The day after school lets out we leave for our annual Wancha Week up north with my dad's side of the family. Around 30 or so of us go up north for a week. It's full of fun, boating, swimming, playing outside, and getting dirty. (No swimming for me, my finger is not healed.) It's Ryan's favorite time of the whole year. Myself, my sisters, and our cousins had kids right around the same time so there are tons of kids to play with. It's when Ryan is his happiest and we always look forward to it. Generally, Lauren can't tolerate a whole week so Greg and I leave early with her and Ryan stays back under the watchful eye of my entire family. This year we're going to see how long she can make it, but Greg's parents have offered to let us drop Lauren off to them (they're also up north, just about 2 hours from where we will be) if it's too much for her. Lauren loves her family, but gets pretty easily overwhelmed. When it becomes not at all fun for Greg and I, we generally call it quits. It becomes easier at home to keep her happy and entertained. And of course there's always the fear of elopement when we're not in place we've Lauren-proofed. But we're hopeful we can stay longer this time! Last year I think we made it 2 nights out of 7, so if we get 2 or 3 nights we'll call it a win! Sometimes it's extremely discouraging because it's times like that, when we have to leave a really fun family function, that we see just how different our parenting journey is than other families. My extended family is amazing, so understanding, and they are all willing to love Lauren on her terms (which often means at a distance!). We never feel judged for the times we can't stay at a function. Sometimes my life feels like it's all special needs all the time (since I work for a developmental pediatrician), but I also feel like God has called me to this life. The best things are worth both the mountains and the valleys.
The kids both had Field Day this week! This was my first week back to work, (I love my coworkers for making it as easy and gentle on my hand as possible!) and Greg's now on midnights so he's sleeping during the day. So my mom went to both kids' field day! They were on different days at different schools, and she was there for both of them. We love how much our families love our kids.
Ryan and one of his best friends
Lauren and her best friend in the whole world (other than mommy)
Today we officially joined our church! We spent several years at a couple different churches and it just never felt right to take the next step to become members. I know I've written before about the special needs ministry at our church. Today was celebration Sunday and was a review of great things that happened in the church. And to open service, the group for teenagers with developmental disabilities sang a song for the congregation. It warms my heart to think of Lauren, 10 years from now, having friends she can relate to and share life with in the church. It's what I dream of for both of my kids, really.
And last, but certainly not least, Ryan was student of the month!!! He was surprised at an assembly at school this past Monday. The character trait this month was kindness, so this was especially close to my heart. If I teach my children nothing else, I want them to know how important it is to be kind to others. You don't have to agree with anything a person does to show them kindness. The principal called later in the prior week to tell us, and it was such a hard secret to keep!! All the kids come walking into the gym looking for their parents, because they know if they see their parents, they are getting an award. Ryan's mouth dropped open! It was awesome. Ryan is really a child that craves recognition and praise, so we knew it would be really meaningful for him to be chosen. Later that week I surprised him with a frame for his award and a t-shirt that says "Best Kid Ever". He was so happy! I was so thankful that even after more than two weeks off of work, they let me come in late on my first day back so I wouldn't miss the assembly.
No comments:
Post a Comment