Third Grade

I think Third Grade can be the hardest - they get real grades for the first time, they have to take iRead and iStep, the first in a long line of standardized tests in Indiana, there are a lot more expectations on them.  I am not appreciative enough of the fact that my kids are pretty smart and capable and I don't have to worry about them (SO FAR) about academic stuff.  Veronica is so good and smart and sweet I never worry and this year is no exception.  Which is GOOD because for the second kid in a row, their teacher is going on maternity leave during their year! I found with Maria and I am hoping with Veronica that I am more tense about it than they are, Maria did just fine and Veronica will too.  

She is playing kickball, she doesn't really like it but I think it's important for her to stick with it.  She does seem to enjoy it while she's there.  Their first game was kind of a hot mess but - I mean, they only had TWO practices before their first game and at the school where I work they have been practicing since the end of summer break and it was clear that the first team we played had practiced a lot more than we had.  It is hard to always lose but then again, there is no pressure.  I just hope she sticks with it.  She never got on base the first game and she was mad but later she told me, I think I just let my nerves get the best of me, which makes me want to CRY but I didn't.  

Anyway, she's fine, she's moving right along in speech and maybe some day we won't have to go anymore.  We've been doing it for two years, we are all getting sick of it!  

Here are some cute pictures.  

First Communion

I consider myself lucky to be Catholic for a variety of reasons, but I especially love being a parent of a Catholic school student.  Veronica has the best teacher, she is really teaching them a lot about their religion and she really walks the walk and I feel incredibly lucky that she is Veronica's teacher when she is making her First Communion.  She made her first communion on April 29 and it was just beautiful.  Anthony went out with his girlfriend so Mike and I both got to go, Mike's mom was in the hospital and couldn't come but her husband came and my sister Laura and it was so nice.  Veronica's godmother Marita and her family were there, and of course Marta and her family, Veronica's godfather Carlos and his son came by later, we had the food catered again and it was perfect, so it was just a nice day.

She was very sweet and completely ready to go, I didn't really have the fears that I had with Maria last year, I was probably a little more easy going about it and Veronica is a person who takes things like this more seriously, so it was a good combination.  Anyway, here are some pictures.

March

How is Veronica doing, in March? This morning she told me she is NOT GOOD.  She is always SO TIRED.  We are going for her well child check up (11 months after her 7th birthday, whatever) next month and I am going to see what is what.  Maybe she has a problem, maybe that's why she is so tired.  But she doesn't seem tired, she doesn't fall asleep all the time or anything.  I don't know.  We are all giving up sweets and dessert for Lent and last night we were talking about it and Veronica said she is really going to try to "eat clean".  Where she hears this, I don't know! She does have several friends at school who are gluten free, so maybe that's it.  I am of two minds on it, on the one hand, I know she'd have more energy and be happier if she wasn't always fretting about her size and clothes, but on the other hand, I want her to be happy with herself exactly as she is.  I don't know.

She is doing very well in school, well in speech therapy, well in Tae Kwon Do, she did get her yellow belt and even though sometimes it's 'hard' because she doesn't always 'keep good form', she is going to finish Tae Kwon Do through the year and we'll see if she does it next year.  Next year she can play kickball and maybe she'll want to but I don't know.  It will be easier if Spring ever comes because then we can at least go for walks with the dog, to the store, etc.

Veronica went to a birthday party last weekend, her friend Lillie.  She bought her a pretty sweater because she has admired her sweaters in the past, and she was thrilled to see her wear it the next day! We were at this Blessing Cup thing that we do for First Communion.  I personally think it is a ridiculous thing but I did it last year with Maria and I did it this year with Veronica and in three years I'll do it with Felicity, so I better get over it.  She makes her First Communion next month, April 29.  My sister bought three dresses on excellent sale and I am hopeful the one she likes will work still, next month.  We are going to get shoes here soon, it's all exciting!

Here are some cute pictures!