EvansMom

We've been so busy with the boys' sports lately and helping out the inlaws that I haven't had time to update here. The boys are still in school, but next Thursday is their last day, so I'll soon have less time inside, as my kids are outdoors kids.

I'm been really proud of both of my boys this week. Brandon's friend (a boys with Aspergers) was over for a playdate and dinner yesterday. This is the second boy his age with that diagnosis that Brandon has reached out to, befriended, and tried to include. He's also doing so well in his sports and having lots of fun with them. He even came home from his school Track and Field event with a ribbon in all six of his events, and from the county Track and Field meet with a ribbon in all three of his events there.  It has also been fun to learn from Brandon's teacher that he's quite the witty kid…beyond his years.  He also wrote some great poems that came home this week, one for each month. I knew that he really appreciates us being at all of his games and events, but the poems really drove home how much. This is my favourite of his poems. It's a real tear jerker and even had my dad in tears when I read it to him this morning.

"NAME POEM

My name is Brandon
It means encouraging, funny, and kind
It is the number 10
It is like dark grass in the summer
It is being in a hockey arena and hearing my family cheer
It is a memory of my GRANDPA encouraging me to play hockey
Who taught me to never give up and be patient
When he was at the hospital and he was very sick and
he's waiting to catch a fish with me
My name is Brandon
It means size, doesn't matter you can do anything if you set your mind to it!!!!!!"

Then there's Evan. He's starting to be able to dress himself a bit and is heading towards being more independent in the bathroom. I can also leave him playing outside for a bit now without having to constantly be there. Last night, he had a shut out when he played goalie for the second half of the soccer game. He made a couple of great saves and was actually able to track the ball with his eyes and co-ordinate getting his arms out to stop it since it wasn't rolling too fast. I was so proud of him! He also got to do a face off. Luckily the referee didn't show up, so the coach's wife reffed, and knowing about Evan's disability, she let his kick off pass, even if it wasn't done right. I was so happy that he was allowed that moment of success! Another huge success for him this year (and you'll understand this, Jolene) was finally at 7 years, learning to keep an eye on the soccer ball (even though he's rarely running after it) for the entire time he's out on the field, and actually kicking it at least a couple of times during each game. He's even had a couple of break aways!

Another piece of news is that the poor economy in the States is starting to catch up with us more and more here, especially since the place where Manfred works ships lots of baseboards and mouldings to the States. Manfred has had a number of mini layoffs, where they shut the entire plant for 2-3 days. This week, they've already finished up the work for next week. They ratified a vote yesterday. Starting in a couple of weeks, he'll only be working Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, with 45 minutes less per day. Then they'll all collect Employment Insurance for the Thursdays and Fridays, which is roughly at 55% of their regular pay. Evan's disability cheque will also be less starting next month. I keep reminding myself that God will continue to provide.