Making Their Own Fun

The school week finished up well for the boys, though I may have spoken too soon about Gabe enjoying school. He was a bit off this week...slightly disrespectful, seemed to anger easily at his siblings, etc. I asked him last night what was going on with him and he said, "I just want to move back to North Liberty and go to my old school with my old friends. I wish we didn't have to move here." Tough stuff for a little guy to process, though we talked a lot about communicating those very normal feelings in a respectful way.
Seth had a good week. God answered my prayers that he would hold it together well until I had a chance to meet with his K teacher and fill her in on some things. We met Friday, and I feel really good about things. They have wonderful guidance counselors who do lots of lessons with the kindergartners, and can even provide more social skills training if we think that's something he needs at some point. She previously taught for many years in a talented and gifted program, and told me that she is no expert in identifying TAG kids, but that Seth is very, very intelligent. I say that not to brag, but only to say it did this mother's heart good to hear that although he may have some deficits in certain areas, he has strengths, too.
And then there's Josie...there are such precious little girls on campus to play with, and she seeks out all the boys to play with. That is true even when Gabe and Seth are at school and she and I are out there playing. The other day, I was cracking up as she told some bigger boys, "Watch me go down the firepole all by myself. Don't worry-I'll ask my parents for help if I get stuck." And down she went. They were impressed, which is of course what she was hoping for.
Nile and I are doing well. He starts classes this Thursday, so things will change then! We had a family over the other night for dessert and it was really fun. I am starting to meet more moms now that I am done putting the house together and can take the kids to play more. It is hard for me-it's just not my personality to love seeking out social opportunities, so I have to force myself (or maybe Nile has to strongly encourage me) to do that.

Here are a few pics of the kids entertaining themselves. Poor Josie, there are no princess dresses here (she wouldn't want them anyway) so Hulk will have to suffice. The boys made her wear all black so she could be on their Special Agent Squad, and she loved every minute of it.

She made herself, "a little area to just relax"