Back To School: Round Two
Today I bade farewell to two more of the children.
This year Weston is in 7th grade and is going to middle school alone, not in the shadow of his older brother. He seemed okay about flying solo until 45 seconds before the bus pulled up. Then he nervously requested that I drive him to school. Thankfully he accepted my suggestion that he try it for one day to see how it goes.
I really have my fingers crossed that somehow we can get Weston properly supported this year. I had a very rough summer with him behaviorally, and I worry about his temper and his attitude. He was thrilled to find out that two good friends were in all of his classes, but that can be both a blessing and a curse! I'm praying for a blessing.
7th grader!
Weston has also changed/matured quite rapidly over these last few months. I happened across a few photos of the kids from just two years ago and man-oh-man!! They look like BABIES compared to right now. We actually had to buy Weston an electric razor because he's developed a visible mustache! Although he seemed initially squirmy about it, I think he actually feels quite superior since Hayden is nowhere near being close to having facial hair! Even though he has his share of struggles and obstacles to overcome, Weston still has his bright spots. He is an obsessive White Sox fan, so the one thing he and I have been sharing over the summer is watching games together (As long as they are winning. If they are losing - forget it!). He loves playing baseball and soccer, and actually thrives in a team environment, so at least we have found one positive outlet for him. He really is a handsome, good-hearted boy. Please let this be a good year for him!
****************
Now this kid on the other hand.....
5th grader!!
Holy moly, where do I start? Eliza was up nearly two hours before the bus was scheduled to arrive. She had her outfit picked out and her backpack and lunchbox at the door seconds after she awoke. Although she is in fifth grade, I still want to think of her as my little girl. HA! She is obsessed with her iPod, the band One Direction, and all things social. At the same time, she runs around like a wild dog most of the time - tangled hair, dirty feet, boundless energy and mismatched athletic shorts and t's. She's quite the connundrum. One minute she is practicing make-up application (she's got a long way to go!) and the next she is kicking the boys' butts at Crossfit.
She has developed a very teenagerish attitude, which makes me want to drive her straight to the bus that will take her to boarding school in Switzerland, but at the same time, she is the best, most responsible, most compassionate helper - I'd be lost without her. The little ones bask in the glory of her attention and she (usually) has the patience to induldge them.
Unlike Weston, she is outgoing, happy, and has a sunny outlook on just about everything. When the bus pulled up to get her this morning, I could hear the kids inside yelling, "Eliza! Eliza!" before the doors even opened. I'm pretty sure she's going to do just fine this year...but she can just forget about going to middle school next year.
Seriously....I'm in trouble.
This year Weston is in 7th grade and is going to middle school alone, not in the shadow of his older brother. He seemed okay about flying solo until 45 seconds before the bus pulled up. Then he nervously requested that I drive him to school. Thankfully he accepted my suggestion that he try it for one day to see how it goes.
I really have my fingers crossed that somehow we can get Weston properly supported this year. I had a very rough summer with him behaviorally, and I worry about his temper and his attitude. He was thrilled to find out that two good friends were in all of his classes, but that can be both a blessing and a curse! I'm praying for a blessing.
7th grader!
Weston has also changed/matured quite rapidly over these last few months. I happened across a few photos of the kids from just two years ago and man-oh-man!! They look like BABIES compared to right now. We actually had to buy Weston an electric razor because he's developed a visible mustache! Although he seemed initially squirmy about it, I think he actually feels quite superior since Hayden is nowhere near being close to having facial hair! Even though he has his share of struggles and obstacles to overcome, Weston still has his bright spots. He is an obsessive White Sox fan, so the one thing he and I have been sharing over the summer is watching games together (As long as they are winning. If they are losing - forget it!). He loves playing baseball and soccer, and actually thrives in a team environment, so at least we have found one positive outlet for him. He really is a handsome, good-hearted boy. Please let this be a good year for him!
****************
Now this kid on the other hand.....
5th grader!!
Holy moly, where do I start? Eliza was up nearly two hours before the bus was scheduled to arrive. She had her outfit picked out and her backpack and lunchbox at the door seconds after she awoke. Although she is in fifth grade, I still want to think of her as my little girl. HA! She is obsessed with her iPod, the band One Direction, and all things social. At the same time, she runs around like a wild dog most of the time - tangled hair, dirty feet, boundless energy and mismatched athletic shorts and t's. She's quite the connundrum. One minute she is practicing make-up application (she's got a long way to go!) and the next she is kicking the boys' butts at Crossfit.
She has developed a very teenagerish attitude, which makes me want to drive her straight to the bus that will take her to boarding school in Switzerland, but at the same time, she is the best, most responsible, most compassionate helper - I'd be lost without her. The little ones bask in the glory of her attention and she (usually) has the patience to induldge them.
Unlike Weston, she is outgoing, happy, and has a sunny outlook on just about everything. When the bus pulled up to get her this morning, I could hear the kids inside yelling, "Eliza! Eliza!" before the doors even opened. I'm pretty sure she's going to do just fine this year...but she can just forget about going to middle school next year.
Seriously....I'm in trouble.