.

You love Cars which is why you got a Cars 2 backpack for your birthday. You were so excited to wear it today that you even wore it on our walk to take JJ to school. I'll admit you two looked pretty cute in your backpacks walking to school.

You told me that your favorite part of preschool today was painting. (Which does include an apron and red and yellow paint...and a bucket to wash your hands in after. :) I think you also enjoyed getting to play outside on the playground that you used to watch JJ play on...and rolling down the hill just like JJ and his friends used to!

I hope you have a great year at school! I know you are going to learn so much this year and I can't wait to see how you adjust and what your favorite things are!

Love,
Mommy

Welcome!

Welcome to our new blog! Pardon the mess! I haven't had time to fix it up to my liking, but this is the way of life with two boys... some things get put on the back burner... and I wouldn't have it any other way.

First Day of Kindergarten!

Dear JJ,

On Monday you started kindergarten. You were super excited to start. You put on your uniform and kind of wondered how to tuck in your light blue shirt. You had it mastered by the time we left the house with your Mario Cart backpack and lunchbox. Daddy even went in late to work for this special day and we walked together, as a family, to your new school.

We were able to walk you to your classroom. We took you to your special spot labeled, "Jonah." I tried to take a picture but you were distracted and rightly so. There were so many parents and kids and things to look at. Here is the only one I took in the classroom with my camera- too bad the one on my cell phone is super duper cute! I won't ever erase it! However, this one does make me giggle a bit.

I gave you a hug and kiss on the top of your head and then it was Daddy's turn. Daddy gave you a hug as Ty and I made our way to the door and you lingered with Daddy. Suddenly, you looked small to me and memories from the past five years of your life swirled in my head. I could feel the tears beginning. I knew I needed to get out so that you couldn't see me. I have no idea what you and Daddy said but I knew that it was probably harder for you to let go then. A new chapter of your life was beginning.

This week has been a week of adjustment. On the first day you came home and weren't used to your new teacher and new routine. On Tuesday, you whispered as we crossed the street to your school that your tummy hurt. I don't know if your tummy has ever hurt from nerves. However, you came out that day saying that you had fun. You were good with going back.

The one thing that you want me to do is to walk you down the hall to morning meeting. It is okay with me...and Ty. We give our family hugs and off you walk into the gym to sit in the lines with the rest of the kids in the school. Friday I even got to see morning meeting because I realized after leaving the building that I didn't have my phone or my keys...they were in your backpack! Mommy felt a little silly going in after them and walking in front of the teachers. See, we're all learning the new routine!

On Friday, you walked out at the end of the day and greeted Ty and I with our hugs, like you normally do. Then, you shared some exciting news. Today you got a PURPLE day! A green day is an above average day. You have gotten a green day the past four days, but today you had a "super duper day." From what it sounds like Ms. E only gives out purple days to one or two people and today you earned it. You said that you got it because you ("and the girl across from me") were the only ones sitting and listening. Oh buddy! You were so happy, I was so proud!

You have had a great start! You have remembered your listening ears and when you haven't you had them have come home with a huge guilt. We have reassured you that if you come home with a yellow day (average day) instead of a green day (above average day) that it is okay, as long as you tried your hardest. Sorry, buddy, you come by that one true!

We love you and are so proud of you! You have made some great choices in your first week and we know you are going to do your best!

Love,

Mommy