Sunday, September 13, 2009
Joy Day
Okay, let's try this again. I have to admit, I am not so savvy at this blogging thing yet....
Today is JOY DAY!!!!!
Today is the very special day that Meekia Joy was adopted into our family forever, exactly 5 years ago. Oh, how the time has flown! She celebrated her special day by going to church, followed by an antique car show (with about 3 train rides!), and then a burger at Red Robin. We also went on a family bike ride this afternoon.
I am so thankful for my beautiful girl! We are truly blessed by her presence in our lives every single day. Her smile lights up our hearts.
Today is JOY DAY!!!!!
Today is the very special day that Meekia Joy was adopted into our family forever, exactly 5 years ago. Oh, how the time has flown! She celebrated her special day by going to church, followed by an antique car show (with about 3 train rides!), and then a burger at Red Robin. We also went on a family bike ride this afternoon.
I am so thankful for my beautiful girl! We are truly blessed by her presence in our lives every single day. Her smile lights up our hearts.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Chicca Chicca Boom Boom
Today Joy and I made a "Chicca Chicca Boom Boom" tree. Beautiful! She cut, tore, and glued paper. A great occupational therapy adventure. I watched her faithfully retrieve each letter sticker, name the letter, say the sound....a far cry from our math lesson this morning! We are studying "4" this week. Today we can't remember "1", "2", or "3". I know a child who knows all her letters, all the letter sounds, and many printed words should be able to comprehend numbers. Memorization is one of Joy's gifts. She hasn't yet memorized her numbers from 1 to 10.
I remember my days in the classroom. I had many students with challenges. I found opportunities to challenge these students as creative adventures. I found much stimulation in the problem-solving. What's wrong with me now! It is so different when it is your own child. I need to stop taking everything so personally. Joy's little two-year old twin sisters, Faith and Promise, spouted off the numbers 1 to 12 this morning - another bittersweet moment. I'm so very proud of them, for they have overcome so much already in their young lives. I just wanted my Joy to seem intellectually older for a bit longer.
I can feel the good Lord pushing me from behind. Reminding me of my promise to "stand up" and bravely teach this little one. I am praying for a cheerful heart and a teachable spirit. All that matters is right here in front of me. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be." Matthew 6:21
Thursday, September 3, 2009
We're coming to the end of the 3rd week in our homeschool adventure. I have to say "Praise God", because I'm exhausted. My home feels neglected, along with the twins. I'm not quite myself lately, pulled in so many directions. On top of our insane school schedule, therapy schedule, and everyday home duties, I gave in to teaching Sunday School - a most terrible decision since I don't have time to think! Boundaries.....if I had time, I should do a word study. I seem to be losing definitions of important words by the minute!
My Joy has not transitioned into a school schedule well. She still wakes up each morning afraid she will be going to public school again. After 4 to 5 minutes of reassuring her that her classroom is right outside her bedroom, and "yes, Mommy is your teacher now", she begins her regular morning battle of refusing to go potty. I admit, I struggle to keep her on a schedule. I know the necessity, I just don't always have the energy to fight with her and keep her on task. I've not found the balance yet of direct instruction and play she desperately needs.
I battle within with just giving up. After all, I did send her to school at the tender age of 3, about 1 year old for Joy. Oh, if I could turn back time! I'd let her play and play and play to her heart's content. I sometimes wonder if all her sensory issues are not a direct result of my poor decisions. I have always wanted the best for my children. I hope I haven't pushed her too far.
She had an amazing day on Tuesday. While reading to her from a storybook without illustrations, she pointed out the words, "Daddy", "pink", and "baby". I sat astounded! She proceeded through the rest of her morning acting as a regular 5 year old. She seemed to comprehend "3", which was nothing short of a miracle since she doesn't seem to comprehend "1" or "2". She had a stellar performance in PT, and was a rock star in Speech. She read over 20 three letter words! You'd think this would encourage my spirit. But, I know my girl well enough to know what the side effects are of these "stellar" performances. For the past 48 hours I've been paying royally with extreme temper tantrums and meltdowns. I want to focus on the positive, the light....the darkness is just so hard and I seem to take it so personally. I pray she will be herself again soon. I miss her terribly.
My Joy has not transitioned into a school schedule well. She still wakes up each morning afraid she will be going to public school again. After 4 to 5 minutes of reassuring her that her classroom is right outside her bedroom, and "yes, Mommy is your teacher now", she begins her regular morning battle of refusing to go potty. I admit, I struggle to keep her on a schedule. I know the necessity, I just don't always have the energy to fight with her and keep her on task. I've not found the balance yet of direct instruction and play she desperately needs.
I battle within with just giving up. After all, I did send her to school at the tender age of 3, about 1 year old for Joy. Oh, if I could turn back time! I'd let her play and play and play to her heart's content. I sometimes wonder if all her sensory issues are not a direct result of my poor decisions. I have always wanted the best for my children. I hope I haven't pushed her too far.
She had an amazing day on Tuesday. While reading to her from a storybook without illustrations, she pointed out the words, "Daddy", "pink", and "baby". I sat astounded! She proceeded through the rest of her morning acting as a regular 5 year old. She seemed to comprehend "3", which was nothing short of a miracle since she doesn't seem to comprehend "1" or "2". She had a stellar performance in PT, and was a rock star in Speech. She read over 20 three letter words! You'd think this would encourage my spirit. But, I know my girl well enough to know what the side effects are of these "stellar" performances. For the past 48 hours I've been paying royally with extreme temper tantrums and meltdowns. I want to focus on the positive, the light....the darkness is just so hard and I seem to take it so personally. I pray she will be herself again soon. I miss her terribly.
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