Celebration Time!

School is really challenging for Jordan. It always has been. I knew it was going to be the first order of business once her daddy and i got married, someone needed to advocate for this kid and get her the education she deserved (education is my background so i knew it needed to be me). The first step of course was demanding an evaluation and getting her on an IEP (individual education plan). Once the IEP was in place i knew she needed to change schools, so i went in search of a really good one, one that focused on the individual needs of the child and was willing (and able) to take the extra steps needed to figure out my kid and teach her in a way that she was actually able to learn. Once we found the award winning school we wanted to to go to we sat on the long waiting list to get in. She began at her new school this last Fall. It was a challenge for her. Most award winning and academically recognized schools are filled with high achievers and super students. We weren't sure if Jordan would be able to keep up. So we hired a tutor for her and made sure that we were in constant contact with her teachers. i was so impressed that her teachers would take the time to email us with updates or issues on a regular basis, it was obvious to us that they were willing to go above and beyond for our child. Jordan had a great school year at this very prestigious school and today her report card came.

You should have seen this child's face as she opened the envelop and looked at her report card. She was smiling ear to ear as she laid eyes on A's, B's, C's and one D+. She said, "This is the best report card i have ever had in my whole life." (tis true, most of her school career was filled with only failing grades, all F's and D's yet they pushed her through the system) We asked, "How does it feel?" she answered, "It feels really good. I am really happy. All of my hard work paid off." We asked, "what so we do to celebrate?" (bracing ourselves for "buy a pony") and she thought for a minute and said, "definitely Sushi". yep, REALLY...so we said let's do it and we did. OH and Cold Stone for dessert...because it really was a special occasion!

I cannot express how proud i am of this kid. Jordan has some special needs, she struggles socially at times, she works really hard for her grades and there are days when trying to learn something new is just plain overwhelming. Her efforts this last school year really did pay off. We have NEVER expressed that grades were important, we only ever asked her to do her best...as long as she did that grades did not matter. Well i guess they mattered to her, and the proof is in her awesome report card. YAY Jordan!!

Spicy Red Dragon Roll

mmmm Sushi!!! Cookie Doughn't You Want Some

As Jordan said her prayers tonight she made sure to thank her Heavenly Father for "helping me get good grades" and "for a really fun family celebration to make me feel special for my hard work". Yep, she is a pure joy...we are so thankful for her sweetness in our lives! I would sacrifice anything for this kid...anything!