Jacob's teachers have been trying very hard to get him to learn to read the alphabet. He didn't seem to have any interest in it at all and would even refuse to cooperate at circle time some days. I was beginning to worry that there was a bigger issue than just not wanting or being ready to learn to read.
Last week, I took Jacob to the library to look at some alphabet books. I realized that we had never really spent any time away from school working on it. He would spend about 15 minutes at group time listening to the kids spell their names and a little time tracing letters but that was about it. I decided to try to find some alphabet books that he would like and work on them.
We found two books that had truck themes. We read them together at the library and he decided he liked them and wanted to borrow them. It has now been about five days. He can now read all but about 5 or 6 letters! The letters he gets confused on look similar to other letters and they are not ones we use very often. I still need to find a book or way to work on the lower case letters but we are off to an excellent start. I can now put my worries that he has a learning disability or other more serious problem to rest.
By the time he goes through the three-year-old program, he will have the letters mastered. It should also help him feel more confident at school when he knows the letters before his friends do this year. He won't feel like he has to catch up to them. That is what I really want for him. To feel confident in school and have fun learning. He can already complete the requirements for kindergarten so he will be ready in two years when he is old enough.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Accomplishing Our Summer Goals
As many people will remember, I decided that I was not going to let this summer slip away without really taking time to enjoy it. The past few years I have been disappointed to realize that summer was gone and I had never really gotten outside to enjoy it. This summer has been cooler than normal but we have still been able to accomplish many of the things I wanted to. And we are only half way through! Yea!
Here is an informal list of the things I hoped to do this summer:
1) Attend cook-outs. We have already attended a couple with another one tonight.
2) Host cook-outs. I have had friends over twice, another one coming again next week and a big cook-out planned for the end of summer.
3) Swimming. We went to an area sprinkler park last night. We also swam in the hotels in Minnesota and Arkansas. We have one more big vacation coming up and will be swimming then also. I still hope to get the boys to the pool a few more times this year.
4) Visit Circus World Museum. I haven't been there in a few years and am looking forward to taking the kids. We will be visiting next week.
5) Walk to the neighborhood parks. We have been doing this almost once a week. The parks are so close yet we seem to forget to visit them. We have been doing much better this year.
6) Visit with neighbors. I would love to do this more but we have reconnected with some of them.
7) Go camping. We are hoping to do this in August. It is the one thing that might not get done.
8) Grow vegetables. The tomatoes will be ripe in the next couple of weeks. I had my first peas the other day. The cucumbers, green peppers and carrots are also looking promising.
We have also had a couple unexpected bonuses. Two mother robins have made nests in to different areas of our yard where they are easy to see. The first one hatched four babies at the end of June. The second one appear to be sitting on her eggs now. It won't be long before they hatch.
I love this time of year! Now to just get my camera back out and capture some of the fun.
Here is an informal list of the things I hoped to do this summer:
1) Attend cook-outs. We have already attended a couple with another one tonight.
2) Host cook-outs. I have had friends over twice, another one coming again next week and a big cook-out planned for the end of summer.
3) Swimming. We went to an area sprinkler park last night. We also swam in the hotels in Minnesota and Arkansas. We have one more big vacation coming up and will be swimming then also. I still hope to get the boys to the pool a few more times this year.
4) Visit Circus World Museum. I haven't been there in a few years and am looking forward to taking the kids. We will be visiting next week.
5) Walk to the neighborhood parks. We have been doing this almost once a week. The parks are so close yet we seem to forget to visit them. We have been doing much better this year.
6) Visit with neighbors. I would love to do this more but we have reconnected with some of them.
7) Go camping. We are hoping to do this in August. It is the one thing that might not get done.
8) Grow vegetables. The tomatoes will be ripe in the next couple of weeks. I had my first peas the other day. The cucumbers, green peppers and carrots are also looking promising.
We have also had a couple unexpected bonuses. Two mother robins have made nests in to different areas of our yard where they are easy to see. The first one hatched four babies at the end of June. The second one appear to be sitting on her eggs now. It won't be long before they hatch.
I love this time of year! Now to just get my camera back out and capture some of the fun.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Why Girls Are Better Than Boys
I have a friend who is hoping to adopt a child in the near future. Jacob over heard us talking about a little boy. He stated that she shouldn't adopt any boys just a girl. Here is the conversation that followed:
M: Why should she only adopt a girl?
J: A girl will be with her forever and ever.
M: A boy would leave?
J: He would die.
M: What do you mean he would die?
J: Boys die when they get to be great grandpas.
M: Girls die too.
J: No they don't. They live forever.
I went on to explain that everyone dies some day but he wasn't willing to hear it. He continued to insist that boys die when they get old and girls don't.
M: Why should she only adopt a girl?
J: A girl will be with her forever and ever.
M: A boy would leave?
J: He would die.
M: What do you mean he would die?
J: Boys die when they get to be great grandpas.
M: Girls die too.
J: No they don't. They live forever.
I went on to explain that everyone dies some day but he wasn't willing to hear it. He continued to insist that boys die when they get old and girls don't.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Jacob and Mommy Time
Jacob and I spent the day together yesterday. M had to go to school for funding reasons so that left just Jacob and me. M doesn't mind though. When I do pull him out of school early, he spends the entire time asking to go find Jacob. That kid really loves his big brother.
Jacob and I started the day with a pancake breakfast. We then hurried home to clean out the van before we took it in to get the seat looked at. I decided to try a couple little things differently with the seat and discovered that it was working fine. I just was not moving it the right way to get it to lock down. That was a huge relief and a reason to celebrate. It also gave us an entire free day.
I took Jacob to the library to look for some alphabet books. We really only have a few. Reading the alphabet is the one area that Jacob really needs to work on for school next year. While I have no doubt he will catch on very quickly, I want to start working with him a little bit more at home now. So we stopped at the library and he helped me pick out a couple of fun alphabet books to work on at night.
We left the library and caught an early afternoon showing of the new Disney/Pixar movie, "Up." It was okay but I didn't enjoy it as much as some other people have. Jacob thought it was too scary and asked to go home a couple of times. We managed to watch the entire thing though and I did enjoy it.
I realized that we were out of dog food so we decided to stop at a pet store near the movie theater. The pet store also runs an adoption center for rescued and stray pets. They had some toys for the customers to use to play with the kittens. Jacob really hit it off with a small gray, brown and white cat. It was very cute and I had a very difficult time not taking it home with us. I was able to walk away by reminding myself of all of the vet bills and the three cats we already have at the house. They also had some very cute cocker spaniels but again, I really don't have room for anymore pets right now. Maybe in a few years.
Jacob and I left the pet store and went back to the daycare center. It was now time to pick M up. He was waiting for us at the window as usual. He came running over all smiles and giggling which always makes me smile as well. Jacob told his teachers about his day and the three of us headed home.
I made a quick dinner and then it was off to pick up the babysitter and go to the park for some softball. We lost the game but I had fun anyway. Next week is our last game and I am sad about it. I had to miss three games at the beginning of the season when I hurt my hand and another game later for foster care training. I am really not ready for the season to end. It was fun though and I am looking forward to next year.
We went to bed a little late and exhausted last night but happy. It was a good day and I got to enjoy time with both of the boys.
Jacob and I started the day with a pancake breakfast. We then hurried home to clean out the van before we took it in to get the seat looked at. I decided to try a couple little things differently with the seat and discovered that it was working fine. I just was not moving it the right way to get it to lock down. That was a huge relief and a reason to celebrate. It also gave us an entire free day.
I took Jacob to the library to look for some alphabet books. We really only have a few. Reading the alphabet is the one area that Jacob really needs to work on for school next year. While I have no doubt he will catch on very quickly, I want to start working with him a little bit more at home now. So we stopped at the library and he helped me pick out a couple of fun alphabet books to work on at night.
We left the library and caught an early afternoon showing of the new Disney/Pixar movie, "Up." It was okay but I didn't enjoy it as much as some other people have. Jacob thought it was too scary and asked to go home a couple of times. We managed to watch the entire thing though and I did enjoy it.
I realized that we were out of dog food so we decided to stop at a pet store near the movie theater. The pet store also runs an adoption center for rescued and stray pets. They had some toys for the customers to use to play with the kittens. Jacob really hit it off with a small gray, brown and white cat. It was very cute and I had a very difficult time not taking it home with us. I was able to walk away by reminding myself of all of the vet bills and the three cats we already have at the house. They also had some very cute cocker spaniels but again, I really don't have room for anymore pets right now. Maybe in a few years.
Jacob and I left the pet store and went back to the daycare center. It was now time to pick M up. He was waiting for us at the window as usual. He came running over all smiles and giggling which always makes me smile as well. Jacob told his teachers about his day and the three of us headed home.
I made a quick dinner and then it was off to pick up the babysitter and go to the park for some softball. We lost the game but I had fun anyway. Next week is our last game and I am sad about it. I had to miss three games at the beginning of the season when I hurt my hand and another game later for foster care training. I am really not ready for the season to end. It was fun though and I am looking forward to next year.
We went to bed a little late and exhausted last night but happy. It was a good day and I got to enjoy time with both of the boys.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Pictures From The Weekend
We went to the church for ice cream floats, popcorn and fireworks on Saturday. The youth group sells treats before the fireworks to raise money for their annual mission trip and other activities during the year. This year they are going to Kentucky to build houses for Habitat For Humanity.
Jacob also took a self-portrait shortly before the fireworks began.
Sunday we had a wonderful time at our friend, Carrie's house. We gathered their with our single mom by choice group. Her son and Jacob had a great time playing in the water and looking at the flowers. I love summer picnics and cook-outs. Good food and friends in the wonderful Summer air.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
More Thoughts On Single Parenting
Lately my foster home consultant has been asking some very interesting questions and ones that are difficult to hear. She is expecting to have to write a report in the near future about how well M is fitting into my home and if this placement is a good placement. It raises both anxieties and excitement to know that big milestones are coming. None of which I can talk about hear until the process is completed.
One of the questions she has asked a couple times is how I am handling being a single mom. I guess this is difficult to answer for a variety of reasons.
1) I have never been a mom with a partner so this is the only parenting I know. I really don't know if it is any more difficult than with a partner. I am sure it is nice to have a partner who is active in raising the children and can give the mom a break occassionally. At the same time, it is easier than living with a non-supportive partner who may or may not be there physically but isn't there emotionally or is abusive. It is also easier than having a partner who disagrees strongly with your beliefs in parenting.
2) I get to make all of the decisions. Yes, I second guess just about all of them. After all, I am raising future adults not just children.
3) Yes there are days that are difficult. There are also days that are absolutely wonderful where we all go to bed late because I just don't want to see them end. The good days definitelly outnumber the bad days. I really think all families have these good and bad days.
4) I do get breaks. There are a lot of people out there who think single parents must never get time away. Not true. I just need to be more diligent to actually schedule alone time. Right now it is one evening a week (softball). This fall it will be on Tuesday evenings while I drive to school. I don't have time to pick the kids up from daycare and drive them to a babysitter on those days so I will be leaving straight from work. I will have 4 hours of driving time and a quick dinner to reflect on life and just be me.
5) I have two great kids. Yes they challenge me but I know how lucky I am. We don't have major attachment issues or developmental issues. M had a number of challenging behavioral issues earlier this year. Over the past couple of months, they have improved greatly. I no longer think he will be struggling for years to come. I now know it is a phase and that he will get better. I also am not looking forward to the impossible 3's with him but we will get through it together.
6) Jacob is outgrowing the impossible 3s! He is looking and acting more and more like the 4 year old he will be in just a few months. I sometimes wonder if he isn't 2-3 months older than his estimated birthdate. Not enough to do anything about but I still wonder. Just based on his development.
7) I have a very strong support system and have never felt like I am raising these kids on my own. Because I'm not. When they just won't listen to me, I call someone they will listen to. That is usually my parents. I find it is really helpful to have another adult tell the kids they have to listen and that Mom is (and will always be) right.
So basically, I don't see single parenting as the huge challenge the media and popular culture want to make it out to be. Of course, I don't have ex husbands or boyfriends to struggle with, be hurt by or try to share parenting with. I do have a very strong support system of friends and family who are always available when I need help or a break. I also really love my kids and enjoy spending time with them. Even on the bad days.
One of the questions she has asked a couple times is how I am handling being a single mom. I guess this is difficult to answer for a variety of reasons.
1) I have never been a mom with a partner so this is the only parenting I know. I really don't know if it is any more difficult than with a partner. I am sure it is nice to have a partner who is active in raising the children and can give the mom a break occassionally. At the same time, it is easier than living with a non-supportive partner who may or may not be there physically but isn't there emotionally or is abusive. It is also easier than having a partner who disagrees strongly with your beliefs in parenting.
2) I get to make all of the decisions. Yes, I second guess just about all of them. After all, I am raising future adults not just children.
3) Yes there are days that are difficult. There are also days that are absolutely wonderful where we all go to bed late because I just don't want to see them end. The good days definitelly outnumber the bad days. I really think all families have these good and bad days.
4) I do get breaks. There are a lot of people out there who think single parents must never get time away. Not true. I just need to be more diligent to actually schedule alone time. Right now it is one evening a week (softball). This fall it will be on Tuesday evenings while I drive to school. I don't have time to pick the kids up from daycare and drive them to a babysitter on those days so I will be leaving straight from work. I will have 4 hours of driving time and a quick dinner to reflect on life and just be me.
5) I have two great kids. Yes they challenge me but I know how lucky I am. We don't have major attachment issues or developmental issues. M had a number of challenging behavioral issues earlier this year. Over the past couple of months, they have improved greatly. I no longer think he will be struggling for years to come. I now know it is a phase and that he will get better. I also am not looking forward to the impossible 3's with him but we will get through it together.
6) Jacob is outgrowing the impossible 3s! He is looking and acting more and more like the 4 year old he will be in just a few months. I sometimes wonder if he isn't 2-3 months older than his estimated birthdate. Not enough to do anything about but I still wonder. Just based on his development.
7) I have a very strong support system and have never felt like I am raising these kids on my own. Because I'm not. When they just won't listen to me, I call someone they will listen to. That is usually my parents. I find it is really helpful to have another adult tell the kids they have to listen and that Mom is (and will always be) right.
So basically, I don't see single parenting as the huge challenge the media and popular culture want to make it out to be. Of course, I don't have ex husbands or boyfriends to struggle with, be hurt by or try to share parenting with. I do have a very strong support system of friends and family who are always available when I need help or a break. I also really love my kids and enjoy spending time with them. Even on the bad days.
Pictures From Last Night
We celebrated our friend, P's, eighth birthday last night. We have been mentoring her through Big Brothers/Big Sisters for about six months now. Things are going well. Like any relationship, we get more out of it than we give.
We took her to Chuck E. Cheese for some pizza and games. The resteraunt is under construction as they expand and remodel but there was still plenty of room and things to do. Chucke even gave away free tickets and all of the kids got to hug him!
After dinner we went to Toys R Us. P picked out a new Bratz doll. They also had a sale that included a free insulated lunch box with every backpack purchase. M and Jacob get to take their lunches to school once a month. I let each child pick out one new backpack and lunch box for school.
We took her to Chuck E. Cheese for some pizza and games. The resteraunt is under construction as they expand and remodel but there was still plenty of room and things to do. Chucke even gave away free tickets and all of the kids got to hug him!
After dinner we went to Toys R Us. P picked out a new Bratz doll. They also had a sale that included a free insulated lunch box with every backpack purchase. M and Jacob get to take their lunches to school once a month. I let each child pick out one new backpack and lunch box for school.
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