Hate-Hate Relationship

Ok, I am going to vent for a minute. In late August of last year, Jack was diagnosed with ADHD and ODD (oppositional defiance disorder). He was placed on 2 different medications and we began behaviorial therapy. It has been a long road up to this point and the road continues and is never ending. With his ODD he gets frustrated super easily and can just totally melt down to screaming and tears.

Jon and I had to learn different ways to parent him. The normal ways of doing things do not apply with him because of his ADHD & ODD. Starting out was very hard because we were basically starting over. Jon and I both parent different to begin with so to learn a new way that we must do together was a whole new planet. When we started all of this, I was so confused as to what we should do and who we should call. I was literally in the school parking lot in tears because I didn't know what to do and the first thing that I did was to ask the Lord to show me the way. I have had some people say that we just wanted to put him on medication to calm him down. Let me just say this, the very last thing that either Jon or I wanted to do was put Jack on medicine. We only knew of the horror stories of kids with ADHD and the medication that goes along with it. Knowing all of that and knowing that I basically knew nothing about ADHD is why I asked the Lord to open all of the doors for the things that needed to be done and the paths that needed to be taken.

I truly do believe that God puts people in our paths for many different reasons. The first call I made was to our pediatrician. She has been his doctor since the day he was born and is a wonderful Godly lady and an amazing doctor. She worked us in for that afternoon and sat and talked with me about everything and all of our choices. She didn't automatically jump to medicine, thank the Lord. She also recommended that we see a behaviorial therapist. We found an amazing group that has helped us in so many ways.

I get so mad when people tell me that ADHD is not a real thing and that the parents just want to medicate their children. ADHD is a real disease. Kids struggle through this fast paced world we live in. I have seen the look of frustration in my son's eyes when there is a lot going on and his brain is moving so fast that he can not focus on one thing.

That is all of my ranting for now.

Kim

6 years old!

I can not believe that my sweet munchkin is 6 years old! His birthday fell on a Sunday this year and we took some cookies and juice to all of his friends in Sunday School. Where have these past 6 years gone. In just under a month he will be going into the first grade! He is the smartest and funniest little boy I have ever met - I know, I'm his mom. This past year has been kind of rough but we have all grown closer as a family. Here are some pictures of our 6 year old:

I love you my sweet boy!

Mom

Slacking, Soccer and Israel

I have been slacking in writing. Life has been busy - very busy. One good thing to report - I talked about prayer in my last post. The little boy that was injured severely is home! He spent 7 weeks at Duke Hospital. Thankfully we were able to visit them while they were there. So many people prayed for sweet Ben and God answered many of our prayers.

I have spent the better part of the last week and a half watching the US Men's team playing in the Gold Cup. I love watching soccer when it is on TV - it doesn't matter if they are just playing a friendly or playing in a tourney I am going to watch it.

It is looking like that I am going to be making a return trip to the place that holds my soul - Israel. Wherever my boys are is where my heart is but I love Israel! We are going to be doing some construction work and then touring the country. I am looking forward to it and to getting back to the country.

For now,

Kim