Adrien's in SK

We had a busy summer and are settling nicely into September.  My big boy is in SK.....I can't believe he's almost 5 1/2!  Seems like yesterday he was a baby.  I've noticed big changes in Adrien this school year.  he seems happier, though some of his school skills have regressed, like his printing and his mono-coloured art work, but he is a free thinker and those will come!

Brother needed to get in the action

Oh my, how he's grown!

We attended his open house this week and he is such a ham.  While I was talking to the teacher, he was greeting and directing everyone coming into the classroom.....he has such a BIG charismatic personality......he was walking through the school talking to strangers and talking to them about the art on the walls.....he continuously blows me away.  The other thing I've noticed is his relationship with his dad.  It is starting to bloom.....and though a little envious that he doesn't need just me as much, I'm so happy to see their relationship grow.

 

Lately

Things seem to go in cycles around here.....either things are really good or really bad......lately it's been very difficult.

Ryan seems to be struggling.......he seems to be in panic mode....fight or flight for the last couple of months.  It has gotten so difficult, that hubby has called me to come home from work on several occasions.  We've had a case conference for him, with lots of great ideas and support coming out of it.
The most profound things for me was the realization that this little boy is in an unconscious heighten state of panic.  We have reached the time period that he historically has been removed from his current home.  Every thing he does, everything he says........its proof that he's scared.

Confession: until recently, hubby and I haven't probably been the best parents to him....losing our patience, getting angry and yelling way more then we ever have......we are frustrated.  It wasn't until Adrien said to me that he wanted me to have a conversation with dad about all the yelling did I realize how much yelling we were doing.  And it wasn't until Adrien begged me not to send him or Ryan away, did I realize how much he listens to conversations he shouldn't be.  After reassuring him that no one is leaving this family EVER, that I was able to share with him that the yelling is from frustration and that will try very hard to change it.  He then shared that he understood frustration too, when Ryan hits him, takes his things or breaks his things.  The last bit has been better.....and we are continuously talking to each other, the kids and supports about how to make things better.  Looking for any insights!

JK to SK

My baby boy has completed his first year of the education system.  He has learned so much, both good and bad but more importantly he has grown and matured even more.  I knew he was growing but had no idea until I compared......what do you think?

He went from being a scared little boy to the king of the castle
Noticed how much he's grown!

Here is comes

So I'm loving my new phone....can't remember life without it! (LOL).  I've had so much fun playing with different apps and taking tons of pictures that I thought I would do a HUGE picture post!  Enjoy!

Mother's Day

Today is Mother's Day in North America and as we focus of the lucky women who are mothers, there are plenty of women out there today who are all alone.....Remembering them also honours me.....I remember those painful Sunday mornings, waking up and knowing I would have to call everyone and wish them a Happy Mother's Day while inside I was dying.  It's not the joyous occasion everyone on TV says it is........and to me, every day with my boys is Mother's Day!

5

He's a whole hand of fingers today.....Adrien is 5........I can barely believe how fast time has flown.....how much laughter and tears have filled our home, how one little person could save me.....
Recap of birthday fun.............This year, he wanted a camping theme....so a camping theme he got

signage

cupcakes for school

fire

birthday sign

A while

I know it's been a while since I last posted but I have been so busy with work and crazy with the family.  I'm tired.....deep down tired......like an exhaustion that I can't shake......
We are doing ok as a family.....Adrien is excited about school being done, Ryan will be starting daycare two days a week.....and I have the month of August off......