Hunter's school had a Veteran's Day ceremony yesterday and a flag presentation. Hunter was selected to carry a flag as a part of this ceremony. I don't know who the two ladies are in this picture, but standing next to Hunter is his Principal & Sam. This little guy Sam just happens to live across the street from us. What a couple cute kindergartners!
I received a call from the school counselor this morning requesting my e-mail address so that she could forward me the picture. I also learned in this conversation that Hunter was crying again yesterday - flashback to the first week of school. They were able to get him calmed down and the rest of the day was as normal. When David arrived to pick Hunter up from school today, he learned that Hunter had another rough patch today at school. We don't know where this is coming from suddenly, but I think maybe he's not feeling the best. He has seemed a little feverish this evening, so maybe he's just not feeling well. We'll see how this goes.

I often talk about my Peyton and his "personality" and today is no different. It started at 6:15 this morning when he woke up. He was not in a bad mood or anything, but just down right uncooperative. I always have a couple of shirts and I let both Hunter & Peyton pick out what they want to wear - so this morning I had a red stripe shirt, a blue stripe shirt and a solid blue shirt. I asked him to select his shirt - he got first choice today and after he ignored me and I informed him that Hunter would get first pick if he didn't select, the red stripe shirt was chosen. He got it on seemingly easy - that was just the first step. I was trying to get him to put on his jeans and no success. He was not having any part of it, so I told him that was fine and that I would just take him to school in his red stripe shirt and underwear. This actually got quite a reaction out of him - he giggled and just thought this was so funny. Well, after many more struggles we were able to get to school. As I walked into his classroom, I told his teacher - He's all yours! Have fun!

Part Two:
I often hear from Peyton's teacher that they have never seen the side of him that I describe. I got a call from David today after he picked up Peyton from school. He asked his teacher how Peyton's day was after I had described to him the morning we had. Well, come to find out - he was nothing as I described. He even helped another child in his class learn about self-control - what? Peyton giving someone a lesson in self-control - he has none! Oh yea, at home!
I am learning that I have a Jeykl/Hyde child - he is very well behaved at school and once he gets home it's a whole different story. I don't understand it and it frustrates me beyond belief! I decided to just sit down and have a heart to heart with him tonight, as well as you can, have a heart to heart with a 4yr old. One one hand, I am very happy that he is able to do so well at school and on the other hand, I am about to pull my hair out at home. I told him that I knew he had it in him to cooperate, practice self-control and to get along with others. He has proven this! I told David we must be doing something right as parents - since he is behaved at school, but I almost feel as if he doesn't like his father & I since he can't seem to listen, behave, etc.

Of course, this is not ALL the time. Peyton is one of the most loving kids there is. I have just been so frustrated with him today and needed to vent! I just wish I knew how to get through to him during these frustrating moments. We are actually looking into a Love & Logic class and maybe can learn some tips on dealing with this. Okay - I hope I don't sound like a bad mom.

Have I mentioned how excited I am to spend some time with my husband ALONE this weekend? I love my children more than life itself, but I think it is very healthy for all of us to have a little time away from each other once in a while. I am sure it does as much good for them as it does for us.

Until next time...(if I don't lose my mind) :)

Dawn