High Achievers

December was a banner month for the children. Aside from enjoying a Cambridge Christmas, they've been busy with some interests of their own. Mike and I are very proud of them.

Timmy has taken great pride in learning to ride a bike. He was the least interested in getting a bike and now he's the most enthusiastic about riding. He had a similar experience with ice skating. His school arranged a field trip and Timmy begged me to deny him permission to go. When that didn't work, he insisted that he would be sick with fever on the day of the trip. Mom didn't budge and school staff assured him that he wouldn't be forced to skate, although he would have to go with his class. I went too, as a chaperone, helping other children and waving to Timmy through the window as I went around. Imagine my surprise when he approached me and coolly asked for a pair of skates. He went right out there and did it. He was so excited that he wanted to go back the next day! Earlier in the month, Timmy was invested into the local scouting group called Cubs. He is now officially a member of two scout groups, one in England and one in the US. He's been earning badges from both groups. Finally, Timmy has taken an interest in comic book writing, using computer software to facilitate the process. For a school talent demonstration, he and Mike made a video to demonstrate how he creates comic books.

Annie has had several firsts this month. In addition to her stage debut in the Nutcracker, Annie has also learned to ride a bike and ice skate. Additionally, she lost her first two teeth. Annie has rejected the popular practice of leaving her teeth for the tooth fairy. She just doesn't want to part with them. After finding her softly weeping over the prospect, we struck a deal that she could keep the teeth and Mom would just give her a little money instead of the tooth fairy. Fair, right?

Colin's big accomplishment has been learning to read. For a kid who claims he hates his school and complains daily about going, he's doing remarkably well. I volunteer in the classroom about once a week and I can see that he is completely comfortable and adjusted there. He is really soaking up the literacy instruction, which incorporates a wide varieties of techniques to teach the children "funics", as Colin calls phonics. It is very exciting to see the lights turning on for him. He doesn't want to sit with me and read the books his teacher sends home, but he's very curious about words and tries to read signs in the community and books we have at home. He's writing words and sentences too. It's great to see him working out the puzzle of how to put his thoughts on paper. Maybe he'll be writing blog entries before our year is up!

Happy New Year to all.