I'm back!

Yes, it's me. I'm back! It's been a bit of an absence, I know. The absence is not without news though. There has been plenty going on to keep me away. Just to start with...

Hunter was going though triennial testing for a new IEP. I had the eligibility meeting towards the end of April. The meeting went well and the great news is that his eligibility negates the need to categorize him under developmental delay. Instead, his new (and now current - it took affect on May 2nd) IEP is solely in the category of Language/Communication. This will enable some additional focus on the areas of reading w/comprehension & fluency, writing w/ proper sentence structure & descriptive detail, speaking w/correct syntax, improving his semantic & pragmatic language skills and verbal reasoning.

Hunter's testing results were really nothing new. Nothing I didn't already know about him. The testing did clearly establish where his greatest weaknesses are (all in or related directly to language/communication) and where his greatest strengths are. He's extremely smart when it comes to math. It's his favorite subject in class too. Overall the tests showed that he's very smart his cognitive test results were impressive, I must say. Though I do not for a moment, doubt the level of intelligence of any of our kids. It's interesting though to see it spelled out on paper though.

The part that did surprise me though, was my reaction during the latter part of the meeting. I literally started crying. I cannot quite place the reason why either. Maybe it was partly relief that he's no longer listed a developmentally delayed. For years I've heard that he was either developmentally delayed or not thriving (that was when he was much younger/toddler age). It doesn't help that there's still a part of me that feels like I failed Hunter to some degree when he was younger. Maybe hearing the list of his weaknesses was just harder to hear this time around, on some maternal level. Though I fully appreciate all the hard work these teachers have put into testing Hunter for this. It's a lot of work on everyones part.

At any rate, Hunter has his new IEP and I could not be happier. His goals and objectives are spot on. A few are even my suggestions. I finally feel I'm at a point in this process that I can offer some substantial and intuitive input. Before I didn't feel I had anything. Though I think the biggest difference and reason for that is - before I wasn't confident in my ability as a parent, a mother. In the last few years I've learned to trust myself and be confident. It's working wonders, I tell you. :)

Let's see, what else...

Oh! Jason is done with school - yay!! After what, 8 or 9 years of schooling and he is now going to graduate with his Masters. :) I'm so incredibly proud of him! Right now we are reaping the benefits of him not having to go to class or work on assignments. It's very nice. Soon I'll be returning to school to most likely pursue a major in English with a possible dual major in Art. I'm a little nervous but looking forward to going back.

Also, J's mom and my mom are flying out in less than 2 weeks to visit us and to go along with us for several days on a China tour/trip. It's the first time our moms have visited us here at the same time and the last time they saw each other was I think Hunter's 2nd birthday. I think it'll be a great visit and a wonderful excursion to China. We are all very excited! After we return from China we'll spend a few days taking some day trips to Seoul and some surrounding areas. Then during Memorial weekend, Jason will have his graduation ceremony. It's awesome that his mom will be here to see him walk. :)

I think I'll cut this blog post off, right around here. Otherwise I could type all night. *lol* I have tried to make a few updates to my blog and profile. I added a picture (on the blog title). I took it at a park in Kunsan. J, the kids and I all took a Cherry Blossom Tour recently. The cherry blossoms were so heavenly and beautiful. I know the picture I uploaded looks a little on the big side. I'll try and shrink it down some - soon.