A new church experience

Today I decided to go to church with my mom. Our church is about 45 minutes away I just wasn't feeling up for the drive this morning so I thought I would go to her church. The kids have been there and really liked their Sunday school class. After all of the stress of getting the kids to where they needed to be I settled into my seat. I looked around and found myself very surprised. The women sitting next to me had on jeans and was drinking a cup of coffee. Now I must say that we go to a Greek Orthodox church. Converting to Orthodox was hard for me because they do many things that I had never experienced growing up in a Methodist Church. Things are pretty strict. I don't think I have ever even seen a women in pants at our church. The service is the same every Sunday.

So I looked around some more and then focused my attention to the guitar player and singer behind the alter. Wow...I said to my mom, I'll have to bring Nick here some time, he'll fall off his chair. About half way through the service I found myself excited and engaged. The pastor was great. He was excited and motivating. He asked if a new person came to this church would they feel God's presence? I was a new person today, and I did feel his presence. He asked us to say this short prayer everyday. "Use my heart and my hands for Your glory"

Even though this journey has been extremely hard for me. I have always felt that God had a purpose for it. My heart and hands are ready. I pray everyday for God to show me the way.

"Daddy is not doing RDI with me"

I had to laugh at this one. Tonight Gregory was with Nick so I decided to go upstairs and read some of my book. A few minutes later I heard Gregory calling for me. This is how it went:
Gregory: Mommy, where are you?

Me: I am upstairs buddy.

Gregory: Comes upstairs and climbs in my bed. What are you doing Mommy?

Me: I am reading.

Gregory: I am going to read with you because Daddy is not doing RDI with me.

Me: What is RDI

Gregory: When we do stuff together, like playing, cooking, and cleaning.

Me: Hugs. Your so funny.

When Nick stopped doing RDI with us I was very upset. Sometimes when I would leave them alone I would say, hey Nick why don't you work on RDI together. I guess the little guy picks up on everything :)

Cloud 9!!!!!!!!

Well today was Nicks morning to get Gregory and Sophia to school. I work 1 day a week and Tuesday is the day, so Nick gets Sophia and Gregory ready and off to school. I had a little break between patients today when it was let out time and since I was missing the kids I ran over to the school which is about 2 minutes from the office. Nick had already picked Gregory up from his class and I ran into his teachers after his class. They were very happy and were very excited to tell me how wonderful he is doing. Mrs. O said he was very happy and he participated in everything. He was running around out at the playground with another little boy. He didn't even cry when Nick dropped him off. I feel so relieved today! I debated whether or not to put him in this class but it really seems to be working out. Gregory is happy and I think he feels comfortable in this school and with his wonderful teachers. I feel very blessed to have these very caring people in his life. It makes me feel so happy to see him thriving in this social setting. I feel like I am on cloud nine tonight.

Gregory and Sophia's first day of school

Of course Gregory is not a camera guy so this is the best I could do for the 2 of them. Nick got an awesome picture of Gregory in the front of the school but it is on his phone and I don't know how to get those onto the computer yet. So we got through the first week (sigh) :) The first day was rough. He cried for 10 minutes and then I told the director to make sure the teachers do not try and cuddle him or hang on him. Well that did the trick. As soon as they just left him go he stopped crying and was happy the rest of the class. Thursday was a little better he only cried 2 minutes. The teachers said he did really well. He participated in everything and was happy and very talkative. I wish so badly I could be a little bug on the wall! He has been doing very well. He is so engaged. His referencing has been great and he is initiating so much on his own now. I remember the day I wished so badly my little guy would come and ask me to play ring around the rosy or a game like that. Now he does it all of the time. Today he asked if we could hold hands while we jumped on the trampoline. He asks me to race him. It is so cute of course I always let him win ;) The other day we were driving home from our OT appointment and he said Mommy, I love you. Your the best Mommy! OMG, I almost lost it!!!!! Gregorys OT is really great. She gave us a lot to think about for the next few months. She worked on his pencil grasp and by the end of the appt he was holding the crayon pretty good. We know we have to work on those visual muscles. It is pretty obvious his convergence speed is slow. So we will continue to work on his sensory system and would really like to add HANDLE soon if we can get to a seminar. So tomorrow is school again (every tuesday and thursday). So we will pray for another good day!

Olymbia's first day of school

Bias first day of school. She is a big first grader. It is hard to believe. Gregory starts school on Tuesday. I am very nervous but I feel good about his school and his teachers. Everyone is very nice and willing to work with me on helping Gregory grow and make progress through RDI.

I was so upset today. I just got my camera back from repairs and I left it in the car overnight by accident. Well the one night I leave something in the car there must have been some mean people in the neighborhood because today my camera was gone :((( I can't believe it. I don't understand how someone could take someone elses stuff but I guess it happens all of the time and this time I was the victim. Not fare! So now I am without my Flip and my regular camera.