Dexter & Jingles

Austin and Kaleigh each have their own kitten, Dexter (Austin's kitten) and Jingles (Kaleigh's kitten) and they are doing very well.  They are brother and sister (Dexter has the white feet).  They were given to us by a neighbour and they are very happy here in their new home.  Our older cat, Salem, who's 15 years old, is happy he's an outdoor cat since the kittens are a bit active!  Although Salem does come in to eat and have a rest, he goes in and out as he wishes.  The kittens are jealous but they are indoor cats.  We want to keep them happy, healthy and safe!

All the best!  *HUGS*

Social Struggles

The other night, late, close to midnight, Austin came to me, crying.  Extremely anxious and upset about many things, I spoke to him for a couple of hours to calm him.  This poor boy!  Most of the time, he is so happy and easy going, when he gets upset, it's because he's really overwhelmed.  He discussed different fears he had and we dealt with the majority of them but one, social issues.

When your child comes to you and says "No one likes me!"  Your heart breaks!!!  I am so sad and concerned for Austin, you have no idea!  My husband went on the overnight stay with Austin and saw how badly some of these children treat Austin.  On the bus ride, Austin couldn't say a word without being ridiculed!  A group of boys after him constantly.  This is not news, I got reports about it from school.  I am convinced that these children are lacking something in their lives, seriously.  (I started working with children and I've seen first hand the bullying that can go on, it's heartbreaking!)  What to do?  I can't go to school with Austin and I'm seriously fed up of hearing how picked on this poor guy is all the time!  I would love to home school him but it has been recommended not to.  He is so high functioning and his grades are fantastic!  The boy is smart ... S-M-A-R-T!  (I'm a proud Mama!)

I saw the Psychologist not too long ago and expressed my concerns to her.  There is a woman who we can hire to help Austin with social struggles.  I am going to try this, why not?  She is supposed to be very good and may be she can help Austin.  He can be very flamboyant, and humility is not his strong point.  He is proud of his accomplishments and when he can do things in school faster and with better results, he is not shy to announce them!  Something we are working on to get under control.  He is so scrutinized in every other capacity, his academic abilities are something the other children cannot challenge so he uses it as a defence.

Austin will be going into his senior year at school.  I am praying that things go well for him but after all the struggles this poor child has had, my defences are up!  I am grateful to the children at school who do share a friendship with him and are protective of him.  They are such kind and sweet children.  Their parents should be proud!

All the best!  *HUGS*

Anger

I received an apology yesterday from Kaleigh.  Somehow I need to find a way for her to express or calm herself.  I've tried a lot of different things.  At least now, I know for sure it's because she's angry, now, how do I help her?  I will find a way.  If I could help Austin, and continue to, there has to be something I can do for Kaleigh.

All the best!  *HUGS*

The Typical One

I have the most difficult time with Kaleigh, even though she's a typical child, nothing is typical about her behaviour.  She is the most reactive and impulsive child.  I have taken her back again and again to the Psychologist and been told, it's personality.  She is argumentative and refuses to listen.  The contrast between her and Austin couldn't be more different.  Today, I couldn't even finish my shopping because of her behaviour, we had to leave the store.  It can't be "typical" for an 8 year old girl to behave this way.  I feel like I have to seek out another source to see if someone can answer why she reacts the way she does.

I'm so confused and sad at this point.  If anyone has any feedback, I'm happy to hear it.  I could use some input.  Thank you!

All the best! *HUGS*

Loss

We never know what to expect when something sad happens and how Austin will react.  He took the passing of Tonka so hard!  He was sobbing and sobbing!  He cried at night, he cried in the morning, he was sobbing in the shower; his Dad had to go into the bathroom to help calm him.  It was the hardest thing to see both Austin and Kaleigh so sad and devastated over the loss of their little cat.

I have never seen Austin cry so much and I cried all day just thinking about Austin and Kaleigh so distraught.  It is a terrible feeling!

A neighbour of ours did something for Austin and Kaleigh which has seem to help with their loss but that is another post to come.

All the best! *HUGS*

Tonka

Sadly we lost our little cat, Tonka, on Wednesday evening.  He was really Kaleigh's kitten and followed her everywhere and they just loved each other so much!  We only had him a short time and he was very young (only 8 months, not even a year old) so sad!  Someone hit him and left him on the road.  A kind lady stopped just after and we heard her, my husband went to check and it was our much loved cat.  We are so sad and devastated! We're not sure why he went to the road since he never crosses it.  Austin and Kaleigh took it very hard, so are my husband and I.  It is even difficult for me to post a picture here because I am missing him terribly and so sad.  We love you Tonka!  We miss you!

Fantastic Florida

A fantastic time spent in Florida over the March Break from school.  Austin, Kaleigh and Mom spent 10 days in sunny Florida, some time in Delray Beach and Orlando.  A great time at Disney and at Universal Studios!  Harry Potter was beyond fabulous!  Highly recommend everyone should go to see it!  Austin and Kaleigh went on the big roller coaster!  They had so much fun!

We had several trips to the beach in Delray.  It was terrific!  We all loved the ocean and it is so soothing!  Austin and Kaleigh had Boogie Boards and Water Tubes to keep them busy.  It was hard to get them out of the water to leave for home!

There are so many fun things we all experienced and so happy we went to stay with our family in Delray to enjoy the beautiful sunshine and what a spectacular place!  We love Florida!

All the best! *HUGS*