Late into the Summer when I had (yet again) another experience while reading a magazine article, I realized that it was probably the Spirit talking to me. DUH!!! I told Ben that night that I had decided to put Lucy into French school. He was fine with that. So I called the school the next day on August 2nd and found out there was an open spot for the program (Hallelujah!). That day I contacted the Principal, and his secretary, and went to the District to fill out an application and transfer her papers. That afternoon I got a call saying Lucy got accepted and her records were successfully transferred to GES.
I haven't doubted my decision since. There have been several instances that have sparked thoughts about French Immersion and each time I have felt comfort that we made the right decision. Had I not taken the initiative to transfer her, those thoughts would have been anxiety-ridden instead of comforting. It was a huge lesson to me about how Heavenly Father works. It wasn't in our plan to do French, so Ben and I didn't even discuss it. But it WAS in Heavenly Father's plan so he MADE us discuss it. Even though enrollment ended in March, there was a spot available on August 2nd and we were able to fill it that day. He has a plan for Lucy.
Lucy struggled last year in Kindergarten and I feel like this transfer is an answer to our prayers. She was diagnosed with anxiety after a long waiting process that began back in March. She finally was able to meet with a therapist at the Children's Center in SLC who was able to diagnose it as anxiety. It gave us a lot of clarity and understanding about certain habits that she has. It all became clear why she was struggling a little bit in Kindergarten, despite her wonderful teacher and academic skills. She is so wonderful and I love her so much. I feel like French will be her "thing." That she will love it and that it will become something that is special for her. I feel like it will help her anxiety.
The night before school began, Ben gave her a beautiful blessing that just confirmed all of those feeling and thoughts I've had about our little Lucy. I loved hearing how Heavenly Father is proud of her and how much He loves her. I loved hearing that she is doing so well! It gave me a little bit of perspective about her anxiety. That I don't understand it sometimes, but Heavenly Father does and He thinks she's doing great! I loved watching my wonderful husband bless her. And I loved how still and reverent and attentive Lucy was to the blessing. I saw her in a whole new light. She told us before the blessing that she a little nervous about school and making new friends. Afterwards, we wrote down as much of the blessing as we could remember.
-She'll make friends
-She'll be blessed with more learning and fast learning as she keeps reading and taking interest in educational pursuits
-She has great teachers who will love her
-She'll be a good example to her classmates, her teachers, her brothers and her parents
-French will make sense to her quickly
-She'll find joy in learning French like she does with reading
-She'll have an overall feeling of peace with the Spirit's help
-Heavenly Father is happy she enjoys reading
-School will be a place of comfort for her
-Finding the positives in all situations will come easier for her
-The bad moments will be small and pass quickly
-She will be confident
-All blessings will be magnified if she puts God first and reads the scriptures each day
-She won't be scared at all.
-God knows it is her first day of school.
-God is proud of her and how smart she is.
It was the perfect blessing. Especially for me to hear. I needed to hear that. I love her so much.
In preparation for school, we read a LOT of books from the library about social behaviors. Manners on the playground. Manners in the classroom. If You're Angry and You Know It. Zach Gets Frustrated. Zach Apologizes. The list of books were outrageous but SO helpful.
I made her flip-charts that give her the steps she needs to calm down. We gave them to each of her teachers, and she has one in her pencil pouch at school. We practiced the steps. Then we went to Walmart to pick out jewelry that can help her remember the steps. A ring with a heart (for peace and love) and an O (for the shape of your lips when you take deep breathes). I got her a locket that has a picture of Jesus and a CTR ring on the inside. I talked to both of her teachers. This girl was prepared to tackle 1st grade and to kick anxiety in the rear!
Her first day of school pictures!
She carpools with 3 other friends from the neighborhood. Which means I only have to drive 1 week each month! Yay! She has half the day in English learning spelling, reading, and electives. Her English teacher is Mrs. Carolyn Pratt. I love her. She has the other half in French and learns her Math and Science. Her French teacher is Mdme. Sandra Joubert. I love her also.
Every morning before school we read scriptures and say a prayer. I love this preparation for the day. I have been insistent on reading scriptures because of her blessing. I want her to receive those blessings and it was promised as she reads her scriptures daily. You better believe that if the blessing is for my child, I will make sure it gets done!
And lets just say, this girl has been blowing my mind! She has been in school for a few weeks now. After her first day of school she came home totally chill, and calm. I asked her how her day went and she said, "good." She meant it, but she was so calm. What!? I was so confused by her demeanor. But EVERY day she has been the same. She sometimes has a lot to tell me and I love hearing how much she loves her friends and her teachers and French. But everyday she is calm and collected. She's been helping around the house, leaving us surprises, and taking care of her brothers. Something has clicked inside of this girl and she has all of sudden grown before my eyes. I can see what Heavenly Father sees. I can see that French school is blessing her in ways that I never imagined!
