On being Popular...

Last week marked the second week of school for our children. We have had some great moments and others that have been difficult to get through. In the obvious sense, sending Cole to a new teacher, letting him on a new bus creates deep pitted anxiety on my part. So explaining that Cole has seizures, and is partially deaf in one ear, and is sweet and loving - but strong willed to the bone is all part of the back to school talks I have to have. When the teacher gives me the "deer in the headlights" look - I get frustrated that this info hasn't passed from one office to the other - but explain that his seizures are rare. He has only had one at school and one on the bus...and I always end in "if in doubt call 911". Cole is well aware of his body and he knows when he has had a seizure. He calls them "his shakes". I continue to press on and explain all this to the teacher, while I try to tell her about how far he has come and reassure her that this is going to be an amazing student. He is just "SPECIAL".

Dawson seems to be adjusting just fine, and I'm pretty sure when I get his spelling test back on Monday it will be topped with a fantastic grade! After all, we talked about knifes while we studied! (see previous post for details!)

Blake does fantastic once he gets to school, I have peeked into his class twice now. He doesn't talk much, but does participate in all group activities. When he gets home he tells me all about snack, chocolate milk and his "friends". Most mornings are rough, and sometimes him and I both still cry - though we are making improvement.

Aleigha has only gone one day, and starts a 4 day week on Monday. I will be sure to post pictures from her first day here soon.

Kennedy has had a rough start. She is in a new school. One that houses just 4th & 5th grades, but has combined two lower elementary schools together. She has been introduced to the "popular kids" and even asked to join their "group" if you will. However, it came with a hefty price. She was told to choose between the group of girls that she has been loyal to for years, and friends with at church & the new so called popular girls. What a difficult first few days we have had. She didn't discuss this with me at first. It wasn't until I was in her room with her one night, she began to tell me. She wanted to know why she couldn't be friends with everyone.

With tears in her eyes, she looked up at me and said, "Mommy, I've prayed God would make this better, but He's not answering my prayer."


"Oh, sweetheart," I softly replied. "God wants all the yuckiness of this out of your life so your spirit can be healthy again. He'll help with this situation and guide you through the rough days if you keep talking to him." And than with the force of my inner self I did something I never do, I said, "Why we don't we pray together right now." (you see I encourage them to pray, and I pray as well - but together as a family it is not something we have done, that's just the truth folks.)


But with her little raspy voice and wet eyes she started. "Lord, thank You for this most wonderful day. Please help me be a good friend to everyone and allow everyone to get along. But most of all, thank You for this most wonderful day."


I was stunned.


With tears in my eyes, I thought, I want to be just like her when I grow up. In the middle of life's yuck I want to still be able to see God's goodness and thank Him for each wonderful day.

PS. She is amazing, and has made the right choice so far. She is still with her group of friends she has traveled with for a few years. She still eats lunch with them and plays with them. Although she wishes everyone could get along, she seems to know who her true friends are. GOODNESS, I love this girl!