School's IN!!!

Taking her turn during circle time...
and getting a round of applause from her teacher (blurred hands on the right) for getting it right!

 

I love that Gracie grabbed another "earth," put it on her head and went about her work!

 

THIS girl, mistreated and disregarded in SoCal - - deemed unteachable and antisocial - - had a fantastic day at school.  Here, they bend over backwards to make sure she can be at school even though we've been without private nursing since February.  Here, they believe in her.  Here, they call her the class clown because she is so social, silly and is making her own jokes.  Here, she is easily assessed (because they've taken the time to know her and understand her cues) and scores on the high-end of her CAPA testing level.  What a difference the right team and placement makes!!!  Those who gave up on her and didn't honor her IEP should be punished for the time they stole from her.

Gracie - Eleven

I quickly took this today as I dropped you off for school.  I love the light captured in your left eye...  so pretty.
Kaitlyn and Kristi had your crown waiting for you. 
I fully expect your iPad to come home stocked with pictures of your celebration!

Dear Gracie Girl ~

Here we are... you're eleven.  You are, without question, becoming quite the "tween."  You have attitude for days (that's not new, though... thank goodness... because it serves you well!), you are smart (though we can never predict how and when you'll choose to show us!), you are sweet as can be (there are hugs and snuggles for days with you... and I will always make time!), you have a really great sense of humor (you love good slapstick and you're brothers provide that regularly!)... the list is long and beautiful.  Today we celebrate all that makes you the wonderful you that you are!

So back to the attitude, Miss.  You save a good portion of it for me, but you're not too goody-goody to give your school team a regular peek or two!  I love it... hearing the stories about what you dish out (or try to) makes me laugh.  Granted, I don't laugh in the middle of the night when you are torturing me with tiny pinches, pulling on my eyelashes and my hair, or just trying to lay on top of me.  You don't do any of that with daddy... why not?!  But I love the fact that this is your version of giving your mama the tween trauma... all that mother-daughter drama that starts at this age... I get a specialized "Gracie" version and I cherish it.

As for school... you love it - - you love your teacher, Kristi (must be something there with the name?!), you love your amazing, one-on-one aide, Kaitlyn, but, sadly, you have no permanent nurse.  That continues to be a challenge since we've moved here.  Thankfully, they have offered to help you and provided a county office of education nurse to step in until we can find another home nurse.  I think you need a permanent school-employed nurse... that person would surely be more reliable and accountable.  Anyway, my point is, you missed a chunk of school this year due to nursing and we finally have you back in.  It's never simple, sweet girl. Ever.  Thankfully, you are so resilient and somehow, though I don't know how or why, you manage to trust again and move forward.  Good for you... I could use a lesson in that.

My hope in this coming year is that you continue to be as healthy as possible, that you are happy as possible and that you have as much fun as we can squeeze in.  Granted, I only have control over some of that, but I will do my very best.  I also hope that some of that sassy attitude gets directed at daddy... just a little... so he can see you for the big girl you really are!  Yes, you hung the moon... just ask him!  But you are also growing and changing from a very little girl into a little lady... it's hard to imagine... yet so wonderful and exciting.  We never know what you have up your sleeve (when you actually keep your clothes on... thankfully you're still only nakey at home!), when you'll show us the most amazing things you can do or that you know, but we are always waiting and ready whenever you are. 

Happy 11th birthday, Gracie Girl!
With all my love and my whole heart,

Mommy

Integrity Counts

Beyond proud of our big boy today.  He received the game ball for being honest about a play at first base where he didn't quite make the potential inning-ending out and the coaches were debating the call (which was in our team's favor).  Preston was asked if he got the out.  He said, "No." And he was right.  It was super close, though!  Ultimately, this changed the direction and tone of the game and we lost.  But, most important, the life lesson was not lost at all.