Thursday, March 29, 2007

I'm still pretty discombobulated these days so it's been hard for me to form a coherent thought, let alone a post. But here's what's new here - for the 4 or 5 of you who still read my blog.

I volunteer with my church's RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) program, which pretty much spans the school year. It starts in late Aug/early Sept and runs through May. We meet one evening a week with adults who are interesting in converting to the Catholic faith, and those who may have been baptized but have not received the sacraments of communion and confirmation. I really enjoy it, having gone through the RCIA process myself in 1999-2000. (I've volunteered every year since, because it's fulfilling, plus I still feel I have a lot to learn.) This year's group is wonderful, but something has just felt 'off.' I can't really put my finger on it, but for the first time in seven years, I'm actually looking forward to the end of the process. I can't really explain why I feel that way. As I said, the people coming into our faith are amazing folks. Without going into too much detail, we had two new volunteers with our team who had some concerns, but rather than bring their concerns to the team, or two the clergy who lead the team, they took another approach and it caused a bit of drama. They've long since left the team, but things linger. I don't think their intentions were mean-spirited but nor do I think they took the best approach. I honestly don't believe the folks who will be receiving their sacraments at Easter Vigil are even aware of what happened. I get the sense that they feel this has been a positive experience - that's the way it should be.

Son #1 has been pushing my buttons lately. As I've mentioned previously, he's wicked-smart but 'young' for his age. He has been behaving impulsively in the past week - certainly not in an age appropriate manner. This could be related to his ADHD, but there's a teeny part of me who wonders whether it's something more. He has a checkup on April 12 with his regular doctor and I'll discuss my concerns with him then. He also has a check up with his ADHD doctor in May, so I'll have another opportunity at that time. He's a very sweet boy, but socially awkward. His interactions with people are usually limited to his 1) attempts to educate them - he has near-encyclopedic knowledge on several subjects, or 2) his correcting them. He doesn't mean to be disrespectul, but he doesn't seem to get that adults are not his peers and should not be spoken to as such (unless invited to do so).

Also, he's speech impaired so his voice doesn't have the typical range of tones or inflection. As a result, he's unaware that he often has a pissy tone. Also, the kid does not know how to whisper. I'm serious. He'll equate talking low with whispering. I try to tell him that when he's doing in vocalizing. When I whisper, I'm not using my voice. He should be familiar with the concept because he's had 7 years (and counting) of speech therapy. For example, take "f" and "v". They make similar sounds, but the "v" is voiced, the "f" is not. This is only an issue really when he has questions during Mass. Yikes!

Son #2 is doing well, but he has organizational issues at school. He'll do a homework assignment and forget to turn it it. The teacher doesn't accept late assignments for partial credit because - gee, we're in the Big Leagues (4th grade)! :-(

Son #3 is as much a handful as ever. I'm still having a hard time accepting that he'll be going to kindergarten full time in the fall. What will I do with myself then?

One plus note: I joined Weight Watchers a few weeks back and have lost 7.4 pounds so far. Woo Hoo! Of course, I'm hungry and grumpy, but soon, I'll be hungry, grumpy and skinny!

Irreverent Thought of the Day: I'm not a complete idiot -- Some parts are missing.

12 comments:

Nadine said...

I still read your blog. I appreciate your honesty in which your express your faith and your family life.

Congratulations on the 7.4 lbs - you go girl! Keep up the good work.

Elle*Bee said...

Oh, I know you're still reading, nadine. I'm not really complaining. My readership is pretty small (I have a couple of family members and friends who read, but cannot comment since they're non-bloggers). Of course the advantage to having a small, loyal following is that I can devote my attention to reading their blogs instead of scanning 30 or 40! :-) I enjoy your blog, too. I haven't had the chance to check out your new blog, but I will soon.

Jennifer (mom of four) said...

hi, I read your blog evyertime you bost since you are in my bloglines!! I get lazy and don't always post a comment. Sounds like you have a lot going on!
Thats great the you help with the RCIA classes!! ITs all I can do to get my kids to PSR on SUnday. I still call it CCD. Thats what we called it growing up.

Jennifer (mom of four) said...

I should have proof read. I meant to say every time you post not bost!! I hate it when I do that!!

Elle*Bee said...

Hi Jen, thanks for chiming in and letting me know you're still visiting. What does PSR stand for? We still call it CCD (which if I recall correctly stands for Confraternity of Christian Doctrine). When I was growing up, I wasn't Catholic but my friend was - they used to call it 'catechism' class. We in southern Louisiana must be behind the times. :-)

Sue said...

I'd be discombobulated (or however you spell it!) too with all that going on!

Hooray for the weight loss!

Elle*Bee said...

Thanks, sue, dieting gets tougher when you're over 40, I think. sheesh...but at least it's coming off.

tracey.becker1@gmail.com said...

Still a reader here. I just don't have the time to comment on everyone's blogs, as I'm sure you understand!! :)

I understand about ds1. TOTALLY. Justin is not completely the same as your son, but has similar qualities (or so it sounds to me). Frustrating, to say the least...

Jennifer (mom of four) said...

Hi,

PSR stands for Parish School of Religion. That is new to me too!! A church we went to in Alabama called it Faith Formation. I wish they would go back to CCD.

Elle*Bee said...

I certainly do understand, Tracey and thanks. Son #1 not only marches to the beat of a different drum - at times he seems to be part of a completely different orchestra, if you know what I mean!

jen, that's a new term for me. In my opinion, Parish School of Religion sounds better than Confraternity of Christian Doctrine. However, since our parish also has a school, I don't see them changing the name of the program - it might be too confusing.

Lala's world said...

ok I love the word discombobulated! that is exactly how I have been feeling lately but didn't have the right word for it!! thanks!

ahhh it is so hard dealing with all the things with our kids. Not only are we trying to figure them out it makes it worse when we feel others misunderstand them. I hope you can get to the bottom of everything and have a undiscombobulated week!!!
hugs

Renee B. said...

Well...looks like I took up most of our conversation today telling you about me and you didn't even mention the 7.4 pounds! That's amazing! I'll have to hear all about it as soon as I'm not swamped with school (should be in a few weeks!) Say some prayers for me!
PS...Can't you tell I'm studying extremely hard by reading your blogs? It's addicting!