Daytona Speedway

My two boys (the big one and the bigger one), Billy & Cimion went to Daytona Speedway today. They’re participating in a 5K walk/run right on the track. They so so psyched to be able to walk on Daytona Speedway. They went with Cimion’s former foster brother and his father. I just spoke to Billy (he called me right after the walk) and he said they were having a great time. Part of the package was admission to Daytona USA and admission to the Rolex race, which is a 24 hours race.
It thrills me that Cimion & Billy have this common interest. It gives them a way to connect on common ground and have fun together. Making memories is a very important part of our bonding and I’m glad that their friends were able to be part of it.

Day Thirty Six

This week, Cimion & Shawna attended a Storytelling class at our library. It’s a twice a week class that goes until April. It’s being given by members of the Ocali Storytellers Guild. They really enjoyed it! Another homeschooled boy that we know is taking the class also and they were very happy to see him. The last time we saw his family was at Shawna’s birthday party so it was nice to catch up a bit.

Yesterday was my 43rd birthday. My kids and husband chipped in and got me two expansion packs for The Sims (which I love!). I got Makin’ Magic and Superstar.
The day was not so happy though because my mother ended up in the hospital with some heart related issues. They did a medication increase and have been running some tests. She just bought the house next door to us so we really miss seeing her everyday.

Day Thirty Five

Jacqueline loved Girl Scout camp….so much that she never called me once the whole weekend! LOL!! I gave her my cell phone but she said she was having to much fun.
Her troop leaders are so great, they make it really fun for the girls. I bought disposable cameras for the whole troop so the girls could take pictures. I can’t wait to see them.

Billy & I went out Saturday night and my mom came over and stayed with Cimion & Shawna. I figured with one less child (Jacqueline being away for the weekend) it would be easier for her. We went to Starbucks and just hung out. It was nice to spend time alone with my hubby. Since we adopted our kids, there hasn’t been much time for us, but we knew that going into it. Still, it was nice to just connect with him. We did a lot more connecting at home but I would need a x-rated blog for that. LOL!!

I’m really starting to see some changes in Cimion lately. I just posted on Forever Parents about how he rages everytime we come back from a therapist or med. check up. We stopped all therapy quite a few months ago but he was still doing it after his med. check up. We just went to one last week and so far, no rage. Cimion & I had a discussion about it and although he doesn’t know why he does it, he’s now aware of it. This was one of the first times he spoke in full sentences and had eye contact with his doctor. His doctor is so encouraging and always tells Cimion that he’s a good boy (Cimion loves hearing that he’s “good”) and to keep focusing on having a good life.

Day Thirty Four

Jacqueline went back to the jazz class she tried last week. She said she enjoyed it so we paid for the month. It’s so weird for me to have a daughter in a a dance class having spent so many years teaching other kids dance. She met up with a girl that used to be in her Daisy troop so she’s kinda happy to see a familiar face.

Shawna’s decided to try Girl Scouts so I found a troop for her and she went for the first time this week. I hope she likes it. Jacqueline has been a Girl Scout for 3 years and she loves it!

As of yesterday, Shawna is “offically” off Adderall now. We went to her & Cimion’s med. check up and their doctor was very happy with my report on how well Shawna has been doing off if it for the last month. He told her he was very proud of her and told them both that they have come a long way. He loves that we homeschool them and always tells us what a good job we’re doing. It’s nice to hear. It makes it easier that we’re on the same page. We also talked about how Cimion has been anxious lately. He asked me a bunch of questions relating to anxiety and Cimion scored very low. When he asked Cimion whay he was so newvous, Cimion said it may be habit. I was very proud of him, first for even answering the doctor (he usually is so nervous that he just mumbles)…but also for coming up with a possible reason. The fact that he is trying to take responsibility for his actions is a huge step.

Jacqueline had Brownies tonight. They’re getting ready for a weekend at the Girl Scout camp. It’s what they earned for selling cookies last year. They’re leaving tomorrow and will be back on Sunday.
I’m a little nervous, she’s never been away from us (besides spending the night at my mom’s) and it’s going to be a bit weird not having her in the house. I told her she can take my cell phone and call us if she wants to come home. The troop leaders are so great…I know Jacqueline is going to have a great time. I’m going to pick up a bunch of disposable cameras so all the girls can take pictures.

Colonial America

Cimion & Shawna have an on going interest in the Colonial America time period.

I printed out a *timeline for them and we found some interactive websites while checking around online.
A Colonial family & Community
Colonial Kids
Colonial Williamsburg for kids
Our America
You are the historian
Indentured slaves
The Salem witch trials.

They also took out videos from the library the other day:
1. Who’s that Stepping on Plymouth Rock?
2. Squanto
3. Colonial Children
4. School House Rocks: America Rocks

Books they’ve read so far:
Outrageous Women of Colonial America
Life in Colonial America
If you lived in Colonial Times
Chronicles of America: Colonial Times
Sara Mortons Day
Magic Research Guide: American Revolution

We’re also looking forward to seeing The New World.