Life is tough, get used to it!

The last three weeks have been trying on all of us.

Kelly, being an 8th grader, struggles so hard in his academics and social life. It pains me to watch and not be able to do anything but give advice. I can't step in and take care of it for him.

I sometimes forget about his Asperger's Syndrome, and expect him to understand when he is way out of line with his emotions. There are days when I have to reconsider why he does what he does. Is it his age or his ASD? It's very hard to tell. The stress from school is causing a lot more tension at home. I'm hoping after the holidays, we can figure out something for him.

Harley, being a 5th grader, is still struggling with her organizational skills. I do what I can to help her, but it's really not fair that I help her as much as I do when I'm supposed to be helping the 6th graders.

She is the neurotypical one and I think I put more pressure on her than I should. I expect a lot! She seems to take on more responsibility than is asked for her. I need to back off on her.

Jesse....what can I say about Jesse. He's just taken an interest in cursive writing, something I tried over the summer and he complained the entire time. When he saw me sign his communication book, he was so impressed. "Wow! How do you write like that?" I tell him I can teach him during the vacation. He seems psyched. I think by 4th grade, it's late, but consider the fact that his motor skills are not quite up to par.

He is such an even tempered kid, that I forget his PDD-NOS diagnosis. HE has a quick wit and a bright smile. There are more days where he tests me, but that's to be expected.

Christmas is soon upon us, and I cannot wait to see their faces when they see what Santa and I, Mrs. Claus, bought for them.