All in all she had nothing but wonderful things to say about Paul-- which is how I have always felt about him. I guess that is why I was so alarmed at first. Her note blindsided me-- had I really failed to see these things going on with my own son? Thankfully, it wasn't nearly as bad as I had let my imagination fool me into believing.
On the way to school, I reiterated a dozen times to Paul that he is not stupid and that it is normal to feel overwhelmed when learning new things. At the same time I told him that he shouldn't get so grumpy when the teacher is teaching him something new-- it actually means that she thinks he is smart or she wouldn't bother teaching it to him. I let William know how disappointed I was to learn that he was treating his brother so mean, and how he needs to be the one that sticks up for him, not tear him down. But trying to get a child who lacks the social skills that most of us take for granted-- is no easy task.
Paul was quick to forgive and all was good when I dropped the boys off.
Yet another learning experience. First off-- I way overreact and should always, not sometimes take time to look at the whole picture before drawing a conclusion. Second-- brothers are going to be brothers--even at school. Thirdly, every situation can be turned into a character building moment.
Here is Paul and Andrew in their baseball uniforms. Andrew was thrilled to have the same number Caleb had when he played ball. Paul was just thrilled to have the name Reed on the back.
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Last night I surprised the girls with the Rock & Worship Road Show. Last year we went as a whole family, but since the boys had a baseball game too, John took the boys and I took the girls. Well I took most of the girls.
Getting back to the surprise. When I mentioned that we were going, Anna and Rachel asked if they could go to the baseball game instead. I was hurt-- and disappointed that they would choose a game that they could go to next week over a chance to go out with the Mom and the girls. Though they did attempt to change their mind, I really wasn't interested in them going if I had to twist their arm-- so they went with John and I took Sveta, Annalyn, Julia, Galina, and Anastasia. And we had fun!
When the Afters came on, I saw Annalyn's face light up because her adoption video song is by them. Not sure that they would play any of their older songs, I was thrilled when they played, Beautiful Smile which I am certain made Annalyn's night. They also played Light Up the Sky and God's presence literally lit up the arena-- it was that powerful.
I had the experience of hearing Thousand Foot Krutch. While everyone was clapping to cheer them on, I clapped at the end of each song thankful that it was finally over. I must be getting old.
All in all, it was an awesome night ended with McDonald's sundaes at 11 o'clock at night.
11 inspiring thoughts:
My 14 yo went to that show with the youth group when it was here a few weeks ago. He loved Thousand Foot Crutch but said he thought Mercy Me had amazing worship. We're going to Winter Jam in a few weeks I can't wait.
So glad things were MUCH better than you thought:-) I could never count the number of times I have done the same thing. It is so hard not to blow things up over time when you have to wait to talk to the teacher.
The boys look adorable in their uniforms!!
Those photos are adorable, as usual, and it gave me a huge smile to read that Paul was excited just to have the name "Reed" on his baseball jersey. Your family reminds me every day that ADOPTION IS A MIRACLE.
I understand the clapping that it was over thing. I took the girls to a whole concert like that. I finally left and told the girls I was going to get pizza for them. Anything for a few minutes of quiet for my poor ears. Hard to worship when they are screaming so closely into the mic that you have no clue what they are saying.
I'm so glad to hear that things were not as bad as they first sounded!
We just started reading the book "Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends" and I was thinking it may be a book your family would like. We are reading it all together around the table after meals. The kids beg us to read more! visionforum.com sells it
LOL! Loved the comment about Thousand Foot Krutch. When my older were younger I could name you all their songs but now days the only songs I know are Barney, Dora and Sid the Science Kid. :)
Glad you had girl time what a great memory and just look at those handsome baseball players!!
Goodness, you are SO blessed!!
Much love!
lisa
Is William receiving social skills services in school? If he isn't already, I'm sure that would help- or atleast not hurt!
Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Wish I could have gone to the concert AND the baseball game. My son likes 1,000 foot crutch, too. And, I might have applauded at the end, too. With William and Paul, you might try reverse psychology. "Poor William," said to Paul with William near by. "He doesn't recognize good brotherly love. William and I (Mom) are going to have teaching moments to help him learn good brotherly love until I think he's got it." Paul doesn't have to snitch; Paul doesn't have to play any part. But, William may catch on that he is learning good behavior for his own sake. Who knows. Like you said, brothers will be brothers. I have a biological and an adopted son 2 and a halfish years apart. :D
Hi! I feel social skills training could benefit William some of his behaviors to him may be normal but to others they are not. I have found that role playing can be helpful for learning new social situations. Good luck, Pat
I am feeling really sad now, I was suppose to go to that same concert but also had baseball games Thursday night. Dang, we could have met. We must live close to each other:)
We went to the concert here as a family this year. It was great! Sounds like we clapped at the same time for the same reasons!! :) My husband danced through that part totally cracking up the kids. I took a potty break about then.
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