CHQ Gorge Family Hike & Mama/Jax Special Bike Ride, and other memories

School Year 2017, Fall activities: Tennis and Piano

As the new school year 2017-2018 began, Taji headed to 2nd grade (Mrs. Long) and Jax to Kindergarten (Mrs. Russell).  Here's hoping for a better school year than last... Taji was still very hung up on the strict demeanor of his previous 1st grade teacher and very anxious to begin school.  I was keeping my fingers crossed for more easy going teachers and more outdoor recess!

Mama also returned to her school year 2017-2018 at Pine Valley Central School, continuing as their School Psychologist for the year.  I was prepared and excited to return to my office at school and resume assessments and all that my role entailed. The new school year brought me new challenges as I completed yet another FBA, many initial and re-evaluations of students, CSE (IEP) meetings, and coordinating all SST meetings at both the elementary school and middle/ high school.  Learning so much along the way, and becoming a better tester, report writer, and counselor.  I found nice friends within the cohort of counselors and social workers, and despite the grueling school and union politics and turnover, I kept on fulfilling my obligations and expanding my role so I could beef up my resume and gaining expertise for future school psychologist positions. 

after rearranging office furniture at my school, that is my desk right back there.  The positives in working for this school district is that I had an office with an actual large window, so I would get natural light and sunlight throughout the day.  It also had its own kitchenette with sink and microwave.  I brought in my own Keurig coffee machine and it became very convenient for me to make and eat my breakfasts upon arriving at my office at the crack of dawn (7:40ish).  Having these simple office comforts, close proximity to the faculty restroom, being able to heat up my own lunches and make lovely chai lattes while writing reports and testing using the surplus of testing kits and technology (new Windows chrome book!) made up for the dreadful commute through rural forms and beat-up roads, nasty icy winter conditions, and the toxic negative climate of the school due to mediation and tension between teachers and administration.  That about sums up my WNY stint in my school psychologist career!

Boys FIRST Pet- Our Kitten Gravity

Welcome Gravity Cuddles Grover!

After begging for a pet and kitten all summer long, the boys were finally ready to share in the responsibility of having their own first pet.  As a family, we have so much love to give to a furry little one, and the moment we saw his sweet little face behind the glass at the Chautauqua Humane Society Adoptable Pets at Petsmart, we knew he was meant to be ours and we had to adopt him!

We adopted him just before Labor Day, at the end of August 2017, he was 2 months old and such a sweet kind and gentle little soul.  Yes, the boys named him Gravity... Taji actually thought of the name, and though it was tough to get used to in the beginning, the name sticks.  Gravity has many adorable nicknames-  Grav, gRRRRRRavity (rolling of the R's), Gravvies, and Agent G.  He's been especially patient and tolerant of the boys' sometimes exuberant and intense affection, chasing, and cuddling. He has been such a respectful good kitty, already potty trained and quickly adapting to a big house.  Gravity has brought so much love to our household, the best is how happy he is to see us when we get home.  He just fills our home with so much love, and brought heart to an otherwise empty quiet home. 

He just loves to cuddle!  He watches TV with us, cuddling, kneading and "nursing" on blankets, and falls asleep on us on the couch.  He also sleeps at foot of our bed, and joins the boys in their beds overnight from time to time. Gravity is just such a mellow little guy!  The boys have been great taking turns filling his bowl with food, and cleaning out his litter box, though sometimes they need to be nudged and reminded to do it.  They know taking care of a pet is a big responsibility and its up to them to take good care of him so he is a healthy and happy (and sometimes overfed) kitty!