Women's Retreat

I was so stressed before I left for the Women's Retreat that I almost didn't go, but I decided to take one of my "quick-acting" stress pills to see if it would relieve my terrible head pain, and within a bit, I felt quite a bit better. I went with my two friends, and by the time I arrived, had supper and hit the pool, I was starting to feel quite a bit better. We had some great laughs that night, and by breakfast I was starting to feel more like myself.

The retreat was great. The speaker was excellent, but the music was my greatest de-stresser. We had two delicious meals catered by MBC's cook, and we also met some women from other churches. I didn't want to come home to face the stress again, but here I am!

We had the Word of Life group at our church this morning doing a musical presentation. As I arrived into the church, the youth pastor nabbed me and asked if I could play the piano today! He can be a bit disorganized at times, but that's ok. I only had to play a hymn, so it wasn't too painful!

This afternoon we had Tim talk about the bullying that is going on at school, and he finally gave us some more details than we had had before, so we were able to write it all down to give to the principal. Kids are so mean, and because of his immaturity, sometimes he does things that bring more trouble to him. One kid was pretending to be sick a the table at lunch, and Tim heard him tell the other two kids that he was going to pretend to get sick so he could get Tim in trouble. It worked - Tim got upset when he pretended to be sick, and instead of going to tell the lunch aid, Tim pushed the kids chair, and then the three boys that were sitting with him headed down to the office to report him. Kids are so mean. When Tim is away, his only friend was apparently saying mean things about him, and of course, the kids had to let Tim know that too. Now he is back to not having any friends in his class, but he has some friends in the lower grades, but isn't allowed to go to their side of the playground at lunch or recess.

To keep him away from everyone, they are putting him in the kindergarten room at morning recess to help, and are going to have him help in the office at lunch, as well as assist the Caretaker. I feel so bad for him, but at least we are getting him to tell us about some of the things kids are doing to him. Keep praying for him and for us. He has multiple learning disabilities as well, but they were still expecting him to carry the full load. They are finally saying they are going to lighten his course load. He wants me to homeschool him again, but I can't with working, and with Grant's jobs being inconsistent, its not a good idea.

Grant is trying to spend more time with Tim doing some fun things. They are out playing scoop ball now which hopefully will tire Tim out!

Better go for now.

Debbie

Update on my life!

I caught an ear/sinus infection several weeks ago and was off work for two weeks, other than doing the basics like the bulletin, etc. from the couch. What did we do before laptops??

Just as I was feeling better, Tim started having some problems at school, and was sent home numerous times in one week. Kids know what buttons to push, and were trying to pull his only friend away from him. As a result, he finally ended up out of school last Thursday. They are meeting with us tomorrow to see what our options are. He has been going into the special ed class instead of taking French recently, which has helped him some, but he still is having the same ongoing problems with the kids in his class. We are going to see if he might be able to go to another school with a more specialized program to accommodate him. Pray for us tomorrow if you get a chance.

I have started some medication for stress. I have always worried a lot - more at some times than others, but I was awake more nights than not going over all the things that might go wrong, and it was affecting my life. Danny and Kathryn both have medication as well, so the doctor started me on some this past weekend. She said it takes 4 weeks to get into full effect, but I feel a little better. I have had some other quick acting pills to get me through the toughest times until it is in full effect.

I am going to be breaking free this weekend though, which should be great! I'm going to a Ladies Retreat with two other ladies. Doubtful we are going to get much sleep, but it will be so nice to be kid free, and to relax in the pool and just de-stress with wonderful meals made for us. Being catered to is so nice and infrequent!

My inlaws have been here for a week, so they have been a huge help.

Have to run for now - have to get the boys to bed!