Wow, the kids and I made it through the school year. Hip, hip hooray!
Last day of school was on Friday and as I watched 12 year old walk across the stage to receive a certificate for being on the honor roll for the entire school year, I was so proud of him for accepting the unexpected.
It wasn't easy at first. I remember the first day of school, he looked so awkward and self-conscious as I dropped him off. (He still looks awkward and self-conscious but so did all the other kids walking across the stage.) Twelve must be the most awkward age!
12 year old had a hard time leaving behind the old life and old friends. Several times a week he would ask if he could call some of his friends from our old life and though I would give in, the old life friends would never reciprocate the call. In other words, none of his old friends ever called him.
I started telling him "no" when he asked to call someone back there and would tell him to "call some new friends here, instead."
It's been almost three months since he has asked to call anyone from there and he enjoys texting here friends.
Not that I don't subscribe to "make new friends and keep those old" but I didn't want the boy to hear any gossip about his father (12 year old knows the truth).
Anyway, once baseball started, I think he begin to feel at home. Though he doesn't play catcher here (this team has several boys who also play on a select team, so their skills are a bit more advanced) he says he still enjoys playing. They will continue to play until the end of June. Karate goes year-round.
12 year old says he enjoyed the school year and all the field trips. (Back there, the kids got one field trip.) Two weeks ago, they went to the big city about 90 miles away to a restaurant that had knights fighting each other (didn't want to say the name) and the school chartered nice, air-conditioned buses to take the kids. This field trip was postponed because of the swine flu so I was very happy that they finally did get to go. His principal is a micro-manager, but he did plan a lot of fun things for the kids through-out the school year.
5 year old had a great year too and is currently reading on a third grade reading level. I don't think I knew how to read until I was 7. She played soccer in the spring and still has two more T-ball games left to play. Her dance recital was last night and I am ready for her activities to end!
I need a break.
I hope to be a better blogger now that my schedule will ease up a bit for a little while. I'm more of a reader/lurker than I am a writer these days.
15 comments:
Your kids seem to be thriving and healing in that way that kids do when they are loved and cared for. I'm glad to hear it, and hope that you continue to do the same, my friend.
I am so happy to hear that your kids have adapted so well! You did the right thing... Healing comes in time!
It's crazy how resilient kids are, isn't it? So glad you all are doing better.
For the first time in 7 years, we have no baseball. For the first summer in 7 years, our summer is our own - I cannot tell you how wonderful it is! I miss those t-ball days, though! :)
I'm happy to hear everyone adjusted to the change and is enjoying the new life. It will be interesting to hear what dreams you have for you, once everything has settled a bit.
Happy Summer!!!
It's going to be an AWESOME summer for you and your family!
Wow, that's awesome news about the oldest and I'm so proud of him. And your youngest -- third grade level at her age? Congrats!
I'm glad everyone is doing so well.
yay for surviving the School year and Congradulations for creating a new life for you and the kids.. that had to be the hardest creating of your life .. but guess what.. You have come a LONG WAY BABY!!!!!
You not only survived, but have thrived. You were a good & smart Mom to have him call friends at his new home instead of his old. That's what being a parent is about--getting involved & not just letting a kid do whatever they want to.
Hope you find lots to do this summer. Including taking a nice rest for YOU.
loved what you told son..about calling new friends.
Did you read alot to daughter..she's great too!
(pics up for a day, will remove)
Sounds like everything is moving at the *normal* direction for you and your kids. You did a wondeful job protecting them this year. You should be very proud...
Fantastic how well the kids are doing in their new life. It took my grandson a while to start making friends here. But he has many now. I hope you are getting a break now. Maybe you can sleep in sometimes..
Hi--Sorry for the lapse in contact..I kinda left the blogoshpere for a while..but time fo re-entry and I had to come by to check on you. You sound wonderful!!! Congrats to your son for graduating and adapting so well. Enjoy those baseball games. It sounds like your ALMOST 1st grader (if I remember correctly , she's a grade below my little girl) is also doing great. Good to hear. Stay positive. You are doing a really good job with things.
It sounds like the kids are doing a great job adapting. You're right 12 is awkward but it sounds like he'll be just fine or even better than fine. As for you, I KNOW you're going to do just great. Time to step off the roller coaster ;-)
It seems many of us are just lurkers these days. Maybe there's a writer's block bug going around! Glad to hear the kids finished the school year safe and healthy and happy!
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