Speaking to children with Grace

I love my kids...
But there are times when I want to pull my hair and scream, I have however realized that hair pulling and screams will not solve the problem.
Because Jessica was a preemie we received Early Intervention Services, and along with that we were able to take parenting classes-- some were free and there were even a few that we paid to take more than once, since we enjoyed the class so much! (there was excellent childcare on site and Awesome snacks!-- yahoo,,,)
anyway... Both my husband and I wanted to do better than we had seen growing up , and so we both made a choice to do our best, and if that wasn't working...then we decided to be willing to try something else.
(That can be tough... you know the quick answer is a swat on the hand...but often the best answer is a re-direct and then a social story or a lesson, about good choices, bad choices)
We have learned that how we talk to our kids matters, and the tone of voice, whether we are on their level or above them matters... we have also learned that the volume, and cadence of our speech matters-- another key thing for us, is the amount of words used-- LESS is MORE~
All that being said, please choose carefully the words you say--- if you don't want them to scream in the shower, while at the pool, then tell them what they can do... "you can drink the water...(ewwww) but you can not scream, while in the shower..."(maybe that was a bad example..but you get the point...)
I overheard myself talking to Jessica -- and I had to stop and ask for an apology-- My words and tone were negatively affecting what I wanted to say. The topic was simply brushing her teeth, and then need to do better-- but my words were so harsh that the teaching moment was lost.--

Thankfully, children are resilient and

I don't believe permanent hard was done...

but I wonder how many parent's do stop to think -

-- about how the words I say have power,

how can I say this well and with GRACE?

on another quick note, Shane finished his testing with the psychologist... and he was VERY impressed with Shane, so many of the skills that Shane has are above the benchmark for his age, and only a few of his skills are somewhat lacking... I am very hopeful for next year, a new teacher, a new principal, a new plan... and a POSITIVE future!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I got Shane's stuff from the school without seeing the teacher -- yay!

and here is a story he wrote...

Jamie Foxx the elephant went bowling and kept getting a strike on the pins. He actually won money for doing it and then he wondered "What should I do with all that money?"When he went to sleep that night he was dreaming that he had a motorcycle and that he was human so when he woke up he went and bought a motorcycle but it wasn't so easy to ride it for an elephant and that is the end of the story--

that is all I've got...

So, NEVER LET AN ELEPHANT RIDE A MOTORCYCLE!

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Prayer works...

I had such a tough time staying asleep this morning--
I woke up way early-- (before even Jerry's alarm clock 6amish)
I kept getting flashes-- of Shane's teacher and Shane....
I figured that I wouldn't get any rest until I asked for help, so instead of praying for the teacher to do what I want and how I want...
I decided to pray in a different way-- I prayed simply for God's will in this situation, that if my tongue needed to be held, fine-- if Shane needed to change his behaviors' -then fine, but all in all I prayed for God's guidance in all these things.
And...ladies and gentlemen...
GOD IS GREAT!
I picked Shane up from school and I didn't feel anger towards the teacher, I didn't feel frustration-- I even took a few moments to talk about random things! What a HUGE change... usually I go to pick Shane up and I feel like any little word or deed by the teacher will set me off... today I just felt, calm and peaceful when I picked him up!

And then... Shane had a GREAT day! he only had 2 time outs-- but he got 12 bonus points!
(I really don't know what the bonus points are for-- but I'll take them!)
I even took a few moments and made a certificate for Shane-- to show him that I was proud of him! [the teacher did do and say a few things that were annoying, however I chose to ignore them and just let it go....]
Shane was also very happy that today went well... he was complaining that he was tired, but I think that is because he had such a long weekend...

Later today, I get to see my step-son Brandon, the baby Irie, and Sorccia-- they need a ride to WIC and I am going to take them-- that means I get to see the baby... and maybe hold the baby... touch the baby... ah... the baby....



The sun is shining and I feel GREAT!
I guess I ought to pray differently more often? yup I think so!

Concentrating on the choices

a friend of mine,Lynn-- sent this email to me and even though it is one of those chain emails, I wanted to post it here-- it really seemed important to share ~

Concentrate on this Sentence

'To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.'

When God takes something from your grasp,

He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better.

Concentrate on this sentence... '

The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.'

Something good will happen to you today; something that you have been waiting to hear.

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Over at Therextras there is a post that you might like to read-- talking about Early Intervention-- At Slurping Life it's SOCC (straight out of the Camera) Melody really strives to look at life with a honest, yet beautiful view. At It's Almost Naptime, there is a really nice post about Grandma's.

This week at our house, was full of emotional up's and downs-- there were emails that went back and forth between the school, the team (for Shane) and myself.-- There were phone calls and moments of ah, Now why didn't I think about that? I even re-connected with some friends' of mine from the past-- what a treat that was-- {you gotta love Face book!}.

Parenting kids is such a huge responsibility--keeping their best interests as your focus and not letting your personal views distract you is just plain ...hard.

Realizing that you don't have to make every issue into a battle is tough.

I am reminded of the book Fox in Socks, -- the part about the beetle battle~

*google won't let me cut & paste from a search-- it thinks I am a virus -- so you have to check out the book yourself...sorry*

I guess it all comes down to choices

to eat the ice cream as a nighttime snack * or eat carrot sticks as a nighttime snack.

to scream at the top of ones' lungs from the roof tops (I was right, I was right) *

or to calmly say, Thank you for hearing my point of view

to hang up the phone, after having to get your child from school early, yet again and throw it on the floor.

or hang up the phone and start making a plan of how best to re-direct your child's' endless energy in a positive way.

{we finally have a correction plan for Shane that is comprehensive and clear-- I like it very much- it uses some of my own words and it seems to be working-- imagine that! }

I don't have all the answers, but I do have the power of prayer-- and focusing on HIM in these moments-- is really my best choice.~!

(all that being said-- sometimes a good cry helps, and even a long phone call with a friend that lets you vent, but who also brings you back to reality!)

What helps you get through those tough things that Life puts in your path?

expectations

The top set of pictures has been edited with the cartoon feature,

the second set of pictures were not edited at all.

I guess today was all about expectations--

Shane was slow to wake up this morning, I really had to convince him to get motivated to get ready for school. Before he got dressed, he came to me,and climbed up in my lap-- I just rubbed his back -- I asked if he wanted to talk- he shook his head, finally after a while he said "Mom, the problem is this -- I can't go all day long getting zero detentions and zero time-outs-- it's just too hard to be perfect."

And so with a heavy heart I sent him to school~

Jerry was nice enough to go and pick him up, I didn't want to interact with the teacher-- Shane came home with a card and these two pictures in it-- there was a nice message about how cute Shane is when he smiles-- But, I was still not feeling good feelings towards the teacher. Then I looked at his backpack and there was more homework--- the kids don't have school this Friday, and yet we are getting a bunch of homework-- All year long I have asked for a consistant schedule for homework and it hasn't happened... the only day the kids can turn in homework is on Friday, unless there is no school on Friday--then homework can be turned in on Thursday.

I just need to do more WORK IN PRAYER!

And so another week begins

Positive things first--
We "stripped" the Christmas tree and removed it to outside--(where the kids used it for some imaginary time --)
We removed a bunch of old pots and pans that were hand me downs -- and really not fit for much except boiling water!
We FINALLY removed the changing table that we had used for both the kids--- I had been using it in the kitchen to use as a staging area for sewing and crafts--{I don't happen to have a craft room and the kitchen table doesn't work well for me} The changing table was tall enough that I didn't get a kink in my neck or back-- but it was time to pass it along to someone else! I think that my hubby might be willing to create a work area (bench/table) with some of the features , that I liked from the changing table.
okay now the other stuff--
I found out that this computer just isn't enough for my new camera--(I only have Windows 98 and dial-up) so I have to find another way to get my pictures and video from my new Kodak Easy Share camera to my computer..
-- any ideas?
I know I can take my memory card to Walmart and pick the pictures I was developed- but what about the video?-- can the video and pictures all go on a CD? I need to look into this.
I missed Shane's therapy appointment today, because I ... simply forgot! --- Shane has been a pill recently and so I made him spend some time outside, hopefully getting rid of the bad attitude.
Jerry does have extra days off-- but he will work tonight for someone who happens to be sick.
On Saturday, we went to visit my Aunt Sue,my Parents, and Grandparents ~I was going to share a video I made of Jessica giving my Dad a pedicure... but since it's on the new camera that will have to wait. It was wonderful to see my Aunt -- she is so different than my Dad in her outlook on life, she is flexible and non-judgemental-- even though Shane was being a pill -- she didn't comment in a negative way-- or even seem uncomfortable.
Ah, the Joy!
Because removing the pots and pans,the changing table, and the Christmas Tree took so much of the day we missed church-- and I didn't get to the library--
So, I am planning some serious prayer time -- maybe I wasn't asking for the right thing, I plan to broaden my requests to see if I can get some help!

This week : Eclectic Parenting

I yearn to be Eclectic
in my life~

Most people, when asked their decorating style say they are eclectic, meaning they like a little bit of this, and a little bit of that. Eclectic design however is a bit more meaningful than that, though it is hard to describe. When someone answers with the word 'eclectic' no one actually knows what they mean. After all, there are so many design styles that eclectic design draws from.

Well, it has been a week full of things to do -- and in turn things to post about--
So, hopefully you are just, waiting impatiently to read this post?

• The 504 Meeting ~These are the questions, that the principal, wanted to answer during the meeting~
  

1. What is the disability that Shane might have?
2. Does the documented disability interfere with his ability to learn?
3. If so, does an accommodation plan allow him to access general education?
   

Well, I have a new favorite agency, it's called Direction Service
They are a local independent non-profit corporation, funded through public and private donations-- they are also a United Way Agency!
I met with this wonderful person -- to tell the story about Shane and our trials so far--She listened, took notes and asked -- really important questions. She helped me to find another way to ask for what we/I need without, coming across as a parent on a mission to re-program the whole public school system! She helped me to stay organized and on topic. She was focused and interested, she even had questions prepared that I had yet to think of.
************** What an awesome thing! ******************
Today, I feel like we did create some new, better ideas for Shane and his school experience-- although we have yet to put the 504 plan to paper,
we are working on a detailed IPBS...
(I think that means, Individual Positive Behavior Support~ plan)
From what I understand, the school is willing to create a 504 plan, but that they need Shane in school more often to have more data about his behaviors and what might be the trigger for them. Because Shane is at the top of his class academically-- but far below his class in behavior-- this is a challenge .
Next week he goes to school for a longer day,(yahooo!) he will still miss lunch and music and PE, because going to those things involves standing in line and waiting-- (not Shane's best skills).
I asked that I be in the loop with the behavior team - I really think that my input could help get a plan that works, but I am only... a professional mom, not a professional behavior specialist.
The card that they use to help Shane track his behaviors got some much needed details, they will add pictures and then laminate it so that Shane can really see what is the next task and also the reminder to strive for that ever elusive happy face. (I thought the lamination was a great idea, since he likes to rip and tear up things that he doesn't like-- much to the dismay of his teachers and parents!)

********edited to add-- The principal also said I could find Shane a fidget- it-- something to hold in his hands to keep him focused and busy while he needs to be paying attention to a speaker.-- We are also considering re-visiting the idea of using the weight vest.********

The meeting went over an hour-- but I think... and hope that this will motivate some solid changes for Shane--- (I hate to be negative and borrow trouble, but I still think his teacher is saying one thing and doing another... however I am doing my best to turn the other cheek!)

(I do hope that I get a gold star
for being a ...flexible mommy!)

Okay, moving on--
This morning, my dear hubby and his brother,left to go camping and hunting for BIG ELK.-- He said not to expect him until Tuesday evening, unless he finds his target earlier. I do hope he gets his target, the amount of meat and the fact that ELK tends to be very lean -- is a great thing.
Although, I don't want to see the target until it is nicely wrapped up in freezer paper ready to store in the big freezer.

I also took Shane in to the Dr. to ask about his cough that he seems to have had since the start of school- This was a different Dr. than we usually see-- he happened to have a hearing problem--
So, I really had to describe what type of cough-- geez-- I hope I was clear in my comments!
The Dr. gave us some samples of Singulair -- that Shane will take one at bedtime. Last night I still heard coughing, but I am hoping that with each day there will be less coughing!

At our school the kids get their picture taken by the Lifetouch company --
It is amazing how these pictures turn out--[good & bad]-
As a rule we never buy a big package, but just a small one so that the kids get a classroom photo.
{I asked Jessica, what she was thinkin' when the picture was taken
and she replied, "That's my rabbit look Mom, I want a pet rabbit! "}

We never seem to have a boring moment,
I am really Thankful and proud of my eclectic family ~
((I know I am most likely using that word in the wrong context--but I like it ! ))

Spirit filled mountians?

Last night I was praying and hoping that the Lord would guide me---
I knew I was going to have to talk with Shane's teacher-
and I wasn't eager to say what I felt needed to be said--
So, I asked for help-- {W.I.P}{Work in Prayer}
When I went pick Shane up from school I found myself saying words that I hadn't realized I was going to -- it was like the Spirit of the Lord just took control of my mind and my words.--
I ended up talking with the teacher about having Shane at home with me-- a few days of the week for some one-on-one --- with materials from school .(or having me pick him up early--)
I don't know yet if this can really happen-- but I did explain that I wanted everyone to be getting a good school experience -- Currently this isn't happening --

she seemed to be willing to see that I was flexible and interested
in making her life easier-- I hope that we can build on this small step.

I also hope that Shane can build his academic skills and then that might give him the confidence to improve his behavior skills.
~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I found the following message in my in-box and I thought that it really showed my point--

The Ant and the Contact Lens: A True Story


Brenda was almost halfway to the top of the tremendous granite cliff.
She was standing on a ledge where she was taking a breather during this, her first
rock climb. As she rested there, the safety rope snapped against her eye and
knocked out her contact lens. 'Great', she thought. 'Here I am on a rock ledge,
hundreds of feet from the bottom and hundreds of feet to the top of this cliff,
and now my sight is blurry.'

She looked and looked, hoping that somehow it had landed on the ledge.
But it just wasn't there.

She felt the panic rising in her, so she began praying... She prayed for
calm, and she prayed that she may find her contact lens.

When she got to the top, a friend examined her eye and her clothing for
the lens, but it was not to be found. Although she was calm now that she was at
the top, she was saddened because she could not clearly see across the range of
mountains. She thought of the bible verse 'The eyes of the Lord run to and fro
throughout the whole earth.'

She thought, 'Lord, You can see all these mountains. You know every
stone and leaf, and You know exactly where my contact lens is. Please help me.'

Later, when they had hiked down the trail to the bottom of the cliff
they met another party of climbers just starting up the face of the cliff. One of
them shouted out, 'Hey, you guys! Anybody lose a contact lens?'

Well, that would be startling enough, but you know why the climber saw
it? An ant was moving slowly across a twig on the face of the rock, carrying it!

The story doesn't end there. Brenda's father is a cartoonist. When she
told him the incredible story of the ant, the prayer, and the contact lens, he drew
a cartoon of an ant lugging that contact lens with the caption, 'Lord, I don't
know why You want me to carry this thing. I can't eat it, and it's awfully heavy.
but if this is what You want me to do, I'll carry it for You.'

I think it would do all of us some good to say, 'God, I don't know why
You want me to carry this load. I can see no good in it and it's awfully heavy.
But, if You want me to carry it, I will.'

God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.

Yes, I do love GOD. He is my source of existence and my Savior. He keeps
me functioning each and every day. Without Him, I am nothing, but with Him.... I
can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. (Phil. 4:13)

'You Gave Me A Mountain'

"For I know the plans I have for you,
declares the Lord
plans to prosper you
and not to harm you,
plans to give you a hope and a future."
-Jeremiah 29:11

Shane

Shane had a wonderful birthday,
but a tough week at school--
although his week ended with a good report!
I also talked with the school psychologist and
he is working on a plan of some sort-
I can't remember the acronym--
to help all of the staff who work with Shane
I can't wait to be involved with this team--
Prayer WORKS!


Shane did get some other cool things for his birthday,
but BOZO the Clown, seems to be getting the most attention!

Why do I worry? WIP!

Why do I worry so?
Because I care, and because in my worries
I find the Faith I need
to pray the prayers that feel helpful to me and mine!

I got a call this morning from the principal of Shane & Jessica's school--
To talk with me about the 504 plan~
I found out that Sensory Processing Disorder is not a "category" that we can use to classify Shane for protection under a 504 plan.
The principal is going talk with the school district
to see what type of help/support that Shane could have~
She mentioned that she has been observing him, and she gave me a few complements about how I raise my kids, and I imagine that was to keep me happy--(Can I just say she succeeded...?!)
Anyway, she suggested that we might get Shane hooked up with the TAG program (Talented and Gifted)
I am feeling good about this, it seems as though we are on a path that fits my goals! (I am happy!)
I also got a chance to talk with Shane's teacher, -- I found out that although Shane has had a few moments, none of them has been very overwhelming... And she is hoping to have parents in the classroom helping in November! YAY!

In all the years up till now I have almost always had one child at home...
and now both are at school at the same time,
it has taken a little getting used to--
The Empty Nest-- well at least for the 4 hours
in the morning until Shane comes home!

First days and such~

The First Days of kindergarten and 2nd grade~
*my camera didn't have good enough batteries-- so I was unable to get pictures of the kids...AGH! *

Jessica had her first day of 2nd grade yesterday and it sounds as though she and her teacher are a perfect fit... The teacher asked the kids to ask as many questions, as possible -- the tougher the better-
Jessica asked "What is the thickest book in the world?" The teacher replied that she thought either the dictionary or the Bible! This teacher seems really plugged in to my daughter and who she is as a person! Yippppeeeee!

Shane's first day of kindergarten--- Well, -
The teacher asked me to stay for the whole day --
I said , "Okay-" I figured that I could help out and also try to point out the cues that Shane will show when he starts to melt-down.--- However, I became the fix-it mom--

• I helped the two sweet Hispanic girls finally STOP crying... I asked the girls if they went to church-- they said uh-huh--- in between sobs-- I said "Well, school is like church we learn about school stuff and later we go home to our Mommy and Daddy's" It took a while longer, but finally the girls stopped crying!
  
• If you read the previous post about meet the teacher day-- you know how I helped a little boy out from under a table?-- Well, this same boy-- escaped from the classroom-- through the boy's bathroom -- out to the playground! I was the one who went and found the child, and brought him back... (finding this boy was so..."normal" for me... it seems I do this a lot with Shane}
  
• I helped one the other boys' calm himself-- the teacher, the instructional assistant and I didn't know that there was NO RECESS for kinders on the first day of school... (HOW ANNOYING! ) anyway... I helped calm this little boy who was angry and frustrated-- I wanted to see the kids play outside myself...

There really are so many other things that happened that didn't sit well with me--
Of course, I have to realize that from EEP to public school was like going from an A+ to a D-

But, Shane seemed no worse for wear once we got home--
And --- more than one of the people (Patty,Laura,Elizabeth,Rochelle,Rick,Jerry)
I called to whine and complain to -- suggested that I just let him be--- I know that my son knows right from wrong and I know that he is a smart child--
So, I think for now I will just wait and see if this teacher is able to do -- what our taxes pay her for.
(Meanwhile, I am praying often and hard that the Spirit will help me be the force of change if need be, and that my tongue will only spout... helpful things! )

So, I guess this is day three of WIP~

WIP, works!

WIP
Work in Prayer

Prayer works!
I spent most of the morning praying:
That today I would,
show a willing and open face to Shane's new teacher--
Guess, what? GOD IS GREAT!

When we went to the kids' school for meet the teacher I decided to stop in Jessica's room first, and then we went down to Shane's room--- Jessica's teacher was very nice and Jessica didn't have any sort of problems asking questions on her own! Shane was very happy to just play with some magnetic letters on the filing cabinet while he waited for us.-
- I was so impressed that he was patient and willing to leave without a fight, and NO Whining! Simply Amazing!

Then we walked on down to Shane's classroom, and after some confusion we found the correct room -- There were a bunch of mom's and kids, that were trying to converse in Spanish through, a young girl--. So, Jessica, Shane and I just walked in and found something to do-- Shane played with another boy with some blocks and Jessica tried to ..."supervise" (Bless her heart...)
Finally, we were able to talk with the teacher~
I explained that Shane didn't yet have a 504plan, that I was waiting for it to come in the mail--
I showed her his previous testing scores from the school district and explained that he was very smart, but that his behavior changes when he gets overloaded with sensory issues. I explained that he is getting therapy. I mentioned that I would love to be in class if she wants me there-- but that working with other kids, is easier for me.
Although the teacher made a comment that made
me want to hit her over the head with a book...I did manage to control myself~
{"Well, now I have three of "those kids" I guess I could use the help managing them}
I am sure that the teacher didn't even realize how degrading that comment was to me or Shane,
so I just snaped my mouth shut, and prayed that I could eventually change her heart and attitude!
(I am not usually the Mom who shuts her mouth, so I was very glad that GOD was with me at that very moment...what a blessing! )
It was funny, a few moments later when another Mom was trying to get her son out from under the table, --- I happened to be sitting there filling out the parent help-in-the-class slip-- This mom was starting to get fusterated and annoyed with her son, and I noticed that although she was trying to say the right things, he was picking up on her nervousness-- (Just like Shane does to me... on a regular basis! ) I was able to calmly explain that Shane would be at school to-morrow and that the books and boys needed to sleep so that to-morrow they could all get to-gether and play again. I went on to say in passing to the Mom, This to shall pass-- cause... I know it will ! LOL! Maybe on to me ...LOL!
Once the teacher saw the child, finally leave with his mom--- she looked at me and said---
How often do you want to help in the classroom? LOL--- I guess all those parenting classes and paying attention to what the professionals at EEP did with Shane seems to have helped ! The teacher mentioned that Shane didn't seem to be very worried if I left his side-- and that was a good sign in her eyes-- I did take a moment and explain that Shane can and has, melted down under a table just like the other boy--Although, I don't think she believed me! LOL
So, I am going to wait and let the teacher tell me when she would like my help---
I hate to say it this way but.... She has been warned!
So, only positive things to report...I am so happy and proud and nervous and excited---

Weekend,window,WIP

So, we survived the weekend---
Although this window -- is now in need of repair!
Jerry thought that our dandelions needed to be cut down and so he mowed the lawn, but first he had to work with the kids to remove the toys from the yard, while removing the toys-- Jerry decided to kick the soccer ball and -- well the window got broke!

(To be fair there was a small rock hole in the window already, but kicking the soccer ball ?
Not the best choice ,in my opinion)


Jessica and Shane helped pick up the toys and Shane even brushed his teeth 4 times on Monday ---just so that he could earn his stuff back. We had quite a few conversation's about how Mommy and Daddy felt when Shane was lost, and how there were people in the world that might hurt Shane. I hope that we got our point across--- but I don't think that we will ever really know~
On Sunday, when we went to church I asked for help---from one of the Men, who is a father who has been there done that-- his kids are married with families of their own-- and I told him our dilemma with Shane, he was VERY helpful--- and the honesty and emotion that he shared with me really helped me to understand his point of view. I have taken many parenting classes, but it was very interesting to hear from a parent who has been there, what he thought. --- I thought I was going to post all about it today, but the dust has yet to settle-- I am WIP, Working In Prayer-- to see if I can wrap my brain around the verses I received .
Meanwhile we are gearing up for Meet the Teacher day --
Never dull or boring at our house...!
Yup, my birthday came and went-- no big deal!

Shane

I have to make this a quick post--
since I am VERY behind in the

house work section of my To Do list...

Yesterday, was Shane's first day of therapy,
and the first day of his last week of school at EEP,(Early Education Program)
Shane also got a nice sized sliver in his thumb (while at school)and requested to go home
to see if Daddy could fix it. (mommy ended up getting 1/2 of the sliver out ! )
I also got a print out of Shane's assessment summary
from his teacher-- charting his progress from 2005 till now~
I have proof that he was behind, but that
he also made ...huge strides !
Ah, the Joy's !

• fine motor skills in 7-06 40 % and now 7-08 87%
• gross motor skills in 7-06 74% and now 7-08 97%
• Adaptive skills in 7-06 69% and now 7-08 89%
• Cognitive skills in 7-05 4% then in 7-06 37% then in 7-07 57% and now 7-08 85%
• Social Communication in 7-06 72% and then in 7-07 89% and now 7-08 100%
• Social skills in 7-05 26% then in 7-06 61% and then in 7-07 67% and now...84%
  

I am so proud of my Shane....
These numbers are from the
AEPS [Assessment Evaluation and Programing System]
for 3-6 years
and while Shane has made progress,
this test is really not suited for a description of his/our ..."Real World Experience"

He can communicate socially-- with a great vocabulary-- but his emotions tend to overtake his skills ~
WIP--- Work in Progress also... Work in Prayer!