Perseverance

Ever worked so hard for something and still struggled? Maybe even felt a little defeated? Right now, Zachary's thing is the Rubik's cube. He says he got his 3x3x3 cube in February, but I don't remember. What I do know is that Nana & Papa and Granmommy & Pops, got their share of questions on how to solve the Rubik's cube. Until September 6th, when he finally solved it!

He was at Nana's house, when he figured it out. My dad says he was so proud and talked about it for the next day and a half. I'm sure that drove them crazy. The neat thing was that when I picked Zachary up, the first thing out of his mouth was that he solved the Rubik's cube. He came up to me, and had a semi-excited smile when he told me. That was the blessing...he came to me to share his news. He's never done that before, so I was thrilled. And to see excitement on his face was a nice suprise too because he doesn't do that often either. I try to relish in the little victories and thought you all might like to hear about this one too!

He can now solve the 3x3x3 cube in 1 minute and 45 seconds, and that is not really trying to beat the clock. So of course, we had to get the 4x4x4 cube. I'm done after that.

So, when you are feeling defeated, think of Zachary and the challenges he faces. He perseveres until he completes the task. I never said he doesn't fuss or complain, but he is determined. I thought about where I might need to persevere, and how Zachary is always teaching me something.

Hurricane Ike

Aaaaahhhh, the sight of neighbors helping neighbors, the sound of chainsaws, the smell of burn piles, and the sound of whining children being forced to work...just a few of the things I witnessed Saturday. We went up to my mom's to help cut down some fallen trees and of course brought Zachary along.

We explained in the car we were going to help Granmommy and Pops cut down trees and he would be helping too. He immediately told me, "I am retired from helping" (a little confusion with the use of 'retired'). I tried to explain that we needed to help our family and that sometimes we just do things for the satisfaction of helping. More whining. Then John chimed in, "Are you a big boy or a little boy?" Zachary responded that he was a big boy, so John added "then you can help." Zachary then said, "But big boys play with toys." As the trip progressed, he whined about the idea of helping.

When we arrived, he actually did a great job once I pryed him away from Granmommy. I think he thought she might save him. Some of the other complaints were, 'It's hooooot!'; 'My shirt is sweaty'; 'it's (branch) too heavy'; and 'ouch, it (pine cones) hurts my hands.' Most of the time I could re-direct him by singing an old church hymn.

Thirty wheel burrows full, and we finally finished up. We were all tired, but glad to have helped. We treated ourselves to Chic Fa La, and headed home. In the car, we praised him and then informed him of how he would be helping unload pumpkins at the church Pumkin Patch. More whining, but I figure this is good practice for UM ARMY, and one more thing for me to pray about regarding Zachary's social skills. 8-)

Two boys hanging out

I'm enjoying watching my son bond with Daddy. Sometimes they are very different, but other times very much the same. I like watching them because for so long I've wanted them to be buddies, but considering Zachary, things have simply come at a slower pace. We are getting to enjoy things at a delayed rate. And don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, because at least we are getting to delight in him.

Here the boys are enjoying two of their favorite activities after dinner...ice cream and golf. The other day Zachary was sitting with John and said, "Put it on golf." Do you know, I nearly fainted! But, it is good, they may have a common interest later that will continue their bond.

Here they are washing the car. Something they both detest. But side by side, they are getting it done. And low and behold, we sold the car in about four days.

The sweetness of a little boy's love for his dad. I'm soaking it up while it lasts.

Cone head

Have you ever seen those dogs in the movie's with a big cone around their necks. Well, that is my Pete this week. He is our family, attack dog, and is vicious until you reach out to pet him. I thought he was loyal, but when Zachary's helpers started coming to the house, he decided they were pretty nice too.

This is the third time I've noticed Pete blinking alot and his eye tearing. Of course the worry wart in me takes over. What if it's cancer, or cataracts, who knows, so we head to the vet. It is just a scratch, but he gets the cone and medicine.

Pete is my buddy. He keeps watch in the house during the day, and he alerts me when someone is outside. At times, I find that comforting because it can be quiet around here. I've never really thought of a dog as being down-trodden or depressed, but when he became a cone head, he looked so let down. It made me wonder how I handle upsetting situations. I'd like to say I run first to God every time, but I'm sure that is not the case. The funny thing is, God never leaves, we do. He waits on us to turn to him.

We took the cone off today. I'm still keeping an eye on my old buddy. One thing I thought about...isn't it funny how God teaches us when we are least expecting it.

Blessings in Abundance

Well it has been two weeks and Zachary is doing absolutely fabulous in school! This time last year I was frustrated, crying at times, and doing an awful lot of praying. But this year is sooo different. Zachary's main teacher is Mrs. Delany. She is wonderful! She has a kind, warm, caring personality and has expressed that Zachary makes her laugh. She was re-hired after a year off with her new baby. I'm sure Dr. B told her Zachary would be in her class. What I love is that she was willing to take the challenge, get on the adventure ride, if you will.

Zachary's other teacher (they team teach) is Mrs. Rollins. She has turned out to be a wonderful suprise and has embraced Zachary's presence. She quickly recognizes when Zachary needs a prompt and has been able to engage him during her lessons. Both teachers seem open to suggestions and to encourage Zachary's learning environment.

I always have felt this was the right school for Zachary, that God honestly led us here. The reason's are numerous, but last year was tough. It was the first time for a child like Zachary at this school. This year, it seems all the hard work, at the school and with Zachary, has finally paid off. We are seeing straight A's on all tests so far and Zachary has stayed on white (the best color of the day) for the past 9 days at school! His therapist have little negative to say. And while, we a few things to tweak, I think we are really on the right track.

Last year, there were times I felt I was just under the surface of the water. Like I couldn't quite breath. I finally feel like I, or better said, we are breaking through the surface. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. I can FINALLY faintly see it. God is good!