The Joys and Pains of Parenting

It has been a rough week in the parenting department and I still have a few days left of the week. In all my weeks as a parent this has been a tough one. I love my children to death. I would run into a burning building to save them. I would do anything for them. They bring me so much joy when there is joy to be had. But this has been the worst week ever. I don't know if it is just the teacher that Cameron has or if it is just Cameron, but this is going to be a long school year.

I was informed by Cameron, on Wednesday, that his teacher would take away his afternoon recess if he continued to go up to the office. Here is some background to the story. Cameron is sensitive. Has been from birth. It is something we have been aware of. The slightest little bump from a kid on the playground sends Cameron into a tizzy. Even his 5 year old cousin knows that he is sensitive and has been known to use that to her advantage, which is slightly funny, only slightly. One of the women from our ward is a yard duty at the school and knows how Cameron reacts and so she gives him a choice to either go up to the office or stay with her for a minute and go back to playing. Somehow his teacher has become aware of Cameron's trips to the office and now she is threatening to take away his afternoon recess.

Then there is the note that was sent home from school today (Thursday). Cameron was playing with his partner during silent reading instead of staying to task. He was warned and when he didn't stop, was asked to pull a card only to go back to his seat and start playing with his friend again and asked to pull another card and go and spend 30 minutes in another class. And all I can think is that my poor son is bored out of his mind in this classroom because he is miles ahead of every other student in his class. I am afraid that my kid is being singled out by this teacher because he reacts differently to situations and the teacher does not like it.

Here is hoping to better parenting next week. Thank goodness for weekends.

Laughter...the best medicine

Today was a day of catching up on those duties that I have neglected the past week. Cleaning, laundry, paying bills, you all know what I am talking about. The things we would rather not do. Same goes for me, but they have to be done, and I did them. As well as my duties it is also pizza night. I love pizza night. No dishes and no mess to clean up afterwards. The best night ever.

And what makes it even better are my kids laughter. My kids have the best laughs. It doesn't matter where they are, those laughs put a smile on my face, and Madeline has been particularly giggly tonight. I love it. Makes me feel better about my day. It brings a great end to a mediocre day.

P.S. I am really missing not having a camera around to catch my kids by surprise. They really do some funny stuff when they don't think anyone is watching. I continue to save my pennies for a new one.

What Would I Do Without Them

I have been so lucky to have a great family that lives so close and helps me when I need it. I don't always need the help, but when I do, they do their best to come through. As a working mom that means the most to me. I am so lucky to have such wonderful people to help take care of and fulfill what I sometimes cannot for my kids.

I appreciate all the games, meets and church activities that my family make a point to be there for. As a kid it always meant the world to have my mom and dad cheering me on and even as I get older it still means a lot to now have them and the rest of our clan out there cheering for my kids. And the smiles when they see more than Paul and I cheering for them is even better.

I don't know where life will take us in the near future, but I will always have my family and they will always have me and my family. I would hope that someday I might be able to repay them, in some fashion, for all the help and support that they give my family.

Ready for Fall

Today on my way to work I was teased with some beautiful fall weather. It was sunny and a bit warm at our home, but as I made the short 20 min. drive to Oakdale the weather was so different. Slightly overcast with some fog, a slight breeze and some very cool air. I felt like I was on the coast. It was wonderful. It didn't stay all day, but it was a nice break from the norm around here. Hopefully I won't have to wait to long for fall to make a permanent appearance.

A Day Like No Other

Today needs to go down in the history books. For the first time ever I did not have a single issue with getting kids ready for church. They got up on time, did not fuss about breakfast, and even were dressed earlier than usual. I was even able to curl Madeline's hair before church. There are miracles out there, even if they are small ones. Got out the door 10 minutes before church, which allowed us time to sit and prepare for our meetings. I, of course, could not tell you what was spoken during sacrament meeting because I forgot the crayons and was trying to keep our soon to be 4 year old Madeline occupied. So it was a typical Sunday.

I am very excited for next Sunday because this will be Madeline's very first Primary program at church. Here is hoping that she does well and doesn't blow out every hearing aid when she speaks her part in the microphone.

Changing Things Up

It has been yet another month since I have posted any news on our end and I can honestly say that not much has gone on.

We have been very busy trying to sell our home, which means keeping the house spotless and I mean spotless. Not the easiest thing to do when you have two kids and two cats. As well as pay attention to the rentals in the area so that we can find a home in the area with a great school and more kids in the neighborhood for our kids to play with. We are keeping our fingers crossed that the house will be sold before Christmas so that we can have a really great Christmas with decorations and a tree in a new home. I am not looking forward to the possibilities of having to move during the holidays.

Cameron is doing very well in school when it comes to his work. Which we knew was not going to be his problem, but his meltdowns have started up again and we have a teacher who is not patient in that department. Even threatened him with going to the office if he couldn't control himself. We are in the process of trying out different techniques to combat this problem. Hoping that one of them is going to work.

I finally cut Madeline's hair. I was so tired of the tears every time I had to take a brush to it and make her look presentable. And when I say cut I mean cut. I had the stylist cut her hair to her chin. It is so cute and totally makes her personality shine. Love that girl and her funny little quirks.

I have decided to kind of change up my blog and make it more my journal. I find it easier to journal on here than writing it down in a book. I will still be posting all the family doings as well as journaling.

I am still without a camera for the time being so when I do get a camera I will make sure to post pictures of Madeline's haircut.