No matter what you are, Democrat or Republican, there is no denying what a great moment in history we are experiencing. We got the results when we woke up this morning and I cried! I did not vote for him but I knew McCain would not win. I believe that is wasn't McCain who lost, it was the Republicans that lost. There was no Republican out there strong enough to overcome what Bush has/has not done in the past 8 years. It was time for a change, in so many ways.
This morning brought me back to the early 80's when Regan was elected. I remember Regan getting elected vividly. I was about my kids age and my parents were in the military (like we are) and stationed overseas in England. We came down stairs for school and you would of thought by all the excitement that Dad had just gotten promoted....to General! I can still hear my Mom's voice "Ronald Regan is going to be our new President!!!", she was giddy, down right ecstatic which made me happy even though I had no idea who the man was! My Mom told me I could write a letter to him and if I mentioned that my Dad was in the military I might get a response back. I did so promptly and when I got the letter back from them I truly believed THEY wrote it.
The kids were excited this morning and I believe it was because I was excited. I told them how important this was. How they were witness to the first African American (Black) President Elect. They have learned about the civil rights movement, their Grandparents are from the South and lived through it. They have learned about MLK in school. I don't know if they really grasped it though and I don't think that's bad. I mean, how great is it to raise a generation who can't imagine the thought of all people not being equal!
The kids had questions about the Obama's kids. I told them that their youngest was their age and that thrilled them. "I bet if you write them and tell them your Dad is in the military and you live in Italy that they will write you back." I suggested. All three had a letter done before we left for school. Funny how history repeats its self!
Only in America!!!!
Erin
Gathering 950 Steers
23 hours ago
5 comments:
Riley clearly isn't having any fun in that picture. What did you do to her??? ; )
I did vote for Obama and I so hope that things do change for the better!
My gosh, I just published that....do wait around for my posts?? Nothing better to do! And that pose was all Riley's idea...too "cheerleader" for Marshall I thought!
Love the picture!
Erin, Thanks for stopping by my blog. Italy, how we miss it. We were lucky enough to be stationed there a few years ago. The picture of your cappuccino brought back so many memories. While we were stationed there my children did not attend DODEA schools, they attended a local Italian Catholic school. 3 years will fly by.....
When Noah entered first grade we requested the school test him. (Noah could not write).At that time we were told he was to young, and would probably develop in time. In second grade we did not take no for an answer. I took a sampling of his work to the school counselor, and he agreed Noah needed some form of help. He received pull help 2 times a week, although they had not formally tested him. The previous OT pulled another child from his class, she agreed to pull Noah at the same time. To get a child tested here takes roughly 2-3 months.
This year for third grade his teacher and I thought he should be tested more in depth. We both felt it may be time Noah have an IEP. (Individual education plan) This would allow Noah to type some of his work, and a few other modifications. In the DODEA system they are passed to the CSC team for testing. The school counselor tested him first, followed by the school psychologist. After that he spent some time with the schools occupational therapist.
Last school year he was pulled out for physical therapy. It helped Noah tremendously. However the DODEA policy states that for a child to receive physical therapy he/she must have a learning disability and Dysgraphia is not classed as learning. It is a visual/motor disability. A disconnect when the brain tells the hand to write. Dysgraphia is difficult to formally diagnose. At one point the OT mentioned Noah needing a CT scan to confirm Dysgraphia. A subsequent follow up with his pediatrician ruled out a need for the CT. They did give us a firm diagnosis. (this will help when we move next year into another DODES school). There are SO MANY benefits to having your children in a DODEA school, and there are some shortfalls. We will be staying in Japan for another 3 years. (just moving to a tiny base, 6 hours south).
To have Marshall tested all you need do is request testing with his teacher, or counselor. We have since learned when a parent requests testing the school is REQUIRED to provide it no matter the grade/age. Depending on the particular school (Do they have an EDIS system?) It may take a couple of months.
In the meantime there is a wonderful program you can do at home (Noah did about 20 min 3 days a week) "Handwriting Without Tears". I hope this helps. I will be back, (probably to stare at that wonderful picture of your cappuccino).
Love the new picture!
Everyone in our household voted for Obama. We are very happy he won because we desperately need so many major changes in our government. Carolyn
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