Carpool Blessings

I was pretty anxious about this school year. I have a 2nd grader, Kindergartner and preschool. The schedules overlap and, of course, there's lots on the schedule. Carpools to the rescue. We are part of three carpools this year...one for each of the kids. I was a bit stressed out about that, wondering if I could keep up with it all.

It's turned out to be a marvelous blessing to us in many, many ways. Saving me time and gas money is probably the least important of all. My Preschooler and Kindergartner are best-friends with their carpool buddies. The moms have been life-savers to me. When Eddie and I went for a long weekend for our anniversary, one of the moms came to the rescue when my mom lost the keys to our van. In last minute jams, there are friends ready and willing to step in to help.

Three weeks ago, I spoke with my Kindergartner's teacher about how he's been doing. Great news...he's right where he needs to be. For those of you who know my kiddo, this is great news. He's struggled a bit and has some motor-development delays. Preschool was an aweful experience and we were not looking forward to this year. I was thrilled with the report...and then quickly deflated as she proceeded to tell me about concerns she has for next year, mostly related to his attention and speed (meaning he does everything slowly). I felt anxious and a little disturbed that this hadn't been addressed earlier in the year and quickly decided to talk to one of my carpool moms. As a former Pre-K-2nd grade teacher, she has graced me with ideas, resources and feedback that have been critical to decisions about next year.

I can't help but laugh as I look back at my fear of navigating this school year's transportation needs. All I needed was a ride for my kids, but instead I've been graced with the wisdom, support and grace of really amazing women.

Who Knew?

Who knew that a five-page paper would take me so long!? The last month has been busy with day-to-day life (which is enough to keep me busy by itself), but also with writing my first paper for seminary. It's a relatively simple 5-page word study for my Hebrew class, but based on the time I put into it you'd have thought it was closer to 20 pages. Ahhh...I am out of practice in this area.

The good news is that I just printed off my final draft and I'm pretty content with it. I actually am really excited about some of the ideas in the paper. I'll share sometime soon. For tonight, it's off to study my flash cards in prep for class tomorrow!

One of Those Weeks...

I know you've had 'em too. We all do.

This week has been mine. Aaron was on Spring Break, so having all the kids home was different than what I've gotten used to.

Elianna seems to have back-tracked after having been potty-trained for the last 6 months. I think it's just wanting to be independent and not have to have mom's help going, but let's just say I've cleaned up way too many puddles this week. May I say my patience has been tested and found to fail miserably??

Nate had an evaluation at Children's Hospital on Monday. They didn't tell us a whole lot we didn't already know. He has lax muscle tone and hyper-extended joints which effects his motor skills. The Doc also thinks that he has some motor planning delay. She did tell us that rather than being unmotivated, what he is able to accomplish is a testament to his will and determination. So, I guess that's good. I guess I was hoping that she would provide some concrete suggestions or next-steps, which she did not. We have some options to pursue ourselves, but have some discussion that needs to happen first. It's a fine line in providing the most intervention we can and loving Nate for who he is, an absolutely fabulous, intelligent and loving child.

Eddie's job stinks right now. It's just plain ol' high stress and constant "issues." My husband is terrific at handling stuff like that, but he can only handle so much. He tries so hard to make balance for me, so I've been trying to provide that for him this week and provide a safe, happy place at home. He deserves it!

So there you have it. I'm glad it's over and we have the weekend at home and a new week to start on Sunday.