Can we have one school morning where we don't have tears? It has started everyday lately. I am mentally worn out by mid-morning some days. Hannah cries about something...school, made poor choices and was corrected, I could keep naming reasons, EVERYDAY. It is never a surprise anymore. The tears get no sympathy from anyone. I guess this is her form of rage. I am afraid one day she is going to explode.
Hannah is testing everything. It is like we are having to relearn rules again. She is asking questions that she knows the answer. I guess she is trying to see if our answer will change. All of us tend to selfishness, but these girls have it much worse. They are having a hard time remembering that they don't do things just because they want to.
Haylee was told to come in and set the table tonight. She didn't come in and I went out to get her. I asked her why she didn't come in and she shrugged her shoulders and said, "I don't know." That doesn't fly around here. She heard when she was told. She chose not to come in because she wanted to play. Well, guess what, she is already in the bed.
Hannah was asked to not play the piano while Haylee was testing. Guess what? She did it anyway, because she wanted too. Ugh...
These are just two of the many examples of what we deal with. The blessing is they do not rage. They can have little fits, but no raging.
Haylee doesn't lie often. Hannah will if she isn't careful. Her instinct is to say whatever she needs to say to stay out of trouble. For example, saying she didn't know why she looked at the answer key to the worksheet she was doing. She said she didn't know why she looked. She changed her story three times and never said she was looking for an answer.
What? Do they get it?
We move in good and bad cycles around here. We are in a not so good cycle around here now.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Destruction
The destruction which occurred in our state yesterday and last night is horrible. It breaks my heart. We are okay. The storms went north of us. However, my parents spent time in their hallway last night waiting out two tornadoes. They are okay. My cousins found prescriptions from Tuscaloosa in their yard. Needless to say, Tuscaloosa is an hour from their home. The tornado went right over them, but it had lifted off of the ground. It is unbelievable. It is unbelievable looking at the pictures. So much is totally destroyed. So many lives were lost on this earth yesterday. We must rejoice hoping many of them are in heaven now.
My aunt lives in Cullman. The shop where she works was destroyed by the tornado. She said only the wall between the bathroom and the main area stayed up and kept them safe. Praise God! Other friends also in Cullman said the tornado was coming right toward their house and turned right before it got there. His pictures are incredible. My parents have gone to Cullman today to check on my aunt. They talked with her yesterday after the storm, but haven't been able to get in touch with her since.
Such devastation...
Kari, as far as I know the facility where the meeting will be held is okay. What day are you speaking? I am trying to work it out so I can attend at least part of the meeting.
My aunt lives in Cullman. The shop where she works was destroyed by the tornado. She said only the wall between the bathroom and the main area stayed up and kept them safe. Praise God! Other friends also in Cullman said the tornado was coming right toward their house and turned right before it got there. His pictures are incredible. My parents have gone to Cullman today to check on my aunt. They talked with her yesterday after the storm, but haven't been able to get in touch with her since.
Such devastation...
Kari, as far as I know the facility where the meeting will be held is okay. What day are you speaking? I am trying to work it out so I can attend at least part of the meeting.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Tough times
The good news is that both girls did much better on the math practice section of their test yesterday. The not so good news is that Hannah struggled again today. She was doing okay and she got to a problem she didn't understand and she started grunting and almost crying and shut down. I could see the breakdown coming. I suggested that she mark an answer and move on. Don't let it mess her up. She just kept grunting. Finally, she marked an answer and moved on. However, she missed over half of the remaining problems because her brain had shut down. I have seen this happen so many times with her in math. I told her I could see what was happening. I knew she was struggling because I heard her grunting. I told her I would talk to the teacher administering her test and see if she can go to the bathroom or get water if she gets stuck like that. She needs time to deprogram and get fresh again. I will be testing older kids, so I will be there if needed. I need suggestions on how to help her with this.
This has been a tough day. The three girls and I had to be at the pediatrician at 7:40 this morning. So, we all had to get going earlier. Therefore, everyone is out of the routine. Hannah has had an attitude this morning. Well, she and I are struggling with each other today. I am trying to be the good parent and help her deal with her problems and not take them personally. Ugh...adoption is not an easy thing. She has had a sassy attitude all day. In my house, I usually have at least one sassy girl a day.
The doctor said all of the ear infections have healed nicely. The twins can participate in swim team again. He is concerned about Haylee's weight loss. She has lost two pounds in two months. I am sure this is from her medicine. We have to make her eat. I am really surprised she has lost that much. We are going to have to make sure she drinks supplements each day.
We only have next week left for full school days. We have standardized testing for three days next week. I wonder how that will go with the girls. Tucker, Alex and Morgan always enjoy the testing. The girls tested last year, but their were no expectations. They tested so we would have a baseline. We are pretty much finished after the testing. We will have more relaxed days. I am hoping that will my help attitude as well as theirs. This is always such a hard time of the school year. We are all tired of school and ready to be finished!! However, we will do some math and reading during the summer because I don't want anyone to regress.
Haylee got her mouth piece out of her mouth. I told her the baby talk and the mouth piece are gone. She has no excuses for the incorrect speech now. She slipped up a few times yesterday, but has done much better today. She is having to retrain her tongue so she can speak correctly. Hopefully, we are to the end of the baby talk.
The bottom line is I am trying not to get discouraged. We have come so far, but it seems like we are regressing or at a standstill right now.
This has been a tough day. The three girls and I had to be at the pediatrician at 7:40 this morning. So, we all had to get going earlier. Therefore, everyone is out of the routine. Hannah has had an attitude this morning. Well, she and I are struggling with each other today. I am trying to be the good parent and help her deal with her problems and not take them personally. Ugh...adoption is not an easy thing. She has had a sassy attitude all day. In my house, I usually have at least one sassy girl a day.
The doctor said all of the ear infections have healed nicely. The twins can participate in swim team again. He is concerned about Haylee's weight loss. She has lost two pounds in two months. I am sure this is from her medicine. We have to make her eat. I am really surprised she has lost that much. We are going to have to make sure she drinks supplements each day.
We only have next week left for full school days. We have standardized testing for three days next week. I wonder how that will go with the girls. Tucker, Alex and Morgan always enjoy the testing. The girls tested last year, but their were no expectations. They tested so we would have a baseline. We are pretty much finished after the testing. We will have more relaxed days. I am hoping that will my help attitude as well as theirs. This is always such a hard time of the school year. We are all tired of school and ready to be finished!! However, we will do some math and reading during the summer because I don't want anyone to regress.
Haylee got her mouth piece out of her mouth. I told her the baby talk and the mouth piece are gone. She has no excuses for the incorrect speech now. She slipped up a few times yesterday, but has done much better today. She is having to retrain her tongue so she can speak correctly. Hopefully, we are to the end of the baby talk.
The bottom line is I am trying not to get discouraged. We have come so far, but it seems like we are regressing or at a standstill right now.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Math and Baby Talk
Well, the twins have finished their math program for the year. It was a long, long hard road. We spent a LOT of time each day on math. They really struggle with time and money. I know this goes with FAE, but I guess I was hoping we would overcome. Don't get me wrong, they have come a LONG way this year. Hannah got a B in math and Haylee got an A. I am very proud of their work in math this year.
However, today we were doing some practices to prepare for our standardized testing next week. I do reviews with my kids because they think they are fun and to get them used to the format. Well, they both missed the time and money problems. One missed 4 our 6 problems in one section. We have done each of the problems many, many times. It wasn't presented exactly like we do it, so she was clueless. After she tried the first time, I marked them wrong. She got upset and angry. I told her it was break time and to go play outside during break. She always wants me to do it for her instead of her thinking. She came in and said that she was ready for me to do the review book with her. I told her she needed to try with a fresh brain and I will check them again. Well, after one chance they have to explain how they got the answer so I can tell if they understand and are not just guessing. She was able to do 2 of the 4 on her own and explain them to me. The time and money problems were left. I think she got the time, but not the money. We are going to have to start playing store a lot around here to learn this concept. We must know how to make change in life.
I was so discouraged after they did the math sections today. I just have to know that they will take longer and I can't make up for eight years in one year. When you make an A or a B do you go on to the next level when they can't apply the concepts very well. I guess I will move on because the program we use is very repetitive.
Also, Haylee has had baby talk issues since coming to our house. She improved a great deal and then she slowly worked her way back into baby talk. We know she can talk very well because she had an ear infection a few weeks ago and came to our room in the middle of the night. She spoke clearer than I have ever heard her. It was amazing. My husband commented on her clear speech as soon as I took care of her and came back to bed. We need suggestions. We have prayed with her about it and asked God to give us wisdom in how to handle the situation. The last few days she has had to sit in her bed when she talks that way. Any ideas?
However, today we were doing some practices to prepare for our standardized testing next week. I do reviews with my kids because they think they are fun and to get them used to the format. Well, they both missed the time and money problems. One missed 4 our 6 problems in one section. We have done each of the problems many, many times. It wasn't presented exactly like we do it, so she was clueless. After she tried the first time, I marked them wrong. She got upset and angry. I told her it was break time and to go play outside during break. She always wants me to do it for her instead of her thinking. She came in and said that she was ready for me to do the review book with her. I told her she needed to try with a fresh brain and I will check them again. Well, after one chance they have to explain how they got the answer so I can tell if they understand and are not just guessing. She was able to do 2 of the 4 on her own and explain them to me. The time and money problems were left. I think she got the time, but not the money. We are going to have to start playing store a lot around here to learn this concept. We must know how to make change in life.
I was so discouraged after they did the math sections today. I just have to know that they will take longer and I can't make up for eight years in one year. When you make an A or a B do you go on to the next level when they can't apply the concepts very well. I guess I will move on because the program we use is very repetitive.
Also, Haylee has had baby talk issues since coming to our house. She improved a great deal and then she slowly worked her way back into baby talk. We know she can talk very well because she had an ear infection a few weeks ago and came to our room in the middle of the night. She spoke clearer than I have ever heard her. It was amazing. My husband commented on her clear speech as soon as I took care of her and came back to bed. We need suggestions. We have prayed with her about it and asked God to give us wisdom in how to handle the situation. The last few days she has had to sit in her bed when she talks that way. Any ideas?
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Easter Sunday
The first Easter for Hannah and Haylee in our family.
Haylee said to me this morning, "I am glad I am in your family." She melted my heart. We have difficult times, but many joyful ones as well.
All of the kids and our entire family in front of the beautiful cross.
A Day with Morgan
I needed to go to the city one hour away and run some errands. Morgan needed new shoes and some things for camp this summer. She asked first thing Friday morning if she could go. Neither of the other girls asked to go with us. Hannah didn't mention going and Haylee didn't until we were walking out the door. Hannah may not have asked because I usually only take one child with me when I go out of town for the day. Haylee and Hannah both had school left to complete. Hannah was in a tizzy because she had rushed through her school and had many corrections to make. Haylee was taking her sweet time as always.
Morgan and I left about 11:30. I felt really guilty for the first thirty minutes or so of the drive. I decided I really needed a break from the girls and special alone time with Morgan. We worked on the last item she had for school while we traveled. We went to a restaurant that is usually pretty fast and it took forever. The blessing is we had a great time visiting.
She has grown up so much in a year. I forget sometimes how much more tense I am with all three girls with me. We had a wonderful day!! I didn't have to remind her to check for cars, stay with me in a store, don't touch, etc. She is ten and acted ten. I was able to let my guard down and enjoy the day. It was a very nice break for both of us. I love all of my girls, but it was nice to have a break from the twins. I had forgotten how much work they are to take places.
Our lives have really changed in a year. I am glad we followed God's plan and adopted our girls, but it is definitely not the easy path. However, it is our path. I must continue to have the trips with only Morgan. We both need them. I do struggle with the guilt at times. I must accept that it is okay to not take all of them everywhere. Our day reminded me so much of days I spent with my mother at the same age. I loved shopping with my mother (and I still do). They are very special memories and I hope to have them with all of my girls.
Also, by leaving them with my husband he understands more of my struggles. Some days when I discuss things about the twins, I think he thinks I am just whining. After he is with them for any length of time, he can relate. I am thankful for my husband and that he gave me a much needed break.
Morgan and I left about 11:30. I felt really guilty for the first thirty minutes or so of the drive. I decided I really needed a break from the girls and special alone time with Morgan. We worked on the last item she had for school while we traveled. We went to a restaurant that is usually pretty fast and it took forever. The blessing is we had a great time visiting.
She has grown up so much in a year. I forget sometimes how much more tense I am with all three girls with me. We had a wonderful day!! I didn't have to remind her to check for cars, stay with me in a store, don't touch, etc. She is ten and acted ten. I was able to let my guard down and enjoy the day. It was a very nice break for both of us. I love all of my girls, but it was nice to have a break from the twins. I had forgotten how much work they are to take places.
Our lives have really changed in a year. I am glad we followed God's plan and adopted our girls, but it is definitely not the easy path. However, it is our path. I must continue to have the trips with only Morgan. We both need them. I do struggle with the guilt at times. I must accept that it is okay to not take all of them everywhere. Our day reminded me so much of days I spent with my mother at the same age. I loved shopping with my mother (and I still do). They are very special memories and I hope to have them with all of my girls.
Also, by leaving them with my husband he understands more of my struggles. Some days when I discuss things about the twins, I think he thinks I am just whining. After he is with them for any length of time, he can relate. I am thankful for my husband and that he gave me a much needed break.
What a difference...
a year makes! I can see a huge difference in my girls since last Easter. They visited the weekend of Easter, but went back to the foster home the Saturday night before Easter. They participated in our homeschool Easter egg hunt last year. Below are pictures of last year and this year...
Last year...
I had to post the picture of Haylee with a blue mouth because this shows so much of her personality. They all had a great time at the Easter egg hunt.
Last year...
This year...
I had to post the picture of Haylee with a blue mouth because this shows so much of her personality. They all had a great time at the Easter egg hunt.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Being like Jesus...
I read this post on another blog. It was very meaningful to me, so I thought I would share.
The post reminds us that we need to love our children with unconditonal love even if they make our life very difficult.
The post reminds us that we need to love our children with unconditonal love even if they make our life very difficult.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Camp
Morgan and I went to open house at the camp she is attending this summer. I was very impressed with the camp and she loved it! She was able to ride a horse while she was at open house. She absolutely loved everything about camp!! I am so excited that she will be able to attend this summer. I hope after 12 days away, she will realize how much she really does love and appreciate everyone in our family. Don't misunderstand me, she hasn't caused any problems or been ugly. I just know how some days she wishes she could go back a year ago and be the baby and the only daughter. I think the time away from her sisters will her all of us. I will be able to bond more with the girls and they won't ask where she is all the time. They sometimes don't know how to act without her. It will be an interesting two we
eks. 
Sick
The cold and congestion bug has been going around our house. Morgan went on antibiotic last Tuesday. Tucker went on antibiotic Wednesday. Haylee went and is now on an antibiotic for a horrible ear infection. What a fun adventure!!! Hannah and Alex are still coughing some and congested, but not enough to be checked out by the doctor yet. The is the first time in one year that I have had them all get sick at the same time. It is actually the first antibiotic I have given Haylee. Thank goodness! The doctor couldn't believe that she wasn't in crying pain from her ear. She must have a very high pain tolerance. Her chief complaint was that she couldn't hear out of that ear. Bless her heart.
Hopefully, they are all on the improving side of things now.
Elliott and I haven't had any symptoms and hope we don't ever get any!!
Hopefully, they are all on the improving side of things now.
Elliott and I haven't had any symptoms and hope we don't ever get any!!
Gotcha Day!
Our Gotcha Day was actually last Wednesday, April 6th. (Yes, I am a little late posting this. I can't seem to find time to post lately.) The girls picked where we went for lunch. They chose a locally owned pizza place that also serves Blu* Be*l Ice Cream. We had fun at lunch, as well as a pretty good day.
All five at lunch. They all love a reason to eat pizza and ice cream.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Difficult
Hannah is struggling in math. I don't understand. She is faster than Haylee when we are working together. She is faster with math facts, oral and written. However, she gets confused, she shuts down and tunes me out. This happened three times today. If I tell her something, she tells me it isn't right. Our math took forever today because she would get mad at me and shut down. Later, I asked why she was mad at me. She said because she couldn't get the answer. I asked her how that was my fault. I was teaching her and trying to help her and she wouldn't listen. She was to busy thinking about how I wouldn't give her the answer. She can memorize facts, but has trouble applying things she learns. Word problems stress her out, unless they are exactly what we did together. Haylee on the other hand, moves slowly, but does great work. We all get frustrated. However, they both made A's on their math test Friday. So, the info must be sticking. We are going to keep plugging along and finish the school year. They will take the SAT10 in May. I hope their scores improve from last year. They are great girls!! (I can't get my paragraphs to stay separate. I fix them and post, and all of the sentences are back in one paragraph. Sorry!)
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