Sunday, May 06, 2012

We are still renovating our house down the street from where we rent. Whatever extra time we have is spent doing that and we are worn out - thankful, but tired. It is really difficult making these decisions because we want to be financially responsible as well as practical, hoping we are "landing" here for good. Jamie tries to go by the house each day. I make fun of him but it has been so good for him to do that because he notices details that either are mistakes or things we don't like once we see them. 


In addition to that, the house we are renting is on the market. Our landlords graciously allowed us to continue to rent even though our projected move out date is later than we anticipated ten months ago. The deal was that if we stayed, they would put the house on the market and show it. I have found that I am so concerned with the cleanliness of the house when someone comes to view it and am fearful that our mess will keep it from selling. I become slightly panicked and have got to calm down.:)


Jackson just finished his first soccer season since he was four.:) His team only had four or five other boys so they had to get subs every game. On Thursdays, they practiced with a large group and he did not enjoy that. I enjoyed sports for the competition but the social component is key to Jackson. If it doesn't match up well, he is not a fan. 


Jonathan's speech continues to progress. I am so thankful. I prayed so hard for that. Tonight I was reading Bible stories to the boys (we are just now getting to the point that the younger two aren't revolting when I whip out the Bible stories:)). I read about the ten lepers that Jesus healed and how only one came back to say "thank you." I was reminded of how much progress Jonathan has made and how I forget to be grateful. Once we clear one milestone, I worry or complain about the next.


I cannot completely explain this, but Jonathan growls A LOT. I find it incredibly embarrassing. Other children will say "hi" either being kind or trying to elicit a growl. His first response is usually to growl when greeted. I am guessing this is out of habit since he can speak. I am not laid-back in this area and feel tense in every social setting, always apologizing to other well-meaning children or adults who are trying to engage him. Tonight, we went to a neighborhood parade and a child growled at him and laughed. I get it but was sad. I correct him constantly and had a behavioral psychologist come to our house but just don't know how to remove this behavior from his repertoire. I do not pray about it enough and that is what I should do.


I feel like we are very close on getting Jono's meds under control. When he is on his meds, he is not nearly as oral, much more focused and willing to do his school work, and far more compliant. How amazing is that. I find myself wishing he didn't require meds and upset that we are so tied to medication to help him function. Then I realize that I should just be thankful he has the meds.


Joel is still a crazy man. He screams easily and often. We are working on using words rather than screams to express ourselves. He loves "his girls" and "his boys" at school. We went from him refusing to get out of the car at school this month to refusing to get in when I picked him up. As I mentioned last post, this child is a strange mixture of extremes. If it isn't one thing, it is the exact opposite. And, it usually involves being in control. 


Joel and Jonathan have reversed roles already. Joel calls Jono his "big brother" but while they fight, he also takes care of Jono and talks to Jono as if he is much younger. Joel is quick to praise Jono for using the bathroom or some such other feat. He will tell Jono he is "so proud" of him, too. 


I had the best trip to the barber by myself with the boys last week. Things seem to be looking up. I have been nervous about this summer - managing everyone with not running away, not fighting, etc. I am hoping it will be better than summers past. We hope to move sometime in June and I am working to finalize plans for each boy's summer. We shall see...


Joel refused to look at the camera. I ran
errands that day with Woody the Cowboy.

Joel enjoys playing in the car and often feigns
 deafness when I ask him to get out of the car.