We have had very busy, but all in all, a good week. The kids went to swim team everyday. The three older kids were there for three hours. I can't even imagine attempting to do what they do. They do weight training for an hour and swim for two hours after that. You would have to pick me up off of the floor. They say it is hard, but they keep going.
After my last post about Hannah learning to hear God and respond, she of course was tested first thing the next morning. The devil started throwing darts her way. (Taken from Angela, thanks!) She started arguing with other kids right off the bat. We went to a swim meet Monday. They had a relay team consisting of Morgan, Alex, Haylee and Hannah. Well, Morgan swam breast stroke. She got out of the pool and Hannah proceed to tell her she didn't swim the breast stroke right and this is how she should do it. Well, Morgan busted in to tears. She swam it very well. Hannah was wrong in what she was saying. I can say I didn't handle it well at all. I was very short with her. Anyway, that was just one thing of many that day.
I am struggling with the fact that my patience seems shorter with the twins than the other three kids. I don't like that I respond this way. Why can't I be as patient with them? Is it because we are still dealing with heart issues and I know my other three so well? I love each one of them, so I am really struggling. The girls really are doing well and have come so far in 1 year and 3 months. I am not sure why I have this issue. I have prayed to not be this way, but I am still finding myself responding in a negative manner. I will keep praying for God to help me.
We are headed to my parents lake house for the weekend. We will be there only two nights. All of the children are excited. Tucker finally got around to reading the book and taking the boating test, so he now has a boating license. I can't believe how fast he is growing up!!
Morgan purchased, with her savings, a Le*e Mid*dleton doll this week. She was so excited!! I worry sometimes that she is ten and girls may make fun of her for playing with babies still. She absolutely loves to pretend with her dolls. These really look real. She has two now. She got the other one probably 4 years ago for her birthday. I would rather her play with babies than be into some things other ten year olds are into.
I am struggling with getting pictures off the camera from the beach. As soon as I can figure it out, I will post some.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Pleased
I haven't posted in soooo long!! I have so much to catch up on...Morgan's camp, Elliott and Tucker's father/son retreat in Texas, the beach and Boy Scout Camp. I don't know where to begin, so I will begin with a story from Bible School this past week. The truth culminated today.
The boys were at scout camp this past week. The girls went to Bible School each morning for three hours. Well, the first day Hannah came home saying this boy was mean. I was surprised because they are friends with him. He has been on our swim team for a while. He is a nice boy. I asked them to tell me what happened. She kept telling me he was in her face and she told him to just leave her alone. He also made fun of them in some other ways. Another boy that is their age and a good friend of ours walked by and told him to leave her alone. I was surprised about the problem. I told her to nicely ask him to leave her alone if he bothers her again. Each day she would tell me he wouldn't leave her alone. By the end of the week, she said he was being nice to her.
The mother of the little boy that defended her couldn't really get to the bottom of the story either. Well, I saw the Mom of the "mean" boy at the swim meet in our town yesterday. I wasn't planning on talking to her, but passed her in the hallway and spoke to her. She wasn't happy to hear he had been ugly to her. She went and talked to him.
Well, Hannah didn't give me the whole story. He had accidentally bumped her or stepped on her foot or something during the games. During snack time, he was trying to apologize to her for hurting her. He was doing what he should be doing. She refused to accept his apology. She told him to get away and leave her alone. She put her hand and arm up (like you are saying stop) and refused to hear him. She was wrong! After she acted this way, he lost his temper and said the ugly things. These kids are only 9 and 10. They are still learning. The part I am upset over is that Hannah didn't tell the whole truth to me. All week long they had issues. Well, now I know why. This child is nice. I should have followed my thinking earlier.
Well, my husband and I had a talk with her today. We explained that she broke our trust. We thought we could trust her and talked to the child's mother about the incident. We defended her and we didn't have the entire story. He was wrong also, but she provoked him. If she had forgiven him immediately, the week would have been much happier for everyone. We told her that we couldn't trust her completely anymore. If she is accused of acting a certain way now, we may believe the other person because they can be trusted. She had to write a letter to the boy asking forgiveness and explaining that she has lost the trust of her parents.
The good news is she wrote the letter quickly and well. We prepared it to mail and she went to play. The HAPPY part is that she came back in a few minutes later and said that she was sorry she didn't tell me earlier in the week. She said she felt like God was telling her to tell me and she didn't obey. She cried and we prayed and she asked God to forgive her. I believe it was truthful and from her heart. I told her I am proud that she apologized to me without being prompted. I am glad she did follow her heart with the promptings today.
I told the story to Haylee and she said now it all makes sense.
I am very pleased that God touched her heart and she obeyed today.
The boys were at scout camp this past week. The girls went to Bible School each morning for three hours. Well, the first day Hannah came home saying this boy was mean. I was surprised because they are friends with him. He has been on our swim team for a while. He is a nice boy. I asked them to tell me what happened. She kept telling me he was in her face and she told him to just leave her alone. He also made fun of them in some other ways. Another boy that is their age and a good friend of ours walked by and told him to leave her alone. I was surprised about the problem. I told her to nicely ask him to leave her alone if he bothers her again. Each day she would tell me he wouldn't leave her alone. By the end of the week, she said he was being nice to her.
The mother of the little boy that defended her couldn't really get to the bottom of the story either. Well, I saw the Mom of the "mean" boy at the swim meet in our town yesterday. I wasn't planning on talking to her, but passed her in the hallway and spoke to her. She wasn't happy to hear he had been ugly to her. She went and talked to him.
Well, Hannah didn't give me the whole story. He had accidentally bumped her or stepped on her foot or something during the games. During snack time, he was trying to apologize to her for hurting her. He was doing what he should be doing. She refused to accept his apology. She told him to get away and leave her alone. She put her hand and arm up (like you are saying stop) and refused to hear him. She was wrong! After she acted this way, he lost his temper and said the ugly things. These kids are only 9 and 10. They are still learning. The part I am upset over is that Hannah didn't tell the whole truth to me. All week long they had issues. Well, now I know why. This child is nice. I should have followed my thinking earlier.
Well, my husband and I had a talk with her today. We explained that she broke our trust. We thought we could trust her and talked to the child's mother about the incident. We defended her and we didn't have the entire story. He was wrong also, but she provoked him. If she had forgiven him immediately, the week would have been much happier for everyone. We told her that we couldn't trust her completely anymore. If she is accused of acting a certain way now, we may believe the other person because they can be trusted. She had to write a letter to the boy asking forgiveness and explaining that she has lost the trust of her parents.
The good news is she wrote the letter quickly and well. We prepared it to mail and she went to play. The HAPPY part is that she came back in a few minutes later and said that she was sorry she didn't tell me earlier in the week. She said she felt like God was telling her to tell me and she didn't obey. She cried and we prayed and she asked God to forgive her. I believe it was truthful and from her heart. I told her I am proud that she apologized to me without being prompted. I am glad she did follow her heart with the promptings today.
I told the story to Haylee and she said now it all makes sense.
I am very pleased that God touched her heart and she obeyed today.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Wild and stressed
Haylee and Hannah are riding the tube behind my dad's boat. This pictures says it all. Haylee is riding like a wild and crazy woman. Hannah is hanging on for her life.
They both enjoyed being at the lake this past weekend.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Camp
Morgan had a wonderful time at camp!!! The transition for all of us was difficult today. The twins have been following around Alex at my parents lake house this weekend. He is tired of it I believe. Well, today they attached to Morgan again. This was hard for especially because she was so tired.
The girls would like to go to camp like Morgan. They aren't ready. They haven't attached nearly enough to even consider them spending a night away except with my parents or my in-laws. They still have nightmares. They aren't as regular, but we do have them, especially when we aren't at home. Hannah was afraid of all of the water rides. She watched as she stood and chewed on her fingers. We went the pool and she did play on the water slide. Haylee loved the little zip line and the diving board and water slide at the pool. Haylee kept wandering off from us as we were walking around. She would get so lost.
After they swam, they put on dry clothes and we went to the arcade. The girls have never played many video games, so they didn't know what to do. By this time, they were very overwhelmed. I could tell it was too much. We then went to the trampolines. They last there about 1 minute. All of our group went to get a soda and the kids began playing a game in a small area enclosed by a half wall. I was getting a drink and wasn't paying much attention. When I walked up, I heard a girl ask Hannah is she was going to play. Hannah said yes. She was standing there a scared look with her hands in her mouth. I think they were playing a type of dodge ball. Well, they started playing and the ball hit her about three times in the legs. She just stood there petrified. I told her to get out because she isn't playing. She argued and said she was. Whatever!! She got out and was mad at me.
Hannah would be absolutely miserable at camp. Haylee would probably stay in trouble for not paying attention and getting lost. We will have to try to explain the best we can why they aren't ready if any of our kids go next summer. I did tell all of them in the car today that decision whether anyone attends camp is based on each person as an individual, not as a group. Just because one person attends, doesn't mean everyone gets to go. I explained that everyone is different and Daddy and I have to evaluate each child abilities separately.
What a tough thing. I am sure it appears rough, but it is the way it has to be for us.
The girls would like to go to camp like Morgan. They aren't ready. They haven't attached nearly enough to even consider them spending a night away except with my parents or my in-laws. They still have nightmares. They aren't as regular, but we do have them, especially when we aren't at home. Hannah was afraid of all of the water rides. She watched as she stood and chewed on her fingers. We went the pool and she did play on the water slide. Haylee loved the little zip line and the diving board and water slide at the pool. Haylee kept wandering off from us as we were walking around. She would get so lost.
After they swam, they put on dry clothes and we went to the arcade. The girls have never played many video games, so they didn't know what to do. By this time, they were very overwhelmed. I could tell it was too much. We then went to the trampolines. They last there about 1 minute. All of our group went to get a soda and the kids began playing a game in a small area enclosed by a half wall. I was getting a drink and wasn't paying much attention. When I walked up, I heard a girl ask Hannah is she was going to play. Hannah said yes. She was standing there a scared look with her hands in her mouth. I think they were playing a type of dodge ball. Well, they started playing and the ball hit her about three times in the legs. She just stood there petrified. I told her to get out because she isn't playing. She argued and said she was. Whatever!! She got out and was mad at me.
Hannah would be absolutely miserable at camp. Haylee would probably stay in trouble for not paying attention and getting lost. We will have to try to explain the best we can why they aren't ready if any of our kids go next summer. I did tell all of them in the car today that decision whether anyone attends camp is based on each person as an individual, not as a group. Just because one person attends, doesn't mean everyone gets to go. I explained that everyone is different and Daddy and I have to evaluate each child abilities separately.
What a tough thing. I am sure it appears rough, but it is the way it has to be for us.
Birthday Party
I took the girls to the birthday party last week. I was anxious about the whole thing. I went in with the girls and the Mom in charge started telling me the plans for the scavenger hunt. It was great! They were not going in stores. I was so relieved! They went to an older ladies house and gave her hugs and she told about her birthdays during her lifetime. It was her pastors mother-in-law. They went to the local food bank and donated can goods. The lady explained how by helping feed the needy they are acting as Jesus would. They also went to a new pastor homeschooling family and built pyramids in their yard and rang the doorbell and welcomed them to town. I did leave them and she said they did well. Of course, they were on the back porch when I arrived to pick them up and I could hear them above everybody. She said they weren't the only loud girls there.
I was very happy they did well. Baby steps...
I was very happy they did well. Baby steps...
Friday, June 10, 2011
Doctor Appt
Our doctor appointment went well last Friday. The girls saw the geneticist. He had seen them last August, so it had been about 10 months.
He said a few interesting things.
One of the first things he asked was if people often tell me that they look like me. I told him they do. He came in and had me read over his report from our last visit. It stated the genetic abnormalities we are dealing with. He then had began just talking with them and evaluating their conversation skills. He asked about their academics. I continued to tell him their strengths and weaknesses. The weaknesses are what he expected. I did tell him that they made "box" brownies the other day with little assistance. They big exciting part is that together they measured 2/3 and 1/4 without me. I just told them they were correct. Other than Hannah wanting to pour the batter in the dish with egg still floating on top, they did much better. It was a happy dance day!!
Anyway, back to the doctor. He was very pleased with how well the girls spoke this time. He said last time they couldn't carry a conversation. He also said last time they didn't use expression when they talked. This time their facial expressions went with what they were talking about. I had never thought about that before, but that has improved. They were also very shy the last time we were there. He didn't see that this time. They had more confidence. He also commented that they looked healthier. They are more fuller looking in the face. I had noticed this before. My friends have also noted this to me.
Haylee had grown 2 inches in ten months and Hannah had grown 1 inch. I hope Hannah has another growth spurt soon. I really don't want her to have growth hormone shots if we can avoid it. Time to step up the growth prayers again!!
He said to keep doing what we are and to come back in 2-3 years. We may or may not go back. He said the truth about the chromosome abnormalities need to be explained to them when they get to child bearing age. It can effect their children. Ugh. I don't don't how we will handle this. It will depend on their mental maturity. The growth doctor said they are about 1 year and 7 months behind in physical growth. The are late bloomers. Hopefully puberty will be the same way.
All in all, it was a good visit. I am very proud of how much they have learned in one year!
He said a few interesting things.
One of the first things he asked was if people often tell me that they look like me. I told him they do. He came in and had me read over his report from our last visit. It stated the genetic abnormalities we are dealing with. He then had began just talking with them and evaluating their conversation skills. He asked about their academics. I continued to tell him their strengths and weaknesses. The weaknesses are what he expected. I did tell him that they made "box" brownies the other day with little assistance. They big exciting part is that together they measured 2/3 and 1/4 without me. I just told them they were correct. Other than Hannah wanting to pour the batter in the dish with egg still floating on top, they did much better. It was a happy dance day!!
Anyway, back to the doctor. He was very pleased with how well the girls spoke this time. He said last time they couldn't carry a conversation. He also said last time they didn't use expression when they talked. This time their facial expressions went with what they were talking about. I had never thought about that before, but that has improved. They were also very shy the last time we were there. He didn't see that this time. They had more confidence. He also commented that they looked healthier. They are more fuller looking in the face. I had noticed this before. My friends have also noted this to me.
Haylee had grown 2 inches in ten months and Hannah had grown 1 inch. I hope Hannah has another growth spurt soon. I really don't want her to have growth hormone shots if we can avoid it. Time to step up the growth prayers again!!
He said to keep doing what we are and to come back in 2-3 years. We may or may not go back. He said the truth about the chromosome abnormalities need to be explained to them when they get to child bearing age. It can effect their children. Ugh. I don't don't how we will handle this. It will depend on their mental maturity. The growth doctor said they are about 1 year and 7 months behind in physical growth. The are late bloomers. Hopefully puberty will be the same way.
All in all, it was a good visit. I am very proud of how much they have learned in one year!
Monday, June 6, 2011
Party
The girls have been invited to a birthday party tomorrow. Actually, all three girls were invited, but Morgan is still at camp. I would feel much better about leaving them if Morgan was there. The girls are doing so much better and have come so far in almost 14 months, but they still have issues. I am not sure they will ever "get" some things.
Things still happen that frustrate me so much. I am not going to detail them because others would probably so I am being petty. However, even a four year old would know better. Social settings we have been in quite a few times and can't remember how to behave. We struggle remembering our boundaries regarding hugging and touching people.
They struggle with friendships. For this birthday tomorrow, I was talking with the girls about not hanging all over the other girls. They can't grasp my problem with their actions. They struggle with the fact a hug must be wanted by both people. We don't hang all over our friends. Hannah mentioned she would sit with the birthday girl in the car tomorrow. I had to explain that there will be 12 friends of this person at the party tomorrow. Some of them are much closer to this person than Hannah. Hannah thought she would be her buddy tomorrow. I had to explain that may not be the case. They are doing a scavenger hunt downtown. I am nervous about it. The mother doesn't want me to go, but I might. I will just have to evaluate the situation in the morning when I drop them off. I am happy they were invited and I want them to go. I am just really anxious about the party. If we have struggles in the morning, we may not go. My friends always tell me they do well for them, maybe I am too strict. No, I am not. I have to be in my world or all will fall apart.
Anyway, enough of that...I will let you know how things go.
We are headed to my parents tomorrow for the remainder of the week. Well, the twins and Alex will be with me. Morgan is at camp and my husband and Tucker are going to a Father/Son retreat in Texas this weekend. We will pick up Morgan Saturday and return home. We will pack Sunday and leave for our annual beach trip Monday.
It is a very busy month for us.
Things still happen that frustrate me so much. I am not going to detail them because others would probably so I am being petty. However, even a four year old would know better. Social settings we have been in quite a few times and can't remember how to behave. We struggle remembering our boundaries regarding hugging and touching people.
They struggle with friendships. For this birthday tomorrow, I was talking with the girls about not hanging all over the other girls. They can't grasp my problem with their actions. They struggle with the fact a hug must be wanted by both people. We don't hang all over our friends. Hannah mentioned she would sit with the birthday girl in the car tomorrow. I had to explain that there will be 12 friends of this person at the party tomorrow. Some of them are much closer to this person than Hannah. Hannah thought she would be her buddy tomorrow. I had to explain that may not be the case. They are doing a scavenger hunt downtown. I am nervous about it. The mother doesn't want me to go, but I might. I will just have to evaluate the situation in the morning when I drop them off. I am happy they were invited and I want them to go. I am just really anxious about the party. If we have struggles in the morning, we may not go. My friends always tell me they do well for them, maybe I am too strict. No, I am not. I have to be in my world or all will fall apart.
Anyway, enough of that...I will let you know how things go.
We are headed to my parents tomorrow for the remainder of the week. Well, the twins and Alex will be with me. Morgan is at camp and my husband and Tucker are going to a Father/Son retreat in Texas this weekend. We will pick up Morgan Saturday and return home. We will pack Sunday and leave for our annual beach trip Monday.
It is a very busy month for us.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Things are okay
Morgan has been at camp since Tuesday. Things are going pretty well. It is funny how many times the girls would both say they didn't do something in their room and I would get to say, "You can't blame Morgan, one of you did it." I am really surprised at how many times that has happened. They have wondered around a couple times wondering what to do. We have spent the last two afternoons at the pool so that has helped. They are bickering more and more. It is definitely interesting.
I have received a letter each day from Morgan. She seems happy. I have a feeling she is going to be rotten when she gets home. She is blessed with so many wonderful activities all day long at camp that when she gets home she is going to have to remember how to entertain herself. I am so thankful we were able to send her. I think it has been a good thing for everybody.
My husband has noticed the flirting the last few times we have all been together. Today at the pool a new teenage boy started life guarding. He is a good christian homeschool boy. Well, she was trying to discreetly get his attention. She was the only one in the middle pool and she was swimming right in front of him. My husband noticed and told her to come play with him in the water.
I have received a letter each day from Morgan. She seems happy. I have a feeling she is going to be rotten when she gets home. She is blessed with so many wonderful activities all day long at camp that when she gets home she is going to have to remember how to entertain herself. I am so thankful we were able to send her. I think it has been a good thing for everybody.
My husband has noticed the flirting the last few times we have all been together. Today at the pool a new teenage boy started life guarding. He is a good christian homeschool boy. Well, she was trying to discreetly get his attention. She was the only one in the middle pool and she was swimming right in front of him. My husband noticed and told her to come play with him in the water.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Camp
Well, Morgan has been at camp for one night and over 24 hours now. The camp has a private website where they post pictures daily. I found her in two pictures from last night. She looked happy. I am so glad. I hope she has a wonderful time. I miss her already. The girls have had some issues this morning. I am sure it is acting out of jealousy and some anger. We have been very busy today, so that has helped. The next few days aren't as busy. We shall see how things go...
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