Blessings is the word we had on our Christmas card this past year, and is the word for 2017. I know I'm going to need many, many reminders. But if I can make the choice to focus on our blessings and not whatever is frustrating me at the moment I know it will be a positive.
Jackson, you had a bit of a rough finish to school before break. Not academically, but socially. You have an innate need to be apart of the group. You do not want to stand out at all. With that being said, you do stand out, and as you continue to grow and mature, I hope that you become ok with you. When I think about this, I really miss the old school because at least by the other kids you were accepted as you were. You didn't feel pressured to do something "because you were afraid the other kid would hurt you if you didn't do it because you have seen him do it to other kids." I really liked the group of kids you were hanging out with when you first transferred to the new school, and I hope that you can find your way back to them, at least a little. Having friends is important, but choosing the right friends is vital. Academically, it's probably time for us to talk with your teacher and principal to see what enrichment is available. And as much as I think that it is important, we have not made that decision yet. Your "academics" this year may be focused on the social world. We'll see. Jackson, you are a good friend. You will learn that you don't have to show off for people to like you. In fact, your friends like you more when you don't. You are in that awkward stage where you don't want anyone knowing that you still need your parents (newsflash bug, all kids your age still do!).
Addison, you got to see and hang out with a few friends from your old class this break. You loved it. You want nothing more to go back to your old school. I wish I could make this happen sweetheart. You know that. You had a meltdown the other day because you hate your new school. Your words were, "I used to love school and now I hate it." Talk about breaking mom in half. Dad came in and was sad too. We want you to be happy with school sweetheart. You don't have to love it, but we have to find the blessings there because school is important. When you get into these meltdowns, you talk about how hard it is. Some things are definitely harder for you regarding school. We're taking steps this month to figure out how you learn best so we can make sure that you are always in the best situation for you. But Addison, you are smart. You are creative and funny and can solve problems with the best of them. You have such a caring heart, especially when it comes to younger kids and animals. One thing that has really become apparent since we switched schools is the "mean girls" factor. You are strong love, and you've got God in control. What reassures me is that while you may not be happy with this school, I know you are out there playing, laughing and having fun. Yes love, I have friends checking on you. And
Over break I re-read the letter I wrote you both on the first day of school back in August. I talked about being open. Wow. I had no idea how open I would need you to be. So now, as we head into the rest of the year we need to continue to be open and really focus on the blessings. I know this is hard, but I can only imagine how God will use this to continue to make us all strong and resilient. By choosing to be open to new opportunities and blessings, we will be able to reshape our thinking. We love you both so much. You are our greatest blessing.
