Letting Go- One day at a time.

 School is in session here at the Slade house. We still go to the pool for a dip to cool off after homework is done. Our swim suits and beach towel's are on hooks ready ~ But yes the schedule has changed. Organized focus, early bedtimes, homework. All that comes with letting go of summer. HA!

 Beth hit 7th grade with her typical independence streak last week. Confident, secure, READY.  But then she got her schedule and went to class. Now- very frustrated with the new AP classes and changes to her routine. They went from 37 kids, an intimate number of kids, to over 90. Beth is no no-nonsense. Serious about school and committed to learning. Full of passion, zeal and soft spoken high level of emotion underneath as well. The first day of kids cracking jokes, farting in class about pushed her over the edge. Still working this one out for our oldest. Teaching, coaching, re-directing, guiding, this pre-teen. Letting Go for her feels different for our first borne.

 Ethan our middle child started 5th grade. (his last year before middle school) He is a riot. Talks non stop, trying to get us to pay attention to him or should I say remind us he is here and needs heard. He was mad for three hours that none of his buds were in his class (first time ever) When he heard me on the phone with Dad saying we may need to go ask him to be moved. He surprised me big time. "I want to try it for a week- I liked him and I think I want a man teacher, let's wait and see what the first week brings" He LOVES his teacher. When I saw his bio about half way thru the week. I saw he was exactly where he needs to be. Ethan is tender, considerate, full of boy energy and trouble sometimes. I saw that he wanted to be listened to what he needed. Ethan he is becoming a good judge of what he "wants" I am really glad I let go...

 Then there is Tommy. Our 27 pound almost six year old with Russell Silver Syndrome. (He is the size of a three year old) Tommy started Kindergarten this past Friday. He just started to grow, thanks to his GHT daily injections, we are seeing signs of progress. Understandably he is still my "baby" Letting Go with him is always touch and go a daily adventure. I know he is ready for this next step. Tommy is in a stage of wanting to be a big boy. He doesn't want to be a baby. He is gifted and full of life. He can play a song after hearing it one time on the drums. He brings joy into EVERY ROOM he walks in. His teacher sent me the following e-mail today about me helping him at the beginning of class today, which caused me to blog these thoughts.


Hello!

I am thinking that you can say your goodbyes outside and we will help him. He seems really into "doing what the other kids are doing." He did a great job today and seemed to really take cues from friends if he wasn't sure what to do. I wouldn't let him play basketball today with the others. He wasn't very happy with me, but I didn't want him to get bumped as they were running into each other alot. I hope you have a good evening.
Denise
Denise L. French, M. Ed.

Some things we really do need to let go and let the growth begin in our kids. Other things it's a process of Letting Go and seeing them grow and reach the potential locked in them waiting to be awakened in life. I am not an expert at this yet. I don't have all the answer's. It's a new journey of understanding the unique needs and personalities and what they need. Letting Go is not easy but important as we raise them to be confident and secure in who they are in Christ. I am learning one day at time.
Love Lissa+