Madi was so ready for today to be over. She was so tired and just wanted to go home and play on the iPod and chill. Don't blame her at all!!
She played for a while this afternoon and said she was able to chat with you via text which is good. She'll try calling in the morning.
We had a good dinner and then the girls went upstairs to play in the playroom. I had Julia tonight and she went down really easy. So I was able to go in and chat with Madi for about 20 minutes. We hung out and laughed and she told me stories about her classes and kids at school. It had been a while since we'd hung out so it was really nice. Julia has been taking forever to get down!! And Riley has as well. Not really sure why, but it has made it very tough to get them down before Madi's lights are out.
Happy Birthday Major!!! I can't believe he is six!!!!!
Madi got her work done during school so she had no homework today which was really great. The girls ate some Halloween candy and they weren't that hungry for dinner. Only three pieces each and they were small/medium. Nothing huge.
Tomorrow we'll spend time with my Uncle Rob and Aunt Mel who are visiting from Seattle, WA. They came in because my Aunt will be getting some work done in the area. We'll probably do dinner together or something really simple.
And Sunday we'll go to church and hopefully get some good afternoon naps in! :)
Friday, November 2, 2012
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Two Weeks...
It's so strange to see the date that you are coming back on this month's calendar. Madi has been talking a lot about it. She's very nervous about the transition. Feels very torn between leaving and not being with us as she's been with us for what seems like years now. Though she's also looking forward to being with you. Has just been so long and there are plenty of unknowns. Just keep telling her that everything is going to work out and that she will have what she needs: food, a place to live, school, friends and you. That everything else will figure out and that we aren't going anywhere. That I'll still see her at school and while our relationship will change, that it really will be a very good thing.
She asked me today if we need to start packing. And I told her we'd do that in a week or so. That there wasn't anything in her room that needs to be packed right away. She told me that she's just ready to get this over with. And I said that it makes sense. That transition is hard and that there is a lot of change coming. And it will be a lot of change for all of us. She's ready to have unknowns turn into knowns so she can deal better. And that makes sense too.
We've started preparing Riley and talking to her about you coming. We explained that you are Madi's mom and that you've been in school and now you're able to come back to live with her. And that Madi will live with you. Riley said she'd be sad, but that she's glad that Madi will have her mom back. We'll start preparing Julia in a week.
The hardest weeks of the transition are coming up. And I know that it's for the best even if it's the hard thing to do. Madi asked tonight if we'd go to Kentucky Fried Chicken when you came. I told her that that would be up to you and her. That if you guys want to go, that you'll be able to go together. She looked really confused. I elaborated and said that when you return, the two of you will be able to decide things like what you want to eat for dinner and where and that it will be something the two of you can do. She said she really wants fried chicken. Was somewhat strange because in two and a half years, she has never mentioned fried chicken. But I just told her that you'll be able to do different things than what we do and that it will be your decision not ours.
We've also talked about things that she'll probably really look forward to: riding to school without hearing Julia scream at the top of her lungs every morning, not having to wait after school while I have meetings almost every day, being able to do things we can't do since we have two little ones at home, being with you, eating at places we don't eat for whatever reason, stuff like that...
In school, she's been unfocused and having trouble concentrating. Doing some strange behaviors similar to what she had shown when she first came here. Her LEAP teacher talked to me today and said she blurted out "14 days!" in the middle of class. And that her behavior had been strange all day. Then she asked her why she was announcing days out of the blue and Madi told her you were coming soon. I had already talked with her and told her some things that the counselor and I had talked about as far as how the hardest part will be right before you come and right after. Once things are more settled for both of you, it will be much easier. And I had talked to her teacher about some of the changes coming up and told her that she may react differently in class as she has a lot on her mind. They're doing a great job being very loving and understanding and keeping things as stable as possible to help during the transition time. I don't mean for this to all sound sad or bad or like it's a negative transition. More just to let you know a little of how she is feeling so that you can understand where she's coming from. She has just become very comfortable in where she is and now things are changing.
Her grades are still amazing. She's getting along super well with kids at school. She's come so far and it's so great to see. It will be neat for you to see her and to be back in your role as Mom again. Once you get used to each other again, things will be much calmer than they are at the moment.
Madi hasn't been acting out at home. She's quite ditzy and forgetful and talking nonstop, but I really think that is just being an 11 year old! I remember being that way at that age!
Feel free to call her anytime. We aren't ever sure if it's a good time and I know the connection has been bad. I'll make sure she sees her message from you that you sent tonight. We told her she could call tonight, but she was tired and just wanted to sleep. And I totally believe it - she was wiped out by the end of the day and just dragging. Her iPod is downstairs at the moment and charged.
She asked me today if we need to start packing. And I told her we'd do that in a week or so. That there wasn't anything in her room that needs to be packed right away. She told me that she's just ready to get this over with. And I said that it makes sense. That transition is hard and that there is a lot of change coming. And it will be a lot of change for all of us. She's ready to have unknowns turn into knowns so she can deal better. And that makes sense too.
We've started preparing Riley and talking to her about you coming. We explained that you are Madi's mom and that you've been in school and now you're able to come back to live with her. And that Madi will live with you. Riley said she'd be sad, but that she's glad that Madi will have her mom back. We'll start preparing Julia in a week.
The hardest weeks of the transition are coming up. And I know that it's for the best even if it's the hard thing to do. Madi asked tonight if we'd go to Kentucky Fried Chicken when you came. I told her that that would be up to you and her. That if you guys want to go, that you'll be able to go together. She looked really confused. I elaborated and said that when you return, the two of you will be able to decide things like what you want to eat for dinner and where and that it will be something the two of you can do. She said she really wants fried chicken. Was somewhat strange because in two and a half years, she has never mentioned fried chicken. But I just told her that you'll be able to do different things than what we do and that it will be your decision not ours.
We've also talked about things that she'll probably really look forward to: riding to school without hearing Julia scream at the top of her lungs every morning, not having to wait after school while I have meetings almost every day, being able to do things we can't do since we have two little ones at home, being with you, eating at places we don't eat for whatever reason, stuff like that...
In school, she's been unfocused and having trouble concentrating. Doing some strange behaviors similar to what she had shown when she first came here. Her LEAP teacher talked to me today and said she blurted out "14 days!" in the middle of class. And that her behavior had been strange all day. Then she asked her why she was announcing days out of the blue and Madi told her you were coming soon. I had already talked with her and told her some things that the counselor and I had talked about as far as how the hardest part will be right before you come and right after. Once things are more settled for both of you, it will be much easier. And I had talked to her teacher about some of the changes coming up and told her that she may react differently in class as she has a lot on her mind. They're doing a great job being very loving and understanding and keeping things as stable as possible to help during the transition time. I don't mean for this to all sound sad or bad or like it's a negative transition. More just to let you know a little of how she is feeling so that you can understand where she's coming from. She has just become very comfortable in where she is and now things are changing.
Her grades are still amazing. She's getting along super well with kids at school. She's come so far and it's so great to see. It will be neat for you to see her and to be back in your role as Mom again. Once you get used to each other again, things will be much calmer than they are at the moment.
Madi hasn't been acting out at home. She's quite ditzy and forgetful and talking nonstop, but I really think that is just being an 11 year old! I remember being that way at that age!
Feel free to call her anytime. We aren't ever sure if it's a good time and I know the connection has been bad. I'll make sure she sees her message from you that you sent tonight. We told her she could call tonight, but she was tired and just wanted to sleep. And I totally believe it - she was wiped out by the end of the day and just dragging. Her iPod is downstairs at the moment and charged.
Happy Halloween!
Was the perfect weather for trick or treating last night! The girls were all very comfortable in their costumes. Madi was so excited to get candy! What was amazing was that most of our neighborhood was dark because everyone was either not in the spirit of Halloween or they were out doing other things. The girls still got an enormous amount of candy and enjoyed going out.
Madi was asked at school if she was Obi One Kanobi (I'm sure I spelled that wrong!). So she took the hood off. Looked much more complete with the bow and arrows at night. She had many comments about how cool her costume was and how great it looked.
Julia was a ladybug - cutest thing ever. Riley was a glowy girl - wore tons of things that glowed in the dark.
They are all quite tired after being out so late last night. Madi even asked today if she could take a nap tomorrow after school. To which I said "Of course!"
Madi was asked at school if she was Obi One Kanobi (I'm sure I spelled that wrong!). So she took the hood off. Looked much more complete with the bow and arrows at night. She had many comments about how cool her costume was and how great it looked.
Julia was a ladybug - cutest thing ever. Riley was a glowy girl - wore tons of things that glowed in the dark.
They are all quite tired after being out so late last night. Madi even asked today if she could take a nap tomorrow after school. To which I said "Of course!"
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Pictures
We had the Fun Run this past Thursday. Was so much fun!! The girls had a lot of fun walking/running with friends. Madi spent some of her time taking pictures of kids for the school newspaper.
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| Fun Run 2012 - Here we come!! |
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| Getting a little violin lesson! |
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| Costume Contest |
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| Jack O'Lantern Pizza! |
Halloween Weekend
Every year my parents' neighborhood has a fun party on the block. This year they had pony rides, bounce house, food, games, face painting and a costume contest. It was really chilly!!! Madi was super excited to wear her new cape. Grammy and Poppi came by and dropped it off in the morning. It is awesome!!!! So incredibly soft and looks perfect with the rest of the outfit.
We spent some time with Poppi and Grammy this morning. Just hanging out and chatting mostly. After Julia had her nap, we headed to my parents' house. It wasn't as large of an event as it has been in the past, but it was still fun. Riley and Jules rode the ponies and Madi and Riley got to go in the bounce house. The girls all loved the nothing bundt cakes and popcorn.
When it came time for the costume contest, the girls really weren't interested. Riley and Madi did decide to go up front and stand in line for a chance to win a prize. They had a contest for the most original costume and there were several kids who went up. They asked Madi what she was and what her name was. And she won!! She has a gift card to Main Event. Not sure how much it's worth, but it's really great that she won. After all, her costume is original! And awesome.
We went back to the house and had jack o'lantern pizzas from Papa Murphy's, changed into pjs and had a candle lit music time at the table with my mom showing her violin skills! She let Madi hold it and showed her how to use the bow. Madi loved it!
Then we went upstairs and watched the new Tinkerbell movie in their living room upstairs. Had popcorn and snuggled everywhere in the room. The girls had tons of fun and so did we. Madi said she wishes she could rewind the night because she loved it so much.
Today we went to church. I love that Riley and Madi often talk about what they learned and recite the memory verse together. It's really great.
This afternoon Madi finished IXL (She had laps one day this week and had to sit out of recess on Friday for not having her homework done. Actually she had it done, but cleaned out her bag where she had tossed all the papers instead of putting them in her binder. When she cleaned it out, she set them on the counter and we recycled them. And her homework was in the pile so she had to stay in and do it). I helped her with the end of the section by doing the problems and then going over each one with her. Very impressed with how great her math skills have come along. Her multiplication in particular is so much easier for her and she's gotten fast at it while still getting it correct. She then did her Fasttmath work. And got her iPod back!!!
We had planned to give her the iPod back this weekend. We were fairly busy with things on Saturday so we waited until her stuff was done on Sunday. She was so excited to have her games back. She hasn't had her iPod in a month now due to the lying. She now has it for Friday - Sundays but we aren't letting her take it into her room at night yet.
She had earned back the computer, but the day she earned it back she chose to open a blog under the name "Emily" and link it to ChatNow or ChatLog or something like that. Don't remember the whole name. And then opened up her twitter account. When asked about it all, she said she wanted people to be able to talk with her. We asked what kind of people. She wasn't really sure. We talked about cyber safety and the type of people who can be out there and how it is really in her best interest to play some games, chat with people she knows and not open accounts. She shared that she had opened the twitter account in the Philippines and that you didn't know about it. And then reopened it here to start chatting. There isn't anything on the account. And we have again taken away computer privileges because we told her that we needed to have time to go over limits and more cyber safety things that we thought she knew or did know, but wasn't using. She has access to Facebook to see pics when you tell her about it and she can do her homework and projects using the computer. I changed the password to her account so that we make sure she cannot access the twitter, chatnow/chatlog/whatever it is or the blog. I wasn't so worried about the blog. It's all about being able to talk about Artemis and Greek mythology. But being linked to chatting with others... just not a good idea. We'd rather be a little overprotective about it than not enough.
Her grades are doing awesome. Progress reports come home this week. As of right now, she has 100 in all of her english subjects and science. 94 in Social Studies, 97 in something else and 98 in Math. She's really doing great in them.
She's looking forward to seeing you in 20 days. It's going to come so soon!!!
We spent some time with Poppi and Grammy this morning. Just hanging out and chatting mostly. After Julia had her nap, we headed to my parents' house. It wasn't as large of an event as it has been in the past, but it was still fun. Riley and Jules rode the ponies and Madi and Riley got to go in the bounce house. The girls all loved the nothing bundt cakes and popcorn.
When it came time for the costume contest, the girls really weren't interested. Riley and Madi did decide to go up front and stand in line for a chance to win a prize. They had a contest for the most original costume and there were several kids who went up. They asked Madi what she was and what her name was. And she won!! She has a gift card to Main Event. Not sure how much it's worth, but it's really great that she won. After all, her costume is original! And awesome.
We went back to the house and had jack o'lantern pizzas from Papa Murphy's, changed into pjs and had a candle lit music time at the table with my mom showing her violin skills! She let Madi hold it and showed her how to use the bow. Madi loved it!
Then we went upstairs and watched the new Tinkerbell movie in their living room upstairs. Had popcorn and snuggled everywhere in the room. The girls had tons of fun and so did we. Madi said she wishes she could rewind the night because she loved it so much.
Today we went to church. I love that Riley and Madi often talk about what they learned and recite the memory verse together. It's really great.
This afternoon Madi finished IXL (She had laps one day this week and had to sit out of recess on Friday for not having her homework done. Actually she had it done, but cleaned out her bag where she had tossed all the papers instead of putting them in her binder. When she cleaned it out, she set them on the counter and we recycled them. And her homework was in the pile so she had to stay in and do it). I helped her with the end of the section by doing the problems and then going over each one with her. Very impressed with how great her math skills have come along. Her multiplication in particular is so much easier for her and she's gotten fast at it while still getting it correct. She then did her Fasttmath work. And got her iPod back!!!
We had planned to give her the iPod back this weekend. We were fairly busy with things on Saturday so we waited until her stuff was done on Sunday. She was so excited to have her games back. She hasn't had her iPod in a month now due to the lying. She now has it for Friday - Sundays but we aren't letting her take it into her room at night yet.
She had earned back the computer, but the day she earned it back she chose to open a blog under the name "Emily" and link it to ChatNow or ChatLog or something like that. Don't remember the whole name. And then opened up her twitter account. When asked about it all, she said she wanted people to be able to talk with her. We asked what kind of people. She wasn't really sure. We talked about cyber safety and the type of people who can be out there and how it is really in her best interest to play some games, chat with people she knows and not open accounts. She shared that she had opened the twitter account in the Philippines and that you didn't know about it. And then reopened it here to start chatting. There isn't anything on the account. And we have again taken away computer privileges because we told her that we needed to have time to go over limits and more cyber safety things that we thought she knew or did know, but wasn't using. She has access to Facebook to see pics when you tell her about it and she can do her homework and projects using the computer. I changed the password to her account so that we make sure she cannot access the twitter, chatnow/chatlog/whatever it is or the blog. I wasn't so worried about the blog. It's all about being able to talk about Artemis and Greek mythology. But being linked to chatting with others... just not a good idea. We'd rather be a little overprotective about it than not enough.
Her grades are doing awesome. Progress reports come home this week. As of right now, she has 100 in all of her english subjects and science. 94 in Social Studies, 97 in something else and 98 in Math. She's really doing great in them.
She's looking forward to seeing you in 20 days. It's going to come so soon!!!
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Fun Sunday
We went to church this morning. The kids service is focusing on their gifts and their talents and talking about what each kid can do that is important and awesome for God. Madi seems to really be loving it!
We came home and she did her Fasttmath and two sections of IXL (for talking in class). She had five minutes of laps on Friday at school. Has been doing an awesome job on her assignments and is enjoying being involved in so much at school.
Later in the day we played Hide and Seek. The girls all love this game and we've played it quite a few times more recently. Julia only counts to three and very quickly so you have practically no time to hide. Then she yells "I find you!" and laughs. Riley doesn't like to count because she's afraid she won't find us and fears that she'll feel bad if she doesn't find us well or that she'll be alone. So that leaves Madi and I to count for the most part. The girls have some really cool hiding places. Under beds. In cabinets in the bathroom - Madi hid under the sink in their bathroom today!!
I went in our room after counting to ten and saw that the hair dryer was in the bin in the middle of the floor. So I opened the cabinet to find Riley inside. She got out and I looked in our closet and she said "No one is in there." So we go to walk out and she points at Jeremy's cabinets in the bathroom. I open the door and Madi is inside. Madi gets out and says very kindly "Thanks for not telling where I was Riley!" And Riley says "You're welcome. I just pointed." Madi was like "What?! You told on me?" Riley started laughing when she realized that Madi figured out that she'd told with her hand. We all laughed hard about that one.
Towards the end of the game, I had Riley and Julia hide under Julia's bed and pulled the trundle out so you couldn't see them. Julia always sleeps on it out anyway so it's usually how the room looks. Madi had fun finding them and then joined them under the bed. I called down and had Jeremy come find the three of them. Julia and Riley did not want to get out from under there!! They loved it.
Tonight we had pulled pork and Madi talked about some of the things that you're hoping to do when you're here. She shared about getting a dog in a year, getting half of what you save buying groceries in money, World of Warcraft, etc... so we talked with her about how these are things you're definitely hoping to do and that they may happen but that she needs to realize that they may not happen in that time frame. That a dog may come in a few months or a few years and not to expect them exactly in a year or whatever. That it is just what would be ideal if all things work out. She kept saying certain times like "We'll do this in ___ years or I'll get ___ in ___ ." So we tried to help her understand that these are all things you're hoping to do and would like to do, but that it may take some time before they happen if they happen.
We came home and she did her Fasttmath and two sections of IXL (for talking in class). She had five minutes of laps on Friday at school. Has been doing an awesome job on her assignments and is enjoying being involved in so much at school.
Later in the day we played Hide and Seek. The girls all love this game and we've played it quite a few times more recently. Julia only counts to three and very quickly so you have practically no time to hide. Then she yells "I find you!" and laughs. Riley doesn't like to count because she's afraid she won't find us and fears that she'll feel bad if she doesn't find us well or that she'll be alone. So that leaves Madi and I to count for the most part. The girls have some really cool hiding places. Under beds. In cabinets in the bathroom - Madi hid under the sink in their bathroom today!!
I went in our room after counting to ten and saw that the hair dryer was in the bin in the middle of the floor. So I opened the cabinet to find Riley inside. She got out and I looked in our closet and she said "No one is in there." So we go to walk out and she points at Jeremy's cabinets in the bathroom. I open the door and Madi is inside. Madi gets out and says very kindly "Thanks for not telling where I was Riley!" And Riley says "You're welcome. I just pointed." Madi was like "What?! You told on me?" Riley started laughing when she realized that Madi figured out that she'd told with her hand. We all laughed hard about that one.
Towards the end of the game, I had Riley and Julia hide under Julia's bed and pulled the trundle out so you couldn't see them. Julia always sleeps on it out anyway so it's usually how the room looks. Madi had fun finding them and then joined them under the bed. I called down and had Jeremy come find the three of them. Julia and Riley did not want to get out from under there!! They loved it.
Tonight we had pulled pork and Madi talked about some of the things that you're hoping to do when you're here. She shared about getting a dog in a year, getting half of what you save buying groceries in money, World of Warcraft, etc... so we talked with her about how these are things you're definitely hoping to do and that they may happen but that she needs to realize that they may not happen in that time frame. That a dog may come in a few months or a few years and not to expect them exactly in a year or whatever. That it is just what would be ideal if all things work out. She kept saying certain times like "We'll do this in ___ years or I'll get ___ in ___ ." So we tried to help her understand that these are all things you're hoping to do and would like to do, but that it may take some time before they happen if they happen.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Fridays Rock!
Was a good week! Not too much to say about it really - other than it went REALLY fast!
Madi is doing good in her classes. She was able to help on Thursday in the library. She painted the one of the pumpkin signs for the pumpkin contest that is coming up. She's doing awesome in choir. They sound soooo good!! She loves the song "Magical Kingdom" by John Rutter. Also my favorite piece that they are doing. It's so fun and neat!
We are planning to go to the Arboretum tomorrow for our annual pumpkin trip! We got a membership last year in October and it expires at the end of the month. So all of us will go for free again. Not planning to renew it this year. Hoping to renew next year and use it again for two pumpkin patch times like we did this year. Spring is always so beautiful too.
Madi added some feathers to her bow and arrows today. Looks awesome!!! She'll have a fabulous costume this year for Halloween.
Madi is doing good in her classes. She was able to help on Thursday in the library. She painted the one of the pumpkin signs for the pumpkin contest that is coming up. She's doing awesome in choir. They sound soooo good!! She loves the song "Magical Kingdom" by John Rutter. Also my favorite piece that they are doing. It's so fun and neat!
We are planning to go to the Arboretum tomorrow for our annual pumpkin trip! We got a membership last year in October and it expires at the end of the month. So all of us will go for free again. Not planning to renew it this year. Hoping to renew next year and use it again for two pumpkin patch times like we did this year. Spring is always so beautiful too.
Madi added some feathers to her bow and arrows today. Looks awesome!!! She'll have a fabulous costume this year for Halloween.
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