Truck

Tyrell has been waiting for years to buy himself a truck. We haven't ever been able to afford it. Finally about a week before this last move, there was a sale in which they would give you a certain amount for your trade no matter the condition. The Trailblazer had been declining fast and we were starting to worry it wouldn't make even as far as the school I work at just outside of town. Tyrell saw it as his chance and sure enough it all worked out! His new to him truck has already been put to the test (we were not able to find a moving truck the size we needed or close even a month before the move). It has done several loads and even driven a good distance to pick up a dresser for the boys. He still has to look out the window to see if he is dreaming, but he really did get a truck! I am glad that we could finally make that dream a reality for him!

Too Many Moves

Since our new journey to WY we have lived in 3 places (yes, that says 3). We haven't even hit our year yet (close,though). I won't go into details of why we have moved so much because I don't think that's really important. I do believe the home we are in now will be long term since we are finally working with owners and they too want long term.

Jr. Kindergarten

Since we found out that Havyn needed Jr. Kindergarten we were a little leary about what to do this coming year as Kael was supposed to enter Kindergarten as well. We had decided that he if he didn't get into Jr. Kindergarten he would stay in daycare another year so they wouldn't be in the same grade. We also didn't feel like his maturity was where it needed to be for Kindergarten. He's a smart stinker so we were unsure of what would happen. Luckily he made Jr. Kindergarten and he and Havyn will attend the same school in the fall, but not the same grade. He didn't score nearly as low as she did, but his maturity is definitely going to be where I hope to see growth. I kind of feel bad for his teacher. He's a little spit fire, that's for sure!

Kael's Glasses

When Kael was screened for Kindergarten he failed his eye test so we took him to the eye doctor who confirmed that he needed glasses. After several attempts to find the "right" pair we finally ordered some orange miraflex ones. He was bound and determined to have orange glasses and was NOT going to change his mind. Of course, the eye doctor didn't have any in stock and as we were watching him try some others on we feared for the glasses. He was not kind or careful and wouldn't not lend to advice given to him. Miraflex are not easily breakable and are made of a flexible material that lend really well to kids. We looked through catalogs and hardly found any orange, but happened upon one pair that was the right color and size and we prayed. When they came in I was a little scared to take him in to get them. He has worn them with not much prompting or fighting! I was shocked! His first response when he had them on was that rocks look cool with glasses. I don't know that he really knew what rocks looked like before. Poor guy!

Horses

Koen and Kai rode a horse! I know I was beyond shocked. Yes, it took quite a while to convince them, but they loved it. The horses belong to the SPED teacher for 3rd/4th grade at my school. She is such a nice person and I have come to really adore her and her friendship over the year.

Spring Break 2016

We were blessed to be able to go to Idaho and visit family for spring break. We did a lot of fun things with both families. We began by having an Easter picnic and egg hunt at Tyrell's sister's house. Then we spent a couple of days with Grandma Teeter (who had just had surgery on her foot so needed our help). It snowed! I was mad! But we did get to hang out with Grandma Teeter longer because of the snow. I don't know that she had too much fun with all the kid movies she had to endure those few days, but we sure liked the conversations and pushing her wheelchair to the bathroom.

Before heading to see my family I went to Jerome to visit with a special friend and her boys. The kids were so excited and got to play at the park for close to 4 hours then have Burger King with their friends. She and I visited and decided it wasn't fair that we only had one afternoon and evening. Hopefully this summer we can go for some more time. The girls went to Target (its coveted, I don't get to go often). We probably had a little more fun than we should have, but it was worth it!

School Begins

Koen began his fourth grade year and Kai began his first grade year. Havyn was supposed to begin her kindergarten year, but as we all know she was not quite up to par on academics largely because of her premature birth. They did the screening and she scored extremely low and qualified for a Jr. Kindergarten program they have here. We could still choose to put her in Kindergarten, but we knew she would struggle. I think the BEST thing we did for her was say Jr. Kindergarten will work. We told her she qualified for a special class because she is such a smart girl and she didn't know any different. She formed friendships and learned so much! She had such a great teacher and is now beyond ready for Kindergarten. She scored very high on the screener this time. She knows how to write her name, the alphabet, numbers, simple addition, concepts of print, and much more.

For Tyrell and I, we were to enter one of the biggest changes in our lives. Education is NOT the same everywhere and I didn't even know how to read the specials schedule. Today I laugh because of how far I have come!  We were the only two hired in this district (which is one of the largest in WY) from Idaho. They do this wall that they leave up all year for who is new and where they are from. It's really nice and welcoming really. The new hire week was nothing like I had experienced before. They knew our names, and gave us school district apparel, fed us, and even paid us a hefty bonus! 

Then the real work began! I LOVED my class from day 1. They were just what I needed this year. They forgave my flaws and misunderstandings (as there were many and I was trying). They laughed with me and taught me probably more than I taught them. I learned about wildlife and mines! Things I really didn't know. They also taught me that even though they are small they are so capable of big and important things! I found myself letting them guide some things and letting lose a little more. I found myself doing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) when I am fairly certain I thought that was a swear word before. I was terrified of it! Its chaotic and messy! But they LEARN from it and so do you! I'm sad to send them to fourth grade, but they need it and they are more than ready for it. I met my little second graders coming into to third grade next the last day of school. They are so so little! I can't wait to see what they will become and what they will teach me!