Saints among us?

The kids were off from school today and we explored the Japanese gardens (photos on the photo blog too).  I was chasing Kate and the boys were just walking like this.  It was totally natural and it made me so happy!  When they are not fighting, they really love each other.

The other day, Will got into the car after school with a HUGE smile on his face.  Since this is not a normal occurrence of late, I asked him about it.  He told me that his Math teacher pulled him into her office and told him that she was allowed to choose one student out of all three grades she taught to award "the saint of the month."  She chose Will.  The teachers were asked to chose one student who demonstrates the attributes of a saint.  I am so proud of him.

Moments later Harry opened his folder only to find out that his teacher had chosen him as well. She never mentioned it to him at all whereas Will's teacher told him in private and then announced it his class.  I am very proud of my boys.  They have been through a lot here but they are still behaving like moral, kind and compassionate individuals.

I must share something with y'all because it is something that has really helped us. Harry has really struggled with his new school. His past two teachers (in Virginia) were about the kindest, most compassionate, warm wonderful teachers you have ever met. We LOVED them.  His current teacher is icy. I could elaborate on this a lot but I have decided not to. Harry has so many feelings and he struggles with expressing them sometimes.  So, Harry and I have begun writing a children's book about a boy who changes schools.  It has helped us immensely.  It is fiction and we have had so much fun embellishing and making up the characters names.  It has allowed Harry to express his feelings in a productive way.  Who knows, we might even try to publish it.  

I wanted to share this with y'all because I could see it as a good way to process various issues that children face.