MSTROXY

Meet up with “Teacher”. September 29, 2007

Wednesday I had a meeting with William’s teacher Ms. Jody along with 2 other counselors concerning William’s size. We ta  lked about his posture while doing art projects (he doesn’t sit all the way back in his chair also his feet don’t touch the ground) they are concerned about the pressure that it may put on his back. His teacher is going to observe him while doing his school work and let me know if it seems to bother him.

We talked about recess, there is a lot of equipment that William wont play with and he often isolates himself from all the kids in his class. I spoke with him about this and he told me that his one friend in particular, Vivian, didn’t like to play with him anymore, she likes to play with the funny kids. I told him he could try to play with the funny kids as well. He said he was shy and didn’t want to. After holding back my tears, I told him he was a very smart boy, funny, and creative. I told him not to be shy and try and play with the other kids.

When talking with his teachers about recess, I told them that he like to play kick ball or soccer. Yesterday they brought a ball out to recess and his teacher told me that he had a lot of fun playing soccer and last night he told me he played soccer with a lot of kids. He also told me he was not shy anymore.

I was in conference with William’s teacher and counselors for about an hour, they were very nice and helpful. Both of the counselors had observed William previously in class and were very familiar with him. I did assure them that I did not want William to have special treatment because of his size but that making small accommodations for him would not be a problem, like bringing a water bottle in for him to keep in his cubby since he can not reach the water fountain.

We all came to the conclusion that along with me, his teacher, and the two counselors we are going to work as a team to make sure that William is getting the most out of his school experience and that he does adjust to school with out a negative impact. They are willing to work with me for his whole time at Irvington Elementary, which is through the seventh grade.

All in all, I am very impressed with this school and the faculty. The are very caring and concerned for their students. They have all kinds of different programs to help out all the different situations that kids may face.

A side note…

This picture above is of me and Briana at a harvest festival held at Peoples Coop. They had apple pressed cider, BBQ corn, art and crafts, and great stuff to live sustainably.

Halo? Halo, anyone there? September 25, 2007

Have you lost your husband, can’t find them anywhere? Try looking at your nearest video game retail store, most likely they are out spending your life savings on brain mushing Halo Three.

I’m sorry?!?!?!?!?!? September 20, 2007

Today I am left feeling sad and angry, due to a routine trip that Vivian and I often take to Rerun, Cafe’ Destino, the library, and Wild Oats.  We went to Rerun, our neighborhood thrift shop, we each found our little treasures that we couldn’t live without. Vivian found a few buttons with great little political slogans, the kids found a package each of ice cream cone shaped side walk chalk, and I found a cute little wall plaque that is also a coat  hanger to hang on a wall in the kids bedroom. After that we headed to Cafe’ Destino, we ordered our usual cup of soup and a little tea pot of hot tea, we shared a moment laughing at Ethan and Briana sharing a cute little hug and kiss. Then we headed to the library, as we were walking past Wild Oats I ran into one of the moms from Williams class, she stopped me with a “hi, your William’s mom”. We exchanged names and talked of the weather, then she proceeded to question me on how William is adjusting with school, I ensured her that he was doing quite well and is in fact happy and enjoying school very much. She comments that he is a bit smaller then the other kids and asked “how is he handling that“? I said yes he is smaller but he is fine and not much effected, and I told her we did not feel like we should hold him back because of this. I explained that I notice that other kids are quick to push him out of the way and I said that I believed he would toughen up. She was quick to say that her son was probably one of the kids that was one of those kids pushing him out of the way, as if her kid is in the norm. Anyway, I hurried the small talk and went on my way. I was left feeling that this mom was very rude and insensitive. Why is it easier to bully and hate then to love and support. Who is she to make her comments to me not with care or concern for William but with a nosy agenda.

Here’s where I have peace, William is a great kid with the love of God and the love of his parents. He may have his feelings hurt at times but he will come out on top.

What else can I say?

Before I go to sleep September 18, 2007

I just wanted to catch everyone up on whats happening with us here, William is on his second full week of school, he having a great time. His teacher is very nice and she sings with her little banjo a good bye song everyday. She does want us to meet with her to discuss William’s size, I am not sure what there is to discuss, she may just want to be on the same page as us about William’s Growth Hormone shots. The meeting is on Wednesday, so we will see what happens.

Tomorrow night is my first night with MOPS (mothers of Preschoolers), a couple friends from Lakeland love being apart of this, I will just bring Briana. It is a night meeting, I didn’t want to keep William out so late with him now going to school.

I did get the job with Covance, I start Oct. 1st, full time.

Chris is still enjoying his job, working hard.

We are enjoying getting to know the members of our Home Community (church home group), we are doing a study with Hebrews.

Briana is a hyper little girl, I try to take her to story time at the library but the girl wont sit still. I have to figure out a way to keep her calm. She is just very adventurous, I love it about her, I look forward to all the daring things we will do together later.

I hope all of you are well.

I miss you!

More pics from Labor day weekend. September 11, 2007

Chris is a NERD, I am not ashamed though… September 9, 2007

This is Chris in a nut shell, babe I love you!

Labor of lovin’ Oregon! September 7, 2007

So for Labor Day the fam and I went to Cannon Beach to visit the Great Grands and to explore a bit of the Coast. What beautiful sites we beheld, clear days and sea life, what more could we ask for? Here’s a great video of Briana swimming in the sand, with William’s help.

This is just astonishing to me!

Life is, shall we say, shitty and beautiful, sometimes in the same moment. Example, William started Kindergarten this week, this is a great mile stone he has embarked upon. He is five(I keep saying to myself, “I have a five year old boy in school, real school”) and making choices, he is going to start having real responsibilities, and this is beautiful. Right? So now for the shitty part, I have a five year old boy who is going to be in school from 8:30-3:00 p.m., this is it, he is practically out of the house, at least for most of the day. I feel like my motherhood is slowly seeping from my body. Ok back to the beautiful part, Chris and I have a smart good hearted little boy who is influencing his little world that surrounds him, by God’s grace Chris and I have had a hand in this. What a wonderful blessing!

Thats all.