All About Kaleb

In the busyness that comes with this time of year, attending 3 curriculum nights at 2 schools feels like "three more things" to put on my schedule. I've already had a 5th grader and a 2nd grader, so do I really need to go to Kaleb and Aaron's classrooms? Are they really that important? Yes! Anything that keeps my child away from me for 5 days a week, 9 months a year, is worthy of my time. I LOVE sitting in their seats, catching up with other parents, and listening to their teachers explain what's expected of them during this school year. In the elementary classrooms, I tuck a note inside my sons' desks for them to find the next day. I'm not able to do that in the middle school, unless I sneak it into his locker. :)

This year Kaleb's teacher gave each parent a form to fill out. It's called, "Introducing Your Child." Before I turn it in, I want to record what I wrote about Kaleb. Someday I'll wonder what he was like in 5th grade...

• List 5 words that best describe your child's character: Cautious, tender-hearted, imaginative, orderly, optimistic.
• What motivates your child? Kaleb is a nurturer. He wants to help. He is motivated by positive praise.
• What upsets your child? Rudeness, a messy room, fear of failure.
• What are your child's out-of-school interests and activities? Soccer, church youth group, playing with his brothers, caring for our dog, piano lessons.
• What activities do you share? Boating, fishing, reading, biking, camping.
• What problems/successes do you have working/playing together? Sometimes Kaleb's inability to pay attention to details can cause problems. Overall, his easygoing nature allows us to have fun doing all kinds of things together.
• How would you rate your child's study habits? (on a scale of 1 to 10) 7
• What study skills does your child need to develop? Timeliness, memorization of math facts, dedicated reading time.
• What academic subject is your child's best? reading and spelling
• What academic subject is your child's worst? math and social studies
• What particular academic areas would you like to see stressed? math and reading
• What social skills would you like to see developed? confidence and leadership
• Other comments/concerns? Kaleb is not Braylen!

Our prayer for Kaleb is that he applies himself to the best of his abilities this year. I admit, there are times (like yesterday) when I run to Derek and say, "I don't know how to parent this child!" He is not more difficult to raise--he's...how do I put this nicely...he's his father's son. :) And there is nothing wrong with that. I love you, Kaleb Matthew. I'm excited to see what great things God has in store for your life!