Answered Prayer!

If I remember correctly I have used this blog as a means to vent about some frustrations. Unfortunately, I don't remember what all I've said about what. Quite scary if you ask me!
I do know that I have spent some time talking about my kids! In fact I often wonder if I've caused some eye rolling and walking in the other direction when you see me coming; because you just KNOW I'm going to be whining about the same kid issues.
So, on that note I want to take a few minutes to update you on some positives and answers to prayers. If you're not quite sure what I'm talking about count your blessings and rejoice in the answered prayer with me any way.

First, Gabrielle spends more time at home now than she does away. The nights she spends away are planned over nights out of town. I know where she is and who she is with. We still have our conflicts but life has been very enjoyable and nice with my Gabrielle. It's hard to watch her growing pains, but I have been able to learn that growing pains are indeed what they are and all I have to do is be available.

Next, Kevin will be returning to Calvary Baptist Church School next year. I have shed many a tear over Kevin's school situations and spend lots of energy talking and fretting. Kevin decided on his own that he wanted to return to Calvary and get his diploma. About the time he decided this the school felt the need to put him on academic probation. They set a goal for him and told us that if that goal was not completed by a certain date he could not return. I agreed to the terms and did see the need to hold his feet to the fire. He on the other hand could not for the life of him understand why this was happening. I mean he had finally given in, quit fighting and decided to return. Now he has to fight to stay--that's how he viewed the situation. About half way to the dead line, I realized that due to a certain subject Kevin wasn't going to make it. His attitude was great; he had accepted the situation and was putting forth an honest sincere effort to get the work done. So, I went and ask for an adjustment in the goal. I asked that a certain subject be removed from the expectation and replaced with something else. He would still be completing the amount of work required of him, just in a different subject. I was initially told no. I accepted the decision none to gracefully and left. Back at home, Kevin never knew, and I continued to hold his feet to the fire. In the past, Kevin has shut down in the last 2 weeks of school; nothing would get accomplished. This year he had to work consistently up until the last minute. On the last day of school he took 2 test. Up until this point I really had no idea if he would be allowed back. He passed the test and the administrator assured me he could return next year. WHOO-HOO!!! The subject that I asked to be dropped until next year? The one that they wouldn't change? He finished all but one of the paces. However, he finished extra in other subjects so he met the required amount that would allow him to return.

I told Kevin that I was so very proud of him! Not only did he overcome the academic challenge, but he also conquered the attitude and emotional aspect of the expectation place on him.