Coveting your prayers

This Friday is Zachary's annual testing at 11A. Most of you know it is about 4-5 hours long. John and I have to recall all the details of Zachary's year and respond to test questions as well. I'm not complaining about it. It is just part of the deal. I'm not stressed like I used to be, but I want Zachary to do well. I expect the testing would be faster if his attention was good. So would you pray for him to have good attention, focus, and quick responses.

The one test I dread is his social test. I think the scores are all derived from parent questioning. Every year I go with anticipation that he will improve by at least 12 months so he won't loose any more ground. Last year, he was 4 1/2 years behind his actual age. This year, he has made such gains in his social skills, or at least I think he has. We shall see what the tests say.

So, if you are not doing anything on Friday between 11 and 5, would you mind upholding us in prayer. We would truly appreciate it. Whatever the results, I know God has a plan for my Zachary. And we will use the information to alter his therapy accordingly. I'll let you all know the good news as soon as I receive it.

Spring back into school

Spring Break flew by. We didn't do much outside of therapy, but we did have one big event followed by a trip to the rodeo. The big event was our first spend the night guest. And I have to admit, I was a just a little nervous, but they did fine playing together. The only issue was they were still awake at 4am. Oh well, what did I really expect...perfection - ha!

Our only other outing was to the rodeo. We went Thursday afternoon, and the weather was beautiful. As a matter of fact, Joseph started to get a little bit of a sunburn on the back of his neck. I didn't even think about sunscreen. We took a picture on a tractor, trip to the Army booth to play Guitar Hero, watched mutton bustin and pig races, checked out all the animals and exhibits inside, then we headed to the carnival rides and ridiculously expensive treats. We partook in the fun house, super mega slide, bumper cars and a mini roller coaster (and no lie, my child was terrified, but the other little boy picked it). We ate super long corn dogs w/ soda, and finished up with a chocolate dipped ice cream cone.

On the tractor

Guitar Hero - don't they look serious. The older boy quickly became annoyed as they got boo-ed off rather quickly multiple times.

Good ole bumper cars (stupid bumper cars is more like it...you get stuck in a corner)

I think we spent $75, which is honestly the biggest waste of money. And no less the next day, Zachary's piano teacher said they went and you can bring your own food in - what! Next year. Nine weeks of school and counting.

Friends

Friends...we all need them, we all want them. I've prayed Zachary would have just one good friend since he was in 1st grade. Well, God has answered and in His big and wonderful way.

We have had 3 play dates without therapists this school year. Scary for me, but he has done well, and actually one time, he went to a little boys house (even more scary). Two weeks ago, Zachary started talking about a boy in class and I asked if he wanted him to come over. You could see the wheels spinning. I expect he was thinking, "I can have him come over, hmmm." So Saturday, they played together for 3 1/2 hours. When the little boys mom called, he wanted to stay another 30 minutes. How awesome was that!

In the notes from school, the therapist wrote, Zachary asked another little boy if he could go over to their house (I know, rude to ask, but that is another lesson for another day). This second little boy actually asked his mom and reported back. He was welcome to come. Then a few days later, that same little boy brought Zachary a belated birthday gift (he missed Zachary's party), a very nice rock. Both Zachary and this boy were very excited about this exchange. And please note, during Zachary's annual testing through his therapy group the Dr. has asked the past three years, "does Zachary have any interest in going over to friends houses?" Now I can say, Yes!

Today, Zachary's teacher called. We were speaking about his standardized testing this week, and she mentioned a paper she had recently read. She said that one student (first child mentioned above), noted Zachary as one of his best buddies. Other children consider my Zachary worthy to be a friend. My son has friends! I just wanted one friend, and God in His sovereignty answered bigger and better!

Over Spring Break, we plan a few different days with a third little boy who is also very excited about coming over. We will have our first sleep over and then another day go to the rodeo for the afternoon. I'll let you all know how that goes, but I expect it will be just fine. 8-)

English paper

Every Wednesday, Zachary brings home his papers from school. This week, he happened to bring home several writing papers where they had a topic and were working on a specific writing style. I thought I would share one of his papers title "My Family".

'I have three reasons I like my family. I love my dad, mom and grandmommy. My first reason is my dad. My dad watches tv with me, helps me with my homework, and plays games with me. My second reason is my mom. My mom cooks dinner, she is very pretty, and she gives good hugs. My third reason is my grandmommy. She cooks my favorite foods, makes me laugh, and she watches movies together with me. Of all the people who are members of my family, these three mean the most to me.'

It made me tear up. I wish I could have posted the actual paper, but I could not figure out how. And as an FYI, at this point, his therapists are sitting at the back of the room 2/3's of the time. If they did help at all, it is only supposed to be with questions that cause him to draw out the answer. He is doing really great in school!