Friday, April 30, 2010

Lyndsey's Story - Bullying in School

I am telling my daughter's story because I have found that our schools do very little to protect of children from torment, harassment and just plain bullying. And the bad thing about Lyndsey's story is we, as Lyndsey's parents, were never notified that there was a problem at school - for TWO years. Now, thank goodness we have a very open and honest relationship with Lyndsey and she feels comfortable enough to come to us when she has problems, so we already knew everything, but when the issue arose again this year we finally had enough.

As most of you know the Houston area was hit hard by Hurricane Ike on September 13, 2008. Our schools were closed for approximately three (3) weeks due to damage. Up to this point Lyndsey had been growing her hair out to donate to Locks of Love (www.locksoflove.org). So, during her extended break from school we took the opportunity to have Lyndsey's hair cut and donated.








When Lyndsey returned to school with her short hair the rumors began to fly. All of a sudden she went from a "normal" girl to a lesbian and an "emo" girl (and for those of you who don't know like I didn't, an "emo" girl is one who is depressed and suicidal). Lyndsey was devastated! It really affected her self-confidence and self-esteem. She began to question herself and she said she had to watch every little thing she said because she didn't want people to take it the wrong way. This talk and torment went on for weeks until Lyndsey finally went to one of her PE coaches. Several girls were called in and it became a she said/I didn't said that war. Of course, we were NEVER notified by the coaches, principal or the counselor that any of this was going on (hmmm, wonder if the other girls parents were either?).

As time went on the rumors continued but in a more hush, hush form and Lyndsey learned to ignore it and just stayed among her good friends (and yes, she did lose some "friends" through all this). Once school was out Lyndsey had a few friends in which she hung out with during the summer and she got involved in swimming. Her self-esteem seemed to peek some but never back to where it once was.

Seventh grade begins. Lyndsey was nervous to go back to school in fear of what people might say about her. During the summer months she had refuse to cut her hair, even a trim, because she didn't want it too short. The year begins well. She falls back into a nice routine, makes some new friends and by Thanksgiving has her first "boyfriend," although Byron and I won't allow boyfriends yet so we called him her guy-friend. Anyway, they broke up a few months later, no big deal, until....she is now a bi-sexual and a lesbian. Now this is coming from boys and girls as she sits in class, walks down the hall, or is in PE. She turned in a group of kids, which one was sent to the office - again, we were NOT notified by school officials.

Lyndsey is a straight A student, a member of the Nations Junior Honor Society, a Lady Panther track team member and a all-around great girl who is being bullied for no apparent reason other than because these kids can. And what is so bad, us as parents aren't' being notified when our kids are having these types of issues at school. UNACCEPTABLE!!! I am going to work to change this problem. I am very proud of Lyndsey - she is a strong young lady who is doing things right is how she is handling her situation - but what about the kids who aren't' so strong? Whose parents aren't notified? What about the bully's? What about their parents, are they being notified of their children's actions? Are kids being taught tolerance of others? Are schools really paying attention to the issues at hand? Are parents doing their part? These are questions I want to work to answer and to help solve within our schools. No only for my daughter, but for all the kids affected by bullying!

New Job for Anne - Final Thought

Well everyone - the job announcement was made and it was not in my favor. But, all things happen for a reason and I truly believe that there is something bigger and better out there for me to do (and I have a hunch I have discovered it already). Anyway, thanks for all of you who have weighed in with your thoughts - I really do appreciate it. So - off to the next project at hand....

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Just Keep Peddling


Oh what a wonderful time we have been having....and a workout - at least for Byron! James now LOVES riding his big boy bike! Byron worked with him for about an hour one day while I was cooking and then here he is the next day at the park by our house showing off his skills! He picked up on bike riding rather quickly for a 4 year old I think and is loving every minute of it - even the spills! He thinks it is fun to crash (especially if Mom falls with him as she did the other day). We are looking forward to family bike rides once James gets a little more steady on his two wheels!

Byron Turned 45!!!


On April 10th we celebrated Byron's 45th birthday! Byron is not into big celebrations, so it was just a small family affair. As you can see, he was presented with a store bought German chocolate cake (after last years catastrophe) donned with as many candles as Lyndsey wanted to put on. Now, we had to be careful not to set off the smoke alarms (notice the slight haze in the picture to the right) so we didn't put all 45 on the cake! Anyway, it was a nice day with just our family. I hope he enjoyed it as much as the kids and I did.

Friday, April 9, 2010

Our Littlest Friend


Jaxton is our littlest friend that lives across the street. He is just a little over a year old and we were lucky enough to have him over the other morning for a little while. Of course we took advantage of our time with him right before Easter and put some rabbit ears on him and snapped a quick shot. How cute is he?

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Bringing It Home


So last week I bragged about how well Lyndsey did at her track meet...this week, I am backing it up with video! That's right...I have proof at what a good runner she really! In the video above Lyndsey is in the 400m dash bringing in FIRST place for her team! I was so proud - again!

I also took video of Lyndsey doing the triple jump event (see below). This is very new to her so she is still learning. She scratched her first two jumps but her third was very good. I believe her jump length was 26.4' (but don't quote me on that). He coach is working with her every week to help her improve.

Cowboy Up!

 

James' class had a "western" day and he really got into the whole cowboy look. Since then, we went and got him his first pair of real cowboy boots and some cowboy shirts. Of course the weather is turning warmer and shorts and now in season so the cowboy look might have to be hung up for a while, but doesn't he look great?
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New Job For Anne - Part II

Well, I completed all my interviews with the College of the Mainland and am one of three final candidates. The position was for Financial Aid Officer which is similiar to the position I held at the University of Central Arkansas. I feel I did well in my final interview but, as many people do, I have replayed my answers and wished I could say something different or give a completely different response. But, I did the best I could and I am hoping for the best. It has been nearly two weeks since the interview process ended and I thought I would hear something by now, but nothing. I am a bit worried but still trying to keep my hopes up. It has been so long since I have been through this process, I don't remember how long it takes. Keep your fingers crossed good news comes soon.

Monday, April 5, 2010

Easter 2010

Our family enjoyed a relaxing Easter Sunday together. We were thankful that Byron was off so we were able to spend the holiday together. We smoked a pork shoulder roast on Saturday to enjoy on Sunday, we had an egg hunt with the kids and just sorta took it easy. We are so blessed in our life and with our family and friends and thank God each day for what we have been given.

Sushi and His Easter Treat

We feel that every family memeber deserves an Easter treat....our dog included. So, this year we gave Sushi a bone to chew on. The only problem was getting it away from him. In the video below, you see Bryon attempting this daunting task. Too funny!

Saturday, April 3, 2010

A Father's Intuition

Byron is such a great father. James has has the sniffles, as we all have with the pollen around here, so I haven't given it a second thought. Byron got home from a trip late Thursday night (early Friday morning) and when he got up Friday he noticed James' left ear was really red and stated that he thought James had an ear infection. Me, I was a bit skeptical. I would have known this already, right? Anyway, he asked James, "Does your ear hurt?" James responds, "Yes sir." And so it began. A little while later James was crying and we were making a doctors appointment. Turns out, in the doctor words, James has a "roaring ear infection in his left ear" and the begin of a sinus infection. Byron's father's intuition was right on...good going Dad!

Friday, April 2, 2010

When You Wish You Had Your Camera....

As you all know, Lyndsey is on the track team. Her track meets have begun and I brought my camera to the first meet but it was raining and windy so I was unable to get any pictures or video. Wednesday she had her second meet and realized as I pulled into the parking lot - and hour late - I realized I did not have my camera with me! Since I was so late I couldn't turn around and go back home and get it. I I figured what was the harm, I probably wouldn't be able to get a good shot anyway, right? Boy was I wrong!!! Lyndsey was amazing and I could have gotten some amazing pictures and videos.

Lyndsey's first competition was the triple jump. I had never seen this event but it is similar to the long jump with a hop to it. Lyndsey did really well, but I don't believe that she placed. Her next event was the 2 X 400 relay and she was the final leg of her team. The first runner had a rough start which put their team in last place....in a big way. One the baton reached Lyndsey I felt sorry for her. I was like, she is going to have to run the final stretch in front of everyone, dead last. Again, I was wrong. The runner before Lyndsey passes the baton to her and Lyndsey takes off...all you see are her long, slender legs moving like the speed of like. And slowly she closes the gap between her the the team in front of her. Some how Lyndsey brings her team from dead last to THIRD place at the finish line. It was a photo finish between Lyndsey and one other girl and Lyndsey won out. I was yelling, along with her entire team and coaches. I was so proud. I had never seen such determination and focus on her face in the 13 years of her life. What an amazing thing to see as a parent.

Her last event was the 400m dash. She placed third is that event, which made me very proud as well. She wasn't happy with her time and is striving to do better. I think she is pushing herself for first. I can't wait to see how she does next week. And I promise not to forget my camera!!!