LOVE the POOL

The boys LOVE the pool. They always have. But this year, if they could go off the diving board for hours upon hours, they would! They do the same thing over and over....jump, swim to ladder, and go back in line. Trevor attempted to dive, twice now. The first time was a success. The second time proceeded in a belly flop that left him in tears. Haven't we all done that? So as he slowly climbed the ladder, tears boiling, I challenged him to ask anyone here at the pool if they too had ever belly flopped. At the moment, that meant nothing to him. But as he thought about it, he realized that it's the risk you take...and has accepted that...he also has not attempted a dive since then:) In time....in time.

Darren and the water are one in the same. At the pool, and even at the beach, I feel that Darren is in his element. These are places that Darren looks normal. Sound strange? Well, it shouldn't. We all have our strengths and weaknesses, the water and extreme coordination are passions and strengths of Darren's. He WANTED to swim...he now swims. He watched Trevor for a YEAR jump off the diving board....this year he jumped without reservation and hasn't stopped yet. He goes underwater, kicks a couple times and comes up laughing...he is SO proud of himself for trying something new. Does this sound like autism to you??? Not to me....this is normal:)

We love the summertime!

Summertime

We are all enjoying our summer thus far. Its usually during this that I noticed how much they have grown. Not just physically, but developmentally as well. I am convinced that Darren is going to be 6'5, he just seems so tall to me. Trevor is going to be borrowing shoes from Shaq at this rate and he has kept the tooth fairy on his toes...I can't even remember what Trevor looks like with teeth at this point:)

It is wonderful seeing their personalities blossom. Trevor continues to be my little Italian boy. He really enjoyed Kindergarten this year. His reading skills are really improving, still gets a little frustrated when trying to sound out words. We are trying to "practice" more often. Trevor REALLY loves Math. In the car he always wants me to give him math problems to figure out. He is also very good at counting coins.

Tball was a blast this year. Trevor had a great time and really enjoyed all-stars. It was a nice way to take the game to the next level. He continues to love sports and is extremely competitive. I love that about him. This season was a real learning experience. I was reminded how great sports are for kids. So many wonderful lessons to be learned. At an age when they are little sponges, it is a perfect time to learn about the concepts of TEAM, WINNING, LOSING, HAVING GOALS, and WORKING HARD TO ACHIEVE THEM. So important. With Trevor, I constantly feel that I reflecting on my childhood...trying to provide him with all the good experiences of being a kid, but more importantly I have tried to evaluate my mistakes...and pass on the knowledge to him. I, too, was very competitive and very very hard on myself. I really try to talk things out with him. Share stories, good and bad. I think it helps us both:)

Darren continues to amaze me. If Trevor is the challenge of my past, Darren is the challenge of the future. He keeps me on my toes, that"s for sure. I feel that I have a built in sonar just for Darren that is constantly evaluating his location, mood, and excitement level. His school year was an absolute roller coaster ride, but I learned so much and truly feel that he is in the right school surrounded by dedicated staff that love and tolerate him:) Darren's personality is certainly shining through on all levels. He can be funny, engaging, silly, feisty, stubborn, and sweet. Patience is always needed, "the look from mommy" is always helpful as well.

Together, they are the Wonder Twins. I watch them play and fight and unconditionally love each other everyday. Trevor is a stronger person because of it, and Darren, a blessed child to have such a loving brother. They have great potential because of their special bond.

Frosty The Snowman

Merry Christmas to all!!!!

There is Light at the End of the Tunnel

Yes, I am happy, even giddy, I admit it. Full Day Kindergarten looks great on me:) I love those boys, BUT it was time!!! Time for all to move forward, learn from others...separation of church and state sounds better by the day. No, I didn't cry....I did contain myself...I didn't pump my fist in the air yelling YES, finally either:) Ironically I am reading the book "Happiness NOW"...can I get A-men!

(Mark, on the other hand, would like me to consider homeschooling the boys...hahahaha)

Trevor is taking Kindergarten in stride. But he's also been waiting for it since the last day of pre-school in May. He seems to really love it. The class has about 20 kids. He reported someone ("not me Mommia, I promise") kissing in line on the first day. He said he told the teacher, lol. Oh my...here we go again!

Darren's transition has not been as smooth. He made a good first impression alright, with his teeth! That's Darren for you...leaves his mark wherever he goes. It's a new school, new teacher, new students, many new transitions and demands. It will take time for him to get settled, as it always does.

A new chapter.........

First Day of Kindergarten!!!!!!!!!

AND HE READS.....

This doesn't surprise me.....he's on a roll now!!! Great job Trevor!!!

OH and Darren's phrase of the day: "Walk the path"

Ya know sometimes I feel like I am living that movie "Field of Dreams"...I mean if one day he says "If you build it, they will come" I will officially know that God has a true sense of humor:)

My Baseball Boys

THIS IS DARREN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now, this is a long video.....but probably one of my favorites thus far. I think when you watch it you'll see why:)

Trevor is certainly very talented for his age. He naturally loves sports and is innately competitive. The hard part is teaching him things like leadership, the importance of being humble, and ironically....the importance of being a good student on and off the field. Go ahead and laugh everyone...yes.....this is a "full circle' moment. SO about a week ago we were getting ready to go to bed and I was super tired "shock" and I think Darren was in bed watching a movie and Trevor was not ready to hit the hay quite yet. So I suggested that he get some books and we could relax and read some books together. Honestly I was just hoping that I could close my eyes while he looked at the pictures:) but he seemed interested in reading so I sat up and regrouped and began pointing at the words...simple words...his demeanor instantly changed. He got VERY silly and shy-like. I am thinking what is going on with this kid.....instant freak out flashes occurred:

"Oh god...does he have a learning disability...have I been paying too much attention to Darren that I missed it????????"

"Oh I am a terrible mom who hasn't read to her child and now he is severely behind!!!!!!!"

"Does he need a tutor at the age of five? Do they have such things?" Good lord how much is that going to cost????????"

and then it hits.....

"OH NO...he takes after ME!!!!!!!"

I broke out in a light sweat and tried not to expose my total freak out mode...and I collected myself. Deep breath, deep breath.....I then think I handled myself very well. I wiped the sweat from my brow and went into a deep discussion on the importance of being smart. Acting stupid isn't' funny...it's just stupid. We started breaking down the words and he struggled. He was trying so hard to please me......or be cute and funny....that he wasn't thinking. I can promise all that I drilled this concept into his little curly head:) and we talked about it a lot now and have made reading our new goal for the summer.

No rest for the weary around here, that's for sure. Darren is on the up swing right now. Lots of talking....even calls me Pam on occasion...HA! He started summer school and has surprisingly adjusted extremely well. There were a lot of new faces this summer and I was worried that he was going to be miserable....I even considered not sending him, but decided that wasn't the best decision for me. I love him dearly.....but to be with him 24/7 all summer was probably not the best for all. SO, hesitantly, I sent him and it has all worked out wonderfully. Who knew...

I will share one last story about Darren which I know I will NEVER EVER forget...and I am extremely happy that I had my mom as a witness. I had just gotten home from working with some clients and was sharing my experiences with my mom. My work right now keeps me very centered and I enjoy the challenge. It helps motivate me to try new things with Darren and also accept and recognize how far he has come. So as I was telling my mom this, Darren comes around me and I look at him and say" you amaze me" AND I AM NOT KIDDING WHEN I TELL YOU THAT HE RESPONDED WITH THESE EXACT WORDS

Darren: "Believe"

Me: "Believe?"

Darren: "I'm not broken"

Needless to say, my mom and I cried our eyes out. It brings tears to my eyes now. It was a true divine message that needed to be heard on that particular day.

So I will end this by saying......I do believe:)