An email I received from Will's teacher today:
Proud of that little booger. <3 nbsp="">
Showing posts with label accomplishments and goals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label accomplishments and goals. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Preschool Grad
Jack graduated from preschool last night.
He had told me he was nervous when they first began practicing for graduation about having to be on the stage, but after a few practices, he decided he could do it, and that was that. The night of the graduation, he said the prayer before dinner. In his prayer he asked Heavenly Father to help him not be nervous and do a good job. It was sweet.
On the way to graduation something happened. MENTAL BREAKDOWN.
He informed us he would not get on the stage, and that he would be sitting with us. We did our best to alleviate his nerves, but nothing worked.
You see, when Jack decides he can't or won't do something, there is nothing you can do. There is not a thing in the world you can say, nor any amount of money you can offer--Nonna said she wasn't going higher than $20-- no delicious reward you offer for indulging in afterward that will change his mind. He is his own person.
When we arrived I took him inside hoping I could still sway him. With the rest of his friends getting their robes on, Jack refused to dress. I pleaded. He stayed firm. Back and forth, back and forth. Sigh. We went to find a seat to watch. Nonna and Pa both did their best to try and get him to change his mind, but it didn't work.
Mrs. Anne, the preschool director, came and asked Jack if he would be willing to just walk across the stage when they called his name. He wouldn't have to sing or even put on the gown or cap if he didn't want to. He willingly agreed like this was no big deal at all, and went back with his class.
He did not sing. He did put on a robe. He did not wear the cap. He did come up when they called his name. And he wants to be an Astronaut when he grows up.
Little Guy, I'm pretty sure you're going to do big things.
He had told me he was nervous when they first began practicing for graduation about having to be on the stage, but after a few practices, he decided he could do it, and that was that. The night of the graduation, he said the prayer before dinner. In his prayer he asked Heavenly Father to help him not be nervous and do a good job. It was sweet.
On the way to graduation something happened. MENTAL BREAKDOWN.
He informed us he would not get on the stage, and that he would be sitting with us. We did our best to alleviate his nerves, but nothing worked.
You see, when Jack decides he can't or won't do something, there is nothing you can do. There is not a thing in the world you can say, nor any amount of money you can offer--Nonna said she wasn't going higher than $20-- no delicious reward you offer for indulging in afterward that will change his mind. He is his own person.
When we arrived I took him inside hoping I could still sway him. With the rest of his friends getting their robes on, Jack refused to dress. I pleaded. He stayed firm. Back and forth, back and forth. Sigh. We went to find a seat to watch. Nonna and Pa both did their best to try and get him to change his mind, but it didn't work.
Little Guy, I'm pretty sure you're going to do big things.
Friday, July 11, 2014
Swim Lessons
I finally had the boys take swim lessons. It was an adventure for sure. Since a couple summers had been spent with lots of seizures, one of those in particular extremely difficult, learning to swim hadn't been a top priority. Will and Jack were both pretty unsure about the idea of it all. I had heard some good things about a swim teacher in La Vergne. I checked out his website, schedules, and cost, and sent an email. He emailed me back pretty quickly, and I reserved the spots. I didn't find out until a few days before the lesson that this guys approach was definitely not like mine. Where I would be more gentle and patient he was much more forceful and do it now. I was a little nervous but I'd heard really good things and already paid a substantial deposit.
We went bright and early Monday morning and the kids were both pretty apprehensive. He basically told the parents, in a sunroom where they would stay for the duration of the lesson, that he didn't put up with silliness from kids or parents. He was pretty intense and I feared a little bit for my children's emotional health, but I liked him and so did so many others that I thought we should stick it out.
He took W&J crying from me out to the pool. It was a rough first day for all the kids, but by the end of the lesson both boys had already made progress. I decided to go ahead and enroll Sam for the rest of the week.
Monday night at dinner the boys were feeling pretty proud of their accomplishments and Jack said, "Mom, we can't go tomorrow. I think I'm going to be busy...I gotta clean my room." Patrick and I both laughed pretty good at that one. I decided we needed a scripture refresher and we started re-memorizing "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Will was on board, Jack still wasn't buying it.
The next morning was quite a challenge getting Jack to cooperate. I prevailed and we made it on time. I sat outside this time and was able to watch them as long as they didn't cry. Jack had an excellent second day but Will was still stiff and worried. Sam did fantastic too. By Wednesday everyone was (mostly) enjoying the swim lessons. And by Friday Will and Jack really decided they liked Coach Gareth after all.
They started out the week scared of the water and by the end they were jumping in and swimming the length of the pool. I was so proud of them, and especially proud of Will who really struggled in the beginning but kept trying, and did it with a pretty good attitude. His confidence by the end of the week sky rocketed! On Wednesday morning he said, "Sometimes I get a little sad, but then I get happy." I asked him how, and he said, "I think about Jesus and know He will help me." He was such a great example to Jack and a big supporter of him. Makes my heart swell when they look after each other.
We went bright and early Monday morning and the kids were both pretty apprehensive. He basically told the parents, in a sunroom where they would stay for the duration of the lesson, that he didn't put up with silliness from kids or parents. He was pretty intense and I feared a little bit for my children's emotional health, but I liked him and so did so many others that I thought we should stick it out.
He took W&J crying from me out to the pool. It was a rough first day for all the kids, but by the end of the lesson both boys had already made progress. I decided to go ahead and enroll Sam for the rest of the week.
Monday night at dinner the boys were feeling pretty proud of their accomplishments and Jack said, "Mom, we can't go tomorrow. I think I'm going to be busy...I gotta clean my room." Patrick and I both laughed pretty good at that one. I decided we needed a scripture refresher and we started re-memorizing "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Will was on board, Jack still wasn't buying it.
The next morning was quite a challenge getting Jack to cooperate. I prevailed and we made it on time. I sat outside this time and was able to watch them as long as they didn't cry. Jack had an excellent second day but Will was still stiff and worried. Sam did fantastic too. By Wednesday everyone was (mostly) enjoying the swim lessons. And by Friday Will and Jack really decided they liked Coach Gareth after all.
They started out the week scared of the water and by the end they were jumping in and swimming the length of the pool. I was so proud of them, and especially proud of Will who really struggled in the beginning but kept trying, and did it with a pretty good attitude. His confidence by the end of the week sky rocketed! On Wednesday morning he said, "Sometimes I get a little sad, but then I get happy." I asked him how, and he said, "I think about Jesus and know He will help me." He was such a great example to Jack and a big supporter of him. Makes my heart swell when they look after each other.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Kindergarten Graduate
Can't believe my little Will has graduated Kindergarten. Such a sweet sweet moment. He has overcome so much in his short little life. I'm so proud to get to witness his accomplishments, and watch him as he struggles and thrives. He has taught and continues to teach me so much about life and myself. He is a book reading fool! and loves making new friends. I can't wait to see him continue to grow and learn. So proud of you Will!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Monday, February 8, 2010
Whew
I think I'm finally safe to say, we did it! We made it through Potty Training. The first couple days were pretty rough, but by the 5th and 6th we had made lots of progress. Around day 14 I finally was able to convince him to poo in his potty. We bribed him with new Thomas the Train underwear, a Maglite flashlight, and a bowl of ice cream. After a couple weeks he finally started to tell me when he needed to go. And we have now been accident free for a week! I'm really hoping announcing it to the world does not jinx us in some way. So now I no longer have to clean up dirty 2 yr old diapers, I just occasionally step in urine that didn't quite make it into the toilet...nice.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Hard Working Man
Patrick graduated December 13th from Tennessee Tech with a degree in Finance. We still can't believe he is done. He has sacrificed so much to get here. He has balanced (most of the time VERY well) working a full-time night shift job on the weekends, being a full time student, a dedicated husband, an attentive daddy, and responsibilities at church for just a little over 3 years. He complained some but it was rare. Usually it had the ring of, "This is hard." Had it been me: "I am so tired! You don't know how hard this is! wah! wah! wah!" But I'm pretty sure he is a better person than I am. So I'm not at all surprised. 
On the 12th he accepted a job offer from Northwestern Mutual. He will be a wealth management advisor and sell different types of insurance. Right now he is studying so he can get his licensing. The job is in Murfreesboro but he will be able to work from home quite a lot. He'll do this along with his weekend job until he thinks he can't/ or doesn't want to manage it any more. He is a worker! 
He is still pretty interested in graduate school and hasn't totally counted it out yet. But for now it will just be work, work, family, and church on his to do list. I am so proud of him and proud to be his wife. 
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