Valor's Dream School

Valor used to really enjoy school but recently he has changed his mind. He would rather be at home with us. Sadly, he is having an issue with his friends who don't seem to like him anymore, so this coming week (Spring Break) we'll be focusing on how to be a good friend and what a good friend is. I put together a curriculum about friendships, so hopefully it will help him.

I asked him what school would look like if he could make it be however he wanted. So, here is what he came up with...

Valor's Cool School

• We could make money
• 20 hours of recess
• 10 hours for lunch
• 10 hours of stations: play stamps, plastic chains that snap together, play checkers, puzzles, shaped blocks-build something, squares that stack together, read newspapers (president’s papers)
• 20 hours of computer lab: cool math games, painting, spelling city

• Free popcorn everyday
• Free lunches of any kind of food you want
• Free ice cream
• Free books
• Free candy

• No buses allowed
• No Kindergartners
• No First Graders
• No one has to listen to the teacher

What would your child's dream school look like? It might tell you something about the way (s)he learns best!

My dream is to home school (if we ever could adopt the boys) and then I could make some of his dream come true, too!

Valor and Levi

From now on Boy7's online nickname will be "Valor" and Boy1's online name will be "Levi". They are listed on the sidebar of my blog if you ever forget who is who.

Valor: "strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger with firmness : personal bravery"

Levi: "joined" or "joined in harmony"

We have had Valor and Levi for 4.5 months now. I love them more and more each day and don't want to imagine life without them, but I know it might become a reality someday. At this point the goal is still reunification. 

Valor is very attached to Josh and I. He is a sensitive child and I gave him the name "Valor" (online) because I believe he will someday overcome his fears and be a valiant man. He is thoughtful and helpful. We have to be very careful in how we approach correction with him. Even a slight firmness in voice can bring him to tears. This does make discipline (teaching) very easy for us. He takes us very seriously and applies what he learns very quickly. That being said, I can't imagine how a harsh parent or one who thinks they must spank would damage this child, especially at this point in his life. I am very thankful for a calm and loving husband who knows how to deal gently with him, and for the parenting books we've learned so much from.

Everyone seems to notice Levi everywhere we go! He is a handsome little 15 month old who toddles around with a big smile, greeting anyone he sees. He wakes up singing or laughing and is a joy to be around most of the time. He is learning fast, but isn't so sure about these things he's not allowed to touch (the printer and computer cords, for instance). Mommy just won't let him get into everything he wants and it frustrates him a lot! ;-) He says several words and loves to play outside in the sunshine. He is also attached to us and loves kisses!

Foster parenting keeps us so busy. Not only taking care of these precious little boys, but the paperwork, school, and constant appointments keep us hopping. I have wanted to write more about them but haven't  really had the time.