Graduation of Kimleighel

Hip Hip Hooray It's Graduation Day!

What an exciting day as we watched Kimleighel graduate from High School.  Kimleighel has worked hard and has proven that she can do hard things.  Kimleighel enjoyed school even though it was harder for her than most.  We learned early that Kimleighel is Dyslexic and has a harder time comprehending the typical way of teaching.  Kimleighel is a problem solver and has a strong will to do things good and because of those qualities she will succeed in life.  Kimleighel has always been very observant.  Early in her life (like around 5 years) she noticed the other kids were getting their ABC's and wondered why it was hard for her.  It made her mad that she wasn't getting them. She even asked me if she was dumb....I laughed and told her that she wasn't dumb at all and that she was very smart because if she were dumb she wouldn't have even noticed that there was a difference.  At that time Kimleighel could cross the monkey bars going forward and backward and I pointed out to her that the other kids couldn't.  We talked a lot over the years about how the brain works different for each of us.  How we all have strengths in different areas.  I don't think it's that easy to accept while you're going to school and so much focus in on a grade or percentage.  Kimleighel was shunned by other kids because she was in resource and that is just hard...all because she learned different.  But....in spite of those challenges she kept smiling and pushed her way through and we are very proud of her and her accomplishments.  Kimleighel is a beautiful young lady, inside and out...and one smart cookie!

As the Principle spoke I was reminded of the unfairness sometimes that the kids face.  The Principle had students stand who were on the honor rolls, or lettered in sports, or were involved in clubs and there sat my beautiful daughter with a few others for all to see.  Now I'm sure that the others there were noticing their students whether they were standing or not but it broke my heart that Kimleighel wasn't able to stand  because she didn't "meet" the credentials being spoken of.  It didn't matter that she has worked hard and has gotten very frustrated because she struggles with reading a sentence and understanding it which is required in every single class.  I don't take reading for granted but I think many do.  Kimleighel didn't ask for much help over the years even though she could have...she just continued to do her best by herself.  The principle didn't ask for those kids to stand.  Kimleighel was fine with not standing....it bothered me more.  Because of this challenge and getting to experience what this side feels like I appreciate all for giving their best whether it allows them to stand or not.  They weren't sitting because they were lazy or didn't try....some of us are just wired different.

I'm grateful for the love and support our kids and family get from others.  I thought it was cool that Kevin brought his girls and Julie hurried after work to be there for Kimleighel.  I appreciate Gramps for always being there for us.  We understand and don't expect everyone to come but when they do it's appreciated.  Trichelle's family met us for dinner afterwards and that was also very nice of them.  I know it meant a lot to Kimleighel.  It's wonderful having another graduate! (only one to go ☺yes at this point I am counting down)

People ask, what now for Kimleighel?  Kimleighel is going to continue to work at Freedom Elementary.  She has also already lined up Cello lessons and will be starting them very soon.  Her goal is to play in a Symphony or Local Orchestra.  I am excited for her to take Cello lessons because she has done well without taking any.  She "gets" the Cello and music and will blossom quickly.  I'm so Proud of Kimleighel!

Book Club

It's so hard to get our book club together but we did it today before Kimi's graduation.  We talked about a few books and a few of the books that I brought were borrowed by the others.  I didn't bring home a new book but I bought a few books recently that I am excited to read.  I just think right now that it's hard to find time to even read.  I think that's true for the others as well because no one is reading too much right now.  I'm glad that even though we aren't all busy reading that we still get together.  This group and our friendship means a lot to me.  I learn so much from each of my friends and I'm thankful to be a part of this group.

I have spent a lot of time on making a few books lately.  I made a picture book of our family's activities for 2014.  It's just pictures but took quite a bit of time. I really like it and now I want to go back and make one for 2013 and the previous years. I need to start my blog book since I am making a part 1 and a part 2 for this year.  The first half of the year is almost over and I need to put my blog into a book.  I love the books that I have made and I hope that others will like and appreciate them as well.