Kevin's "1st Day of School"

Well, Kevin delivered his first lesson plan today...to mixed reviews. He knew this crowd would be tough, but geeeeeez!! He had 4 classes and by the end of the 2nd one, it felt as if he'd already worked 8 hours. The hardest class was the 1st one. There were only 4 kids in it, but there's a macho-defiant dude in the class that gave Kevin some grief. He basically told Mr. Bailey that he didn't have to follow the rules, then walked toward him in a challenging manner. The para-professional stepped in and talked him out of doing anything more stupid, and the tension eased a little. The next class was full of disruptive kids who were all over the place and ended the activity early. Kevin is realizing that he'll have to have back-up activities/discussions or something to fill the time for the go-getters. But there were a handful that were very interested in his presentation, and the drawing activity he had them do.

The cool thing is, this is the trial run, and he did a great job of handling these "troubled youth." (Sounds like the teachers are the troubled ones, if you ask me.) And once he gets to know the system, the personalities of the kids and makes his mark, I know he'll make a real difference in at least a few of their lives.
Go Mr. Bailey!!

Hello, Daddy has news too!!!

Hey guys, thanks for all your sweet words of encouragement. Life hasn't changed too much around here. EXCEPT: Daddy has a new job. (We blog so much about Camden that sometimes we forget to mention us!!)
Kevin accepted a job as Art Teacher for the Excel program in Duval. Excel is SED kids (severe emotionally disturbed), kids with behavioral (and for some legal!) problems. He started at Paxon Middle last week--the first day of school was Monday. So far he's observing, but tomorrow he'll actually get to give his first presentation, on "What is Art?" and introduce himself to the kids.
He'll do a month and a half at each school, and when the middle schools are done, move to high schools--it's a rotating thing. But he's got some really cool activities already planned out, thanks in part to Joani who helped him with power point stuff over the weekend.
Here's a few shots from our weekend. All the Bailey's were in Tallahassee at Nana and Gramps. Kevin and I went out to eat (on the big 5 year wedding anniversary!) on Friday night, then Saturday the whole crew (minus Ashley and Bob) ate at the Osceola Grill, while watching the Seminoles scrimmage. We completely pigged out and had lots of fun. (thanks Nana for the cool baby stuff--and the extra sleep-- and thanks Gramps for the food!). Aunt Ash, it was great seeing you again! (You too, Uncle Jon, although you were like a Zombie all weekend. "WAKE UP JEFF!".
Camden also checked in with his Tallahassee Lassie, Ms. Olivia, who's looking mighty fine! It was hard for Camden to control his impulses and we had to get onto him for getting a little fresh with her (see pic). It was great to see her again and all the cool things she's up to.
(As always, thanks Beth and Joani for letting me steal the pics.)
P.S. With the change of jobs, Kevin's salary increased so there's a new addition to the fam: a 1997 Honda Accord--dark green, power everything, a sometimes schizophrenic AC, not so bad mileage and in great shape. Soooo nice having a 2nd car again!! Thank you, God!!! :)

Diagnosis

For those that don't know, we got the results of the MRI back and although it's just a preliminary diagnosis, Camden has a form of cerebral palsy. It's not the best news, but certainly not the worst. It just means we'll have to love on him even more and make a point at every turn to make him feel as normal as possible. We will probably be adding more physical therapy, some speech therapy and occupational too and with all this, the Dr. feels pretty confident that Camden will be able to reach his goals. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers and as always, keep them coming!