Monday, November 14, 2011

They are staying home.... and we couldn't be happier






Well some of you know we have been trying to figure out if we could get Gracie and Andrew better services or help them by placing them in public school here. We started in late August by contacting the school authorities here about what is available to them. They have come to our home, and observed and evaluated both of them. Today we had a mtg. at the school setting they were considering for their placement. We had a very positive 2 hr mtg....Paul and I liked all the personnel that was involved and we were ready to make a decision about them coming to this placement...until we walked to the actual classroom and we were very discouraged to say the least. The classroom teacher had been a part of our mtg. so we had already met her. There are presently only 3 students in this class and we met them.... and they were very sweet kids. It was just seeing the environment and lack of stimulation, colors and even organization in the classroom. it did not look very welcoming to us and we came away with the same reaction....We are giving them way more than this setting could. We have 20 some people who constantly interact , stimulate and love on them...Actually there have been a few times in our lives with kids that we have felt so encouraged by what we are doing with the kids...Sure at times we wonder are we doing the best we could for them....After today there was no doubt how well we do manage and teach and provide a stimulating environment for our kids. It is not even a " pat on our back" kind of realization it was more like a light bulb of knowledge that we have seen huge changes for the positive, we have watched both of them grow, overcome significant abuse and neglect and there really is no better setting for them than to be home for thier education. We have such a peace about this and are glad we went thru the last few months to reach this conclusion. I have no doubt that if they go to school they will not do as well, they may even regress . So as tempting as it was to consider we are home...coming up with inventive ways to make assistive learning devices like we always have.

I shared the pic of Graice taken last week at her first dentist appt.. We waited almost 2 yrs to take her to the dentist because of her sensory issues. She had to have 2 small cavities filled and she did wonderful . Just to show you how far she has come along...and then the picture of Andrew is one of my favorites...He is just hanging around daddy like any of the kids would....It feels so peaceful in my heart to have come to this decision.

5 comments:

acceptance with joy said...

Congrats on deciding home is best!! I am in the same process of figuring out what to do with one of mine. At the beginning of the school year I wanted to put James in the school because his twin is so draining on all my resources - time, energy, etc... but the Lord saw fit to open up a teacher/ homeschooler's home to help us out. He only goes three hours a day three days a week, but he is learning amazing things!!! I couldn't be happier. I still homeschool him the rest of the time and his twin actually seems a bit less competitive with some one on one time with me.... HOWEVER she is still super drainging on me, has some severe learning issues, etc... and I am looking into half a day of school for her. We'll see. We may come back to the same conclusion as you, except that our friend is the teacher of the special reading class and she would be in his room three hours. His own kids are homeschooled, so he has some understanding, etc...

Kathleen said...

If I could surround my kids with your kids, I think I would make the same decision. I'm glad you are feeling good about your decision and the process. Wishing you the best on your continued adventures.

Difference2This1 said...

Aaaww...sorry it was such a discouraging visit to that school. Our school visit for the boys was exactly opposite...we hadn't really intended to send the boys to school and just went through the "process" to see where everyone thought they would be placed..and it turned out the special school they sent us to tour was amazing..beyond anything I could ever have imagined. It was a CLEAR message from Him we should send them there. And they are doing great there. It's such a blessing you already have a great, wonderful, "school" with great, wonderful kids and teachers to surround them right there at home...seems like He gave you a very clear message from your experience!!! Prayers for you as you search for all adaptive things to help them...we continue to search every day because although they go to school, we need a lot of special things at home too! Blessings, Jennifer

Loretta said...

Peace in the decisions you make is always a blessing.Good for you and your family.I wanted to tell you My husband Paul and I are leaving Saturday November 26th for our first trip to St. Petes Russia. We are so happy to have the next part of the process starting. We have one adoption under our belt and have survived four failed adoptions so we truly are in Gods hands.
I tell you this because your posts are such a comfort and inspiration and more importantly, I ask for your prayers so my family can complete "his" will. Our future daughter is a bright ten year old who just needs a chance. Her name is Marina and we were fortunate enough to have hosted her 15 months ago. It has been very hard on my husband and five year old because they miss her terribly.My twelve year old and myself really do know in our hearts there is a plan and we are to trust. Peace.
Loretta

Christie M said...

Wow! So glad it was a clear and decisive decision! We thought about school for the girlies a few years ago and after talking to the Principal at the school.... it was VERY clear that they would be better at home. It was the best decision!
They both look WONDERFUL! You are doing a great job Mama!