Learning as I go

Sometimes you need the counsel of those who have had more experience as a parent to help you through- grant it I have only incorporated a new technique today it seems to be working well- and I am not stressed-
You see recently Marcus and I have been very busy and on the go- fortunately we are slowing down a little- however he has been tired and his attitude and disrespect stinks- talking back- rude- rolling eyes- grunting - attitude - and the list goes on- I get that he is tired- but he is also suppose to work on coping skills so he can work through it when it is harder-
We have been through a lot- and yet this stage is driving me nuts- hopefully he will learn quickly - I mean I have taught him about respect and what is to be expected and yet he still thinks my standards are going to change- I don't think so-

me being tired does not help the cause either- cause I know how much energy it takes to work with him-

learning as I go- i need a parenting handbook- i know its the Bible- who would think I am studying to be a parenting coach and yet still need some help myself- its all good-

A first for Marcus

Marcus experienced a first- a wedding- he had never been in the 7 years we have been a family- and he asked a ton of questions- he thought the pool we could go swimming in- no not so much- then he became a little on the anxious or anxiety side- very hyper very not focused- new surroundings new things- love it- not so much cause it is work to help keep him focused- all in all he did remarkable well considering we were out late and all
we rode with Pastor Larry and Deanna which I am forever grateful- really I am - because I was so tired and not sure if I would have made the 2 hour trip back home driving - I know it was a long night for all- especially since all of us had to get up early and be at church for worship practice - preparing for the morning- and personally getting rooms ready and setting up the final touches for children's church (Adam was not there) - he was still in Gainesville as it was Adam and Brenda's son that got married-
This of course made me feel a little old since I have known him since birth.

Meanwhile we were entertained by Marcus and his 1000s of questions and inquires- all fine- and of course Savanna and her quest to find me someone on craigslist - of course I disappointed my son by not going up for the bouquet toss- sorry bub.

So now Marcus has a bit of an understanding and informed me tonight that he wants to get married- I said hopefully after me LOL

Love this

Tubing on the River

Well Marcus went tubing with the youth group today- yes I said youth group - he is growing up
I realized when I was driving home this is the first trip with out me- or his uncle adam with him for church- mom is growing up too- LOL.
I heard he was very well behaved which makes me feel thrilled-

He enjoyed it a lot- his therapist and I are working on him being a bit more independent cause he always wants me around and always wants my help- hopefully this little trip has showed him that he can do things with out mom and survive :)

Thanks Pastor Larry and Dustin for investing in Marcus -

Family

I have realized lately - over the past year how much family means to me - more so then ever- we have had a bumpy one in our family- and sticking together through it all means so much-
I think for me it it just hurts my heart when I know family is going through things and there is nothing I can do - well not true about nothing- I can pray - I can listen- I can hug when I see them - and just let them know I am here whenever they need me-

we were able to spend some time with the Marsh side of the family this past weekend as some of them are in from Wyoming to see Disney - Uncle Dave and Aunt Cheryl brought the grand kids to Disney for the first time- it was neat to see it through their eyes- Marcus did not remember it when we were there 4 years ago so it was neat seeing it through his eyes again- it was hot and rainy and tiring but priceless as we spend time with the family- wish it was longer

so just to let you know my family- I love you all very much- and hold you all close to heart

No Cable- No Phone- No Internet

Yes this was life for me last night- yes I was frustrated but today I have come to realize it is exactly what I needed. time a lone just me and my book and then me and God- why you ask- I have been struggling a bit- yes me strong Michele- we all have our moments- several factors involved but today is better- wont go into detail of what the factors are no need - God knows and He is here and I turn to Him- drawing closer to Him right now is so what I need to do-

Lake Myrtle will truly be missed

We had the 5th grade ceremony today at Lake Myrtle - while I am thrilled that Marcus is doing so well- I am saddened to be leaving some amazing people at Lake Myrtle I have nothing negative to say about our experience there- very loving and supportive they have been- they are truly a blessing to our lives and truly a reason Marcus has become successful-
We have been attending Lake Myrtle since first grade and I can close my eyes and think back to how we have started to how we ended and I am truly amazed-
We are very blessed to have been moved to this elementary school I truly believe God placed us there for a reason to meet the amazing teachers and staff there. They have been there in the ups and downs of Marcus- they were there when I needed an extra hand - they took their time over the summer one year to help Marcus improve his skills- they helped in making the best decisions and hard decisions for Marcus and my well being-
They were there when a mom was at her breaking point and shed tears while sitting in their classrooms and offices and kept encouraging me.
So ladies and gentlemen of Lake Myrtle Elementary - thank you thank you thank you- these words seem so small in comparison to a life that you all have forever changed - well actually not just one life but 2.
I appreciate you more then words can say- Andrew Carini- thank you for all you have done- I know this past year you were not there but you are truly a significant person in Marcus' life that has changed him forever- Susan Crossley - thank you for working with Marcus the first 3 years he was at Lake Myrtle- you are a true gift. Kris Madley- I remember the day well in which our lives forever changed - we spent almost an hour after school waiting for Marcus to calm and cope that was the day a we needed to make a decision and that day forever changed our lives -who knew 3 months later he would be gone for 5 months and truly was forever changed- thank you for your time and all your energy- You all have such patience and it has been a joy working with you to help Marcus be successful
Thank you Joanne Maggi- for opening up your classroom and loving Marcus -
You will be forever in our hearts and I will be forever grateful

Track meets are done

Well for us track meets are done but we will still practice- he did ok - he got 3rd in the 1500 and better his time- i have been talking about it if he wants to do it again next year and he was like yes I want to be a top runner- I said it is going to be a lot of hard work- we will discuss it from time to time over the months to come- I may have pushed him into too many meets this year - maybe a little less this year coming- I just love watching him run- and i missed watching him last year-

soccer is next that starts in August and will go through November