As I sit here finishing the last of my preparations to get the kids ready for school tomorrow, I sit and think about the summer. The summer began slow and ended so fast. I am glad it is over. Many things took place this summer, a lot of good. Austin went away for sleep over camp local and then 6 hours away in NY for kids with bleeding disorders. His first time away overnight in a camp environment. That is a lot of anxiety for any mom. Henry experienced his beloved autism camp again, cub scout camp, and summer school to keep his skills up for the fifth grade. \SaraAn also enjoyed some day camping expereince and ended the summer getting her swimmers badge at the pool. what a proud girl, she worked so hard for that. We ended the summer last week with the little ones and I in VT and Henry with Shawn for a couple days in the big truck out in Michigan and Indiana, he enjoyed the sights.
This summer has also brought a lot of changes as in my title. The kids all had their birthdays, they made it another year and boy did I notice a lot of maturity especially in Henry and SaraAn. I realize more and more I do not have "babies" anymore, my "baby" is now six and entering 1st. grade tomorrow. Where did that time go? I think the hardest one I had to get over is Henry, he turned the big "10" and will be a 5th. grader tomorrow. That is a lot to take in especially knowing all we have been through with him over the years. I am so glad to see him maturing into such a sweet big boy. There are still a lot of issues on a regular basis, but we can cope so much better with them. My MIL had such a hard time at his bday party because there were girls there, in turn he went to one of their parties yesterday. Not going to mention one of the subjects brought up from that party, very funny though,especially coming form Henry's mouth. Austin struggled a lot this summer if he was not constantly engaged in some activity. He has been the source of a lot of grey hair lately. Met his teacher and had the big talk with the nurse the other day so that they are prepared to handle his bleeding issues. I think his teacher seemed a little overwhelmed. Just a little hard this year because he is going to a new school. I pray they are ready to handle him.
As for the kids, I myself had a big change this week also. I am a college student once again. I began classes last week, and boy things have changed since my first time around 16 years ago.Everything is on the computer. No more writing notebooks full of notes everyday. A huge realization came over me during my first class, children really DO kill braincells. It is going to be a lot of work on my part to get through this. I know I can do it, I can be a lot stubborn (did I say that), I guess I know where SaraAn gets it from. Anyway, hopefully that stubborness will pay off and help me get through this class. This whole thing has caused a lot of anxiety which needs a lot of prayer.
I have been excited about the kids going back to school for a couple of weeks now, nothing better then the new backpack, sneakers, and clothes. I put the kids to bed tonight and prayed with them for a good year, new friends, and an open mind to learning new things. I know as any parent, my kids are smart and can do anything they put their minds to. They do however have to work a little harder sometimes to get the upper advantage. I feel I do my part to help them in everyway possible to be successful, now I am giving them over to their new teachers for the school year. I am sure I will shed my tears tomorrow as I walk away happy all at the same time. Austin and SaraAn are as happy as can be about going back as expected, Henry on the other hand is not, he is very worried about being bullied by the same boys that gave him problems last year and sent us into crisis mode with the school in the spring. Phone calls everyday from the school psychologist. I do worry about it, more so because I was bullied in school also and I do know how he feels, but Henry has a very hard time letting things go and ignoring. I want him to be successful this year as always, but I am already worried about his state of mind. I also know 5th grade is not an easy year in general. I will be praying for him extra hard tonight as I hope some of you that read this will also.
I am calling it the night, worked this weekend, had very little sleep today and need to prepare my mind for tomorrow morning. Changes all around, some good, some not so. Prayers and thoughts to all the kids beginning a new chapter tomorrw or this week in school and to all the parents as they wipe tears of joy for strength to see them off to a new year. Till next time friends, good night.
