Sam loves his homeschool PE class at Lifetime Fitness. Besides this being just the coolest gym you have ever seen, the PE class is amazing. Kids get the opportunity to hang out with other kids that are either doing the homeschool thing or who attend a university model program. The class is run like a super-cool PE class and the kids totally dig it.

This has been a transition year in the Potter household. After the fumbling and mismanagement by the leadership last spring at the school Sam attended for Kindergarten, we thought it was important to create a very successful year for him during 1st grade. First, there was the introduction of the GFCF diet and then there was a change in his medication. These changes were best handled while homeschooling instead of shipping him off to a questionable environment and wondering if problems or issues were from the implementation of new stuff or a bad school situation. Finally, the upside was having an in-house expert at our disposal to make school a fabulous experience.

Angie was an early childhood specialist and classroom teacher prior to staying home with Sam. Her last role in the public school system was as a Reading Recovery teacher. To say that she knows a thing or two about teaching is an understatement. Add on Angie's expertise in curriculum development and you can see why we elected not to waste another year hoping Sam was getting only partially what he needed. This year we have ensured it. Field trips, hands on experiences, partnering with his younger brother on projects, working with specialized tutors and therapists, being involved in programs for homeschool kids and having the opportunity to do Meals-On-Wheels were all highlights.

We have found a great school that we feel is a good fit for Sam's 2nd grade experience and that is very exciting. We have the opportunity to start Sam now so he can begin to acclimate into the school before next year. Although this is great, we must now alter his schedule some and try and not disrupt his tutors and therapists who have been so very kind to work with him the entire year. One of the things Sam loves the most is his class at Lifetime. Unfortunately, the homeschool PE class didn't make enrollment numbers for the upcoming session and the class is coming to an end. Sam is so sad about this. He loves going to the gym and feels so special. He has made friends through this experience and all are "typically developing" kids who treat him well. It has been a complete win-win situation.

Life simply sucks sometimes. No fancy words can make it any easier. Disappointment is often common for our kids. Making friends and then keeping friends can be unbelievably tough. Falling in love with something that others may not think is "normal" is more common than it should be. Whether it is hairdryers, vacuums, washing machines or anything else that goes whirl in the day and night, our kiddos are often encouraged not to enjoy the things they are attracted to because it is not as acceptable as baseball, football, or Harry Potter (btw...no relation).

I guess you can say that there is a silver lining. If Sam didn't have his new school then it would simply be a reduction in his schedule. Now, he has lots to do and new friends to make. He is really disappointed about the PE class, but we have promised to still take him to Lifetime during that same hour so he can swim, play basketball, or go to the play area and enjoy getting some energy out. It won't be the same but maybe mom and dad won't be too boring as playmates. It's amazing how God has incredible plans for us that we simply can't even begin to understand. He presents us with opportunities so that we can grow and better trust in Him. Realizing that this journey is often more about faith rather than what we think we can control is something that can make a world of difference in both our children's lives and our own.