Backseat Conversations

I find it humorous that Little Man and I can have such amazing conversations about God while driving to school. It always seems to be the most perfect time to discuss BIG things in such a SHORT amount of time.

For a little prior knowledge, there is a little boy in our neighborhood that doesn't seem to get along with the other children. He is constantly tattling and when he tattles his mother comes down to our end of the block to yell at the other children. It had gotten so bad that by the end of last summer I just told Little Man to ignore the boy and pretend like he was invisible. {I think this was because having a new baby at home just made me tired and ornery. And to be honest ... I just didn't want to deal with the mother.}

Fast forward to this morning ...
Little Man saw the little boy getting into the car to go to school. Little Man said, "Oh Look Mom the fat annoying kid is getting into his car. He never goes outside and he should probably run around outside to lose some weight."

I couldn't believe the mean words that were coming out of my sweet little boy's mouth. My immediate response would have been to just yell. {I admit I am a yeller.} But instead I asked Little Man a question. I asked, "Do you think your behavior is like God's behavior?"

In the rear view mirror I saw a look of disappointment spreading across his face. He mumbled the word no a little under his breath obviously embarrassed of how he was just talking.

I then asked another series questions ... "Who does God love? Does he love only skinny people or happy people?"

Little Man immediately knew the answer ... "NO! God loves everyone!"

"You are right Little Man he loves everyone. He loves skinny people, heavy people, happy people, sad people, rich people, and poor people. And that is what our behavior needs to show. Our words need to be words that God would use. Our lives need to look like how God would live His life."

To that he responded ... "Then Mom today I am only going to ask what God would do before I speak or play with my friends."

{I was impressed because he does not know about the What Would Jesus Do?! }

I told him that I would pray that he would do just that. He seemed satisfied with our chat and then began singing an obnoxious song about a porcupine eating a carrot. {Yet another YouTube video song that is now stuck in my head}

Some days it feels like those 10 minutes of uninterrupted time are not quite enough time but today it was just the perfect amount!

I love our backseat conversations.

When my little man struggles ...

I have been open and honest on this blog about my son's struggle with ADHD and his schooling.

In the past we have tried dietary changes which included eliminating dairy. But in early November, after speaking with his classroom teacher and RTI teachers, his father and I decided to put him on medication to treat him.

To be honest I thought that this would be a miracle drug. I thought that it would make things so much easier for me because I would no longer have to pay too close attention to what he is eating.

It had been 3 months and things are not as good as I thought they would be. Little Man is super emotional, not sleeping, and and has a new attitude that I am not crazy about.

We have made contracts so that we are both accountable for our behavior. I will admit it ... I yell! When I have had enough of the disrespectful attitude or when I feel like Little Man is not hearing me, I get loud so he will.

We are both frustrated.

Every time I contact his doctor about his continued lack of focus and attention at school and during homework, their only response is to "up" his medication.

I just don't feel like this is the solution!

I am ready to go back to restricting his diet. (The only problem with that is ... His dad will not follow it on the weekends Little Man is with him.)

It all came to a boiling point this week when Little Man said he no longer wanted to go to school. He wants to know what the point is if he cannot get good grades and he has to "flip his card" for bad behavior.

I can see the defeat in his eyes. And it breaks my heart.

I feel like I am standing and watching as the light fades from his eyes.

When he told me he didn't want to go to school anymore, I said that I could homeschool him, thinking he wouldn't like that. But instead of the resounding "no" I thought I would hear. He got a big smile on his face and said that he would love that.

I feel like I am at a crossroads. I want what is best for him and I know that I am his only advocate. If I homeschool him then he will miss Outdoor Ed next year and all his friends. He won't be able to join the schools basketball team like he has in years past.

His father thinks that homeschooling is a crazy idea. My mother thinks that he would miss school and want to go back. I just don't know what to do.

Nothing seems to be the "right" answer.

I am willing to do anything. I love my Little Man and I want to see the light in his eyes again.

First Full Day of 4th Grade!! {How to Pack Little Man's Lunch}

How cute is he?!?!? I cannot believe he is a 4th grade! He looks so big!

Anyway ... back to school means packing lunches for Little Man!! 

Little Man eats like a grown man. When I used to allow him to purchase hot lunches from school he would end up buying 2 lunches because 1 never filled him up. So now I make sure I have a bunch of lunch foods so that he is filled up. 

{Just remember he only gets 25 minutes to eat everything}

This year I finally gave in and bought him a new lunch box. {He may or may not have gone to school with a SpeedRacer lunch box since 1st grade}

This lunch box is Chicago Bears colors so it wins bonus points for me!

Mom of the Year Award goes to me!

Little Man's lunch includes ...

a wild cherry juice box

cucumbers

ranch dressing

goldfish crackers

a peach cup

&

a peanut butter and strawberry sandwich

Here I have it all packed away in his lunch box!

Lastly ... I leave my Little Man a sweet note telling him how much I miss him and to have a great day!

His first lunch for his first full day of 4th grade. 

What kind of items do you put in your child's lunch box?

First Week of School {4th Grade}

This week Little Man goes back to school!

I cannot believe that my "baby" is starting 4th grade!

On Friday the class lists were posted on the doors outside of the school. Little Man made it public knowledge that there was one teacher that he really really wanted. So he was super anxious to see who his teacher was.

Needless to say after looking at the class lists Little Man didn't get the teacher he wanted!

But ... almost all of his friends are in his class! So that is a bonus for him.

Little Man doesn't officially start school until Wednesday but he does have a lot of things to get done before then.

Monday ~
Soccer Practice from 8 am to 9:30 am.
We have Welcome Back to School Day! We have to sign Jacob up for the basketball league, sign up for class parties, take the school photo, and purchase assignment notebooks and the yearbook.

Tuesday ~
Soccer Practice from 8 am to 9:30 am.
Find the classic color Crayola markers! {With Jacob being color blind those crazy colors (i.e. - bold, extreme) of Crayola markers just don't work.} Most places are actually out of the classic markers! I hope to not drive around all day looking for them.

Wednesday ~
FIRST {half} DAY OF SCHOOL!
Jacob will officially be a 4th grader!
I keep telling him that this will be his best year yet!!

Thursday & Friday ~
Jacob will be at school all day.
Here is to hoping that we do not have a lot of homework to do!

To be honest ... I am not sure if this is exactly how my week is going to go. On Monday I will officially be 38 weeks pregnant. Jacob was born 18 days early so technically this baby could come at any time. My guess from the beginning of this pregnancy has been that she will be born on August 20th. Dan has always thought she would be born on August 26th. 

So if Baby Girl comes this week ... I am pretty sure the schedule will look way different than this. 

Let's see what happens!! 

A Little Bit of This and a Little Bit of That

Just a few updates of what is going on in my little world.

* Jacob got his finger slammed in between two doors. There was a lot of blood and his fingernails is all different shades of black and blue. I am sparing you a photograph but let me tell you it is ugly! His finger is super swollen and extremely sensitive. I put a finger splint  on it and it seems to be helping a little bit. When I brought him into school this morning we talked to the nurse. We both feel that it is best that he doesn't participate in p.e. or recess today. She also told me to keep an eye on it for infection. Her son got a staph infection when something like that happened and need surgery. Please pray that it doesn't come to that.

* I am taking my big Content Area test on Saturday ... please pray for me to pass!!

* My University Supervisor is coming to observe me tomorrow. I feel like I didn't have enough time to prepare but I am praying that all goes well. Will you pray for me too?

* Our church is discussing biblical truths about our finances. I loved the sermon on Sunday and I got a lot of information. Later this week I will be able to post what was said. They are doing a financial seminar at church on Saturday but I have my big test so I cannot go. The pastor said that he will be discussing financial business again next Sunday so I am sure I will have another post for you.


Have you noticed I have been posting more lately?? I am trying I really am.

Blizzard 2011

I guess people had a right to be Running Scared because we were definitely hit with a lot of snow.

 

Yes those are cars under the snow!

Dan woke up early so that he could attempt to make it into work. Yeah right!

By 9:30 this morning he had the driveway and sidewalk completely cleared.

Our neighbor didn’t even attempt to clear the driveway!

I am pretty sure we were the envy of the neighborhood.

About an hour later the snow plow came through and cleared the street … as best as he could.

So we decided to take a walk and check out the rest of the subdivision.

Snow was everywhere but Jacob was convinced this was the best day of his life.

Before we even left the yard he was already climbing in the snow.

He was having a blast until he saw the snow hill in the cul-de-sac.  He just started running. By the time I caught up with him … this is what I saw …

Dan thought it looked like fun so he joined in too!

We continued on our journey around the block. I stayed in the street but Jacob decided to walk the snow instead. But he fell …

He loved every second of it!

Seriously … loved it!!

We almost got back to the house when Jacob realized he could touch the street signs.

And when we got back to the house Jacob decided street sledding was a great idea.

It did look like fun but then he tuckered himself out.

Doesn’t he look so sweet?? Peaceful even. And if you knew Jacob peaceful is not something he does often.

We talked to the neighbors, the snow plow driver, and the back hoe driver.

We kept the fire roaring all day long.

Princess Fiona loves the fireplace and won’t leave while it is going.

We drank mugs and mugs of tea and hot chocolate (with marshmallows of course).

Finally we settled down with our plates of Pepper Steak (YUM! I will have to share the recipe) and watched American Idol.

We are loving this season! Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez, and Randy Jackson are hilarious together.

So that is how we spent the day during the Blizzard of 2011.

School is cancelled for Jacob and I again tomorrow. Poor Dan has to go to work. I think I am going to make English muffin bread and Lemon Chicken Pasta with asparagus.

I also want to create a Valentine’s Day craft with Jacob. Maybe we will hit the craft store tomorrow.

I love snow days!

Running Scared

If you are from the Midwest you are fully aware that a BLIZZARD WARNING has been issued! From what the weather reports are saying we should get 18 to 24 inches of snow by Wednesday.

Since I am from the western suburbs of Chicago I am used to snow … although 18 inches sounds … well …

CRAZY!!!

I figured that if we get trapped in the house for a day or two it would be a good idea to stop at the grocery store to pick up a few nights of dinner.

I made a simple and quick list …

1) Taco Soup

2) Pepper Steak over rice

3) Shepard’s Pie

4) Lemon Chicken Pasta with asparagus

5) Spaghetti

When I got to the grocery store everyone must have thought the same thing.

The lines were super long and people were getting cranky.

After what seemed like forever I figured it would also be a good idea to get gas while I was out.

The gas station close to my house not only was packed but they were also out of regular fuel. People were not happy to have to pay extra for the two premium level fuels.

People are seriously running scared!! (Hence the title of this post .. hee hee)

The only thing I am excited about is the possible cancellation of school for both Jacob and I. It would be lovely to stay home and spend quality time with him. (Definitely keeping my fingers crossed!)

The snow is supposed to start falling this evening and continue through Friday.

I will be sure to keep everyone posted about the conditions around me.

What is the weather like by you? Are you in the same boat as me or are you enjoying beautiful weather?

Praising the Lord and Loving My Family

It has been an amazing few months!

As you already know, we moved into a townhouse so that Jacob could continue going to school in the same district.  The move went amazingly well. Almost every box has been unpacked except for a large box containing Jacob’s winter clothes. I will have to tackle it soon because the Fall weather is fast approaching. It definitely is beginning to feel like home. I think that all of us are happier here.

Jacob discovered that another 2nd grader from his school lives across the street and loves having someone to play with.

Jacob also is loving being able to ride his bike in the cul-de-sac, kick a soccer ball in the front yard, and run around without me having to run around with him.

Mornings have been much better this year. I am trying to get better at packing his lunch (and my lunch) the night before. Also, I have been pre-warning letting him know what I expect from him in the mornings. He no longer is fighting me when it comes to taking a shower, brushing his teeth, or putting his shoes on. Thank Goodness!

Another blessing is that Jacob is doing really well in second grade. So far there has been no need for a separate behavior plan and his reading has improved. He is taking part in a Poetry Group which will improve his reading fluency.  

I have been enjoying my second year back in college. Although the work has been tougher and my schedule crazier. I am still loving it.

I am doing my practicum at an elementary school in Downers Grove in a 2nd grade classroom.  I instantly fell in love with the students in my class and my cooperating teacher is wonderful. She has thrown me right into the classroom and helping the students. I even get to bring papers home to grade. (Remind me that I was happy about this when I have my own classroom and am complaining about bringing papers home to grade.)

I was actually in the classroom today when the school went into a “soft lockdown”. It turned out that there was a domestic violence situation at the end of the block and the people were unwilling to come out of the house. As a precaution, I was lead out of the building and directed to drive through the grass and over a baseball field to reach the street. I was shaking like a leaf for the rest of the day.

Also, I discovered that one of the students in my class, lets call him “R”, stayed home from school today because his father is being sent to Afghanistan. Please pray for “R’s” father’s safety and for his family while he is away. I am sure that “R” will struggle in the classroom for a little while. Please pray for me to have the right words to say to him.

I guess that is it for now. Look forward to pictures coming soon because Jacob has a 3 v 3 soccer tournament Friday night under the lights. Also, tomorrow we have soccer practice and Open House. I look forward to Jacob leading me through his classroom and showing me all the things he has done so far this year.

By the way, I am loving my family right now. Can’t get enough!

 

See through

I know that my blog has mostly been upbeat and happy mainly focused on my beautiful son and our many adventures but today my blog is not going to be like that.

I am going to be honest and open with all the things that I am struggling with in my life currently. This is already feeling more difficult than I originally thought it would be.

I like my upbeat blog and showing my true self makes me feel very vulnerable.

But vulnerability can lead to great things and I will do anything to turn my life into something truly wonderful and honoring God in all his glory.

Right now things are really difficult.

In May, a letter was sent home from my son’s school informing me that I needed to show proof of residency and sign legal forms stating that forgery or deceit will lead to fines and possible court retaliations.

I didn’t want to go that route but I also knew that I am unable to pay daycare costs right now and that by using the school in my mom’s subdivision will give me a plethora of opportunities for someone to watch Jacob while I was in school as well as providing Jacob with a superior education.

I decided that foreclosing on my home that I purchased 3 1/2 years ago would be the best scenario since I would never get back the money I purchased the home for. (I purchased the condo for $129, 900 and right now the highest it would be able to be sold for is $83,000. Also the three remaining units in my condo building are vacant.)

All summer long I have been searching for a home to rent in my Mom’s subdivision since there are only two subdivisions that feed into my son’s school. Until 2 weeks ago nothing was up for rent. Then all of a sudden a home became for rent and I jumped at the chance to see it.

The home is very tiny but do able for me, Dan, and Jacob with Christian visiting on the weekends.

The renter wants a $2000 security deposit and obviously 1st months rent.

I am unsure how we are going to come up with the money and with the condo not being paid for we are in dire need of something to work out.

The realtor called me yesterday to discuss the mortgage that is being shown on my credit report and I have yet to call her back. I am nervous and stressed and unsure what is going to happen next.

I have submitted my prayer request to God and I know that he provides for the ones that love Him. I am trying to keep my need to control all things to a minimum and let God do what He needs to do.

Please pray  for me and my family during this time. Without God I know we have nothing.

Overwhelmed

Disclaimer: My mind is warped and confused. I cannot promise this post will make any sense. I have a feeling bullet points would simplify things. So please bare with me as I am not adjusted to my new life.

I am O.V.E.R.W.H.E.L.M.E.D.

• School started on Monday.
• While I am thrilled that I am finally able to attend school ... school is tough.
  
• In my first two classes I was partnered with 19 year olds. 19 year olds!! It makes me feel old just saying that. They were nice 19 year olds though.
  
• Every class has an extreme syllabus.
  
• I have papers, learning logs, team work, community service, books, binders, pens, highlighters, and notes. I am not sure how I am going to keep this all straight.
• I have never been so tired in my life. (That probably isn't true ... I may be exaggerating a little bit)
• My math class isn't what I thought it was going to be. I am hoping algebra is like riding a bike and that after doing it for a little bit it will all come back to me.
  
• Greek Philosophy is very interesting.
• I don't think I have ever walked so much in my life.
  
• I have made dinner every night this week ... which is rare. I also, made a weekly meal plan. I am giving myself a round of applause for this one.
  
• That's it ... I got nothing else.
• Oh yeah I do .... I have to do my homework now.
  

If you stuck with me this long .... thank you!

Guess What?!

Remember from my previous post Secrets Secrets are no fun ... So I'm gonna tell everyone, how I asked you to pray for me to get accepted into Benedictine University??

Well thank you so much because bubbly Sarah from Benedictine called me today and told me that ....


I GOT IN!!!

Thank you so much for all of your prayers. God is really working in miraculous ways during this time.

I told Sarah that I am formally accepting my acceptance and that I will be attending in the Fall.

Whew!

One step down and many more to go.

The next steps will be hearing from financial aide to see how much money I will be receiving in grants and scholarships.

Then my official college transcripts will be reviewed by my adviser and then I will meet with my adviser to register for classes and to discuss my future with them.

My last day of work will be August 21st and then school starts August 31st. During the week break I should be able to complete all the things that still need to be done.

Would you guys be willing to continue to pray for me? If your answer is yes, my specific prayer requests are
1) With all the FAFSA, grants, scholarships, and loans my college tuition and mortgage payments will be covered.
2) I am able to find a part time job that fits in with my college classes and Jacob's schedule.
3) That I remember God is control of all things.

Thank you so much for your support and prayers. It means a lot to me.

Just a little ... stressed!

I am not sure why I am stressed but I am.

Jacob finishes kindergarten in the middle of June and I am not sure who is going to watch him yet. R's mom normally watches him two days in a row but this year she is really pushing me to allow her to watch him on a Thursday and Friday so that if it is R's weekend they will have him four days in a row. I DO NOT WANT THAT! I cannot imagine being without Jacob for four days in a row. I would just love it if she stopped pushing the issue.

This year has been a struggle for Jacob in regards to kindergarten. He struggles when he is supposed to follow directions, listen to the teacher, raise his hand, and anything else that requires attention. I am looking into changing his diet to help with what seems to be some symptoms of ADD. (Side note: He has not been diagnosed as ADD but ADD does run in my family.) I just don't want Jacob to struggle in school. I am willing to try anything.

In a previous post I informed you that I have been accepted to Northern Illinois University. I have been going to college for 10 years on and off. Oh yes ... 10 years!! God is really pushing me to go back to school and finish it. He is trying to get me to take a leap of faith. Maybe trying isn't the right word since I did apply, I did confirm my acceptance, I did apply for financial aid, and I am scheduling an appointment to meet with an adviser. This whole thing is still so surreal. I am not sure how it is all going to work out but I will be quitting my job and possibly working part time if necessary. I know God will take care of the details but I am terrified. I am not good with change and this is a HUGE change.

I guess stressed really is the correct word for how I am feeling. I don't really know why but when I get stressed out I think of all the bad things that can happen (Yes this is the devil talking I know that). But still it makes me wonder ... Will I be so broke? How will I afford Christmas presents? Should I learn to knit or crochet or sew to make Christmas presents? (hahaha I am not crafty at all) Crazy thoughts I know. The one amazing thing I am looking for is .... Spending more time with Jacob. I am hoping this will make me more like a SAHM. I am hoping to only attend classes while he is in school. The commute to school will be about 45 minutes. Jacob's school starts at 9 a.m. and finishes at 3:30 p.m. Plenty of time!

Sorry if this was super duper boring. I felt like I had to get it all out. Hopefully everyone enjoyed their Tuesday.

Walk in His Strength,

Mindy

Day 3

Today is the 3rd day of Jacob getting ALL 5 STARS!!! How amazing is that?! I am awe struck. To be honest I wasn't sure that this would work. I figured Jacob could have cared less about getting stars and doing well in school but obviously he does. He gets so excited about showing me his sheet everyday. I LOVE IT!

Also, I wanted to share that I am having some tests done at the doctor. Please pray that everything goes well and that I won't have to do the next procedure. Supposedly it is more painful than the last test that was done.

Lastly, please pray that I figure out the best way for me to continue school. It has been very difficult to work full-time, raise Jacob, and take classes. Obviously, Jacob always comes first and I am not willing to sacrifice time with him to be away at school all the time. I need to put him first because he doesn't deserve an absent mother. I might be way too hard on myself but I hear all mothers have mother's guilt. I do not want him to feel that he is being neglected. Also, I don't want him to be raised by anyone other than myself. I take great pride in being Jacob's mother. He has been the best gift I have ever been given. I wouldn't change anything about him even on our worst days. He makes me a better person and he teaches me to let little things go. He is an amazing child and I thank God everyday for letting me be apart of his life. Needless to say, I love him more than words can ever describe. I am thankful I was chosen to be his mother.

Until next time,
Mindy