Kindergarten stress

Switching from preschool to full day kindergarten has been very challenging for the little guy. Luckily for us, his teacher is wonderful!!. Jordan has A.D.H.D. and Tourette's syndrome. Having both afflictions is not very common but, not unheard of. The challenge comes for educators that may not be up to speed on the symptoms of one or the other. My task for the last month or so has been to educate the school . With the help of Jordans pediatrician and counselor on the tic disorders associated with Tourette's, I feel progress has been made. Most schools are familiar with a.d.h.d but not so much tourettes. This month has been exhausting.. We met with the school psych., asst.principle and teachers to establish a 504 classification. This will protect Jordan in the future. He can no longer be disciplined for behavior that is out of his control due to the tourettes or adhd. Before the classification, Jordan was in time out 5 or 6 times per day for making noises or disrupting class by fidgeting or yelling out at inappropriate times. While I am sure that is frustrating for his teachers, he cannot control this behavior. Jordan takes medication for his A.D.H.D. Unfortunately, some of the side effects are increased tics. Jordan experiences both simple and complex motor and phonic tics. I get how frustrating it must be for teachers trying to teach a classroom and having a child being disruptive, albeit out of his control, Imagine how it is for a 5 year old trying to "fit in"to a new environment and knowing you are different but don't know why.
My heart breaks for him on the challenges he faces daily. This week has been difficult for him and I don't know the cause. I have my suspicions but need to speak with his therapist or the school counselor before voicing anything. On a positive note, I am thankful his school is now proactive in trying to provide a positive environment for learning for Jordan. We shall see . Report cards are due soon. Keep your fingers crossed!!!

Kindergarten, Here we come!!

The summer has flown by!!! I registered Jordan for school last Tuesday. He will be attending an elementary school close to home. Although bussing is provided, I have opted to drive him daily as there are no seatbelts on the busses.( why not?)

I don't remember having this angst about my son's starting school. Maybe because twenty some years have passed since Kyle went for his first day . I am not sure. Jordan has attended a christian preschool for the past two years so I should be okay with this transition but I am not!!
As I walked through the halls to get to the gymnasium for the registration (which took 2 hours), I wondered how my little guy will find his way without his Nana to guide him by the hand to his class. I have been assured several teachers will be strategically placed to ensure each child reaches the appropriate destination.Maybe so but it won't be his Nana looking down at him, assuring him what a great time he will have. I am a bundle of nerves. The what ifs are fierce this week. They need to stop. Seriously!!!

Almost 5

Summer is here and there have been exciting events happening!! Jordan graduated from preschool with a cap and gown ceremony June 5th. Once I figure out how to add pictures to this blog ,you can see how adorable the kids were. Kyle celebrated his 27th birthday on the 10th. A great time was had by all.

Jordan will be 5 on the 24th. Debbie will be 50 on the same day. Two significant milestone birthdays for the family!!!! For Jordans party, We will be at the Pelican's stadium in Myrtle Beach. They are our hometown minor league baseball team. Jordan is supposed to throw out the first pitch. This should be a blast to see. This year the guest list has been greatly reduced as I learned my lesson last year. Note to self.....less is more!!! Hopefully there will only be 6 other children with Jordan. We have included parents this year as it's difficult to watch over too many kids and ensure their safety in a public forum without several adults to assist.

I remember birthday parties with the boys, Linda, Jenni and Leslie being fun but I don't remember all the stress. Maybe because the adult to kid ratio was almost equal or Maybe because I was 20 something then.I'm not sure. I know I am looking forward to watching the game through the eyes of a 5 year old . I will post pics when Linda tells me how to do that.
Have a great June!! Love from Myrtle Beach

Spots, Wrinkles and Spider Veins

I was on the patio relaxing from work tonight and my eyes happened to focus on my hand that was about to grab a cold beverage. That is when it happened.!! I looked down to see spots on my hand that I swear weren't there the last time I looked. It was hot so I decided to slip into more comfortable clothing instead of the work attire. I changed into my jammies( why change again later?) My jammies are cut off sweats. I went back to the patio to reintroduce myself to my cold beverage when my eyes focused this time on the spider veins on my legs. An audible gasp could be heard throughout the yard as the shock of seeing my once muscular, tanned, attractive legs with this abnormality that I wasn't familiar with. The sight captivated my vision. My first thought was, I don't remember bumping into anything to cause a bruise on my leg. My second thought was, bruises don't look like that. OMG!!!! I have spider veins!!! My third thought was I also have age, liver , sun spots or freckles on my hand that weren't there the last time I paid attention. I needed to visit the facilities after quickly consuming the cold beverage to sooth my nerves.I went to my bathroom and low and behold ,the mirror that was my friend in the past had turned on me also. I looked into my former friend and under each eye was lines that a 5 year old could have drawn with more compassion. I don't mind being 47 and a Nana but I damn sure wasn't ready to look like one!! I think I will go shopping for some anti wrinkle/age spot/spider vein/ transform yourself cream this weekend after I have another cold beverage!!! I am also changing the wattage of the lights above my new enemy in the bathroom.

All Grown Up

Linda Jean came to visit this week. We had a wonderful time albeit a short visit, I realized how time truly does fly. Kyle came for dinner the first night Linda was here so there were three generations of the Williams family together for a meal. Myself, Kyle , Linda, and Jordan. Looking at Kyle and Linda together again reminded me of the past when they were Jordan's age and now, both are mid twenties with careers, homes of their own and futures with endless possibilities. Where did the time go???????? I recognize my own aging but somehow think they will be little forever. I saw Linda in a different light .We were two women having a cocktail and good conversation. I asked her opinion on a couple of topics and truly listened to her advice. I will cherish my memories of the little girl she was but I look forward to the pleasure of knowing the woman she has become. Visit anytime Linda Jean..................love ya.