Week Two

We've started week two of school already here in Bama. Gage is having a difficult time hearing, we're having some issues with one of his processors changing/turning up when you slightly touch the side of it...he's already been kicked in the head (on accident, at PE again-what is it w/these boys?) but so far no issues have resulted from that.

I'm guessing if he doesn't improve (modify classroom/accommodations) then I'll have enforce the FM microphone system that he DOES NOT WANT TO WEAR ANYMORE!!

Brook is doing quite well. She's using her FM system, her teacher unfortunately had fallen ill unexpectedly and she's hoping to come back at the end of this week, so she's had a sub so far.

We went camping this past weekend and had a wonderful time as usual. The kids brought their bikes, they swam, and they fished. One of Brook's processors had issues though and it needed a new part (which was at home) so she had to go a full day with just one "ear". She hated it...but made it just fine.

Other than that, we are just enjoying ourselves. We love our friends, our family, our school, our church...what more could you ask for?

Almost There

Well, it is Sunday. We will pull up at that school around 7:30 in the morning. I've agreed to stay all day tomorrow and help/volunteer so I might peek in on my guys but for the most part, I'll be helping with the smaller kids. After they get settled, I might walk around and help various teachers as needed but the main thing is getting them all in their rooms, settled, assist with lunch time and possibly getting them to their buses or cars in the afternoon.

We have our supplies already at the school since we attended Friday's Meet/Greet the Teachers Day so all they need is their lunch money for the week and their back packs...which is packed  with their supplies such as glasses cleaner, cochlear implant batteries, extra battery cages should they need them, tape for the processors if they need it...

I think we are good to go. Say a little prayer for all these kiddos starting school, and the faculty as well. There's so much opportunity inside those school doors, but where there's opportunity, there is distraction. Pray they look toward opportunity and not distractions...(and I'm not talking ADHD here-I'm talking Spiritual Opportunity/Distraction)

Getting a Job

Well, we've reached a decision. After eleven years of staying home with the kids, I want need to get a job...a full-time, with benefits, real job. I prefer something with the school system (the high school would be great!) since I still need to think about the kids during school breaks. Ideally, a special needs aide would be PERFECT for me. So, over this next school year, I plan to watch for something to become available. I know The Lord is saving something special just for me, so I will be watchful over the next several months. I can't take just anything because I would be miserable with just anything I know. I'm looking forward to getting up everyday, and making a difference for some child who needs me. Wish me luck!

State Park

We took the kids today, to play in the lake. We decided not to camp overnight so we spent several hours, doing nothing...it was great. On the way home, Gage said (referring to a man with a beard about three feet long) "I saw that man looking at me in the eyes. I saw his mouth moving, I knew he was saying words...so I ignored him and went under really fast." No, we don't try to waterproof the cochlear implant processors. The kids like not hearing for the most part. It's just a bonus to them, lol.

Gage is trying to catch fish with a net and Brook is tugging around her doll on a boogie board

We have only two weeks left before school starts back. Brook got a postcard from her third grade teacher today and was so excited! The anti-static mats have been moved and are in place for my kids to use the computers in their classrooms.

VBS

The Cochlear Kids are having a wonderful time at Vacation Bible School at our church. They are learning verses (and repeating them on cue) and songs (with a little more difficulty but they are doing awesome)...just like the other kids. Church has been the BEST thing for my kids, despite my initial concerns that they couldn't hear well, or sit still (or any other excuse I gave for not taking them regularly). They actually have learned so much, including how to sit still and behave in church!!

Here they are playing water balloon volleyball and yes, Gage's leg is soaked right here...guess he fell a little short at catching those balloons with the sheet but it was all about team work. That night the story was about Gideon and his army of 300 God picked. They made a homemade trumpet with that one and last night after hearing about David and Goliath, they made sling shots. They can't wait to go back tonight and see what they learn.