Tarico Times: This Week

This week has been a very busy week at Camden's school with all sorts of activities. On Tuesday evening they had an art show which was very enjoyable. Camden really surprised us with his response to it all. Last year he didn't even want to attend so we didn't go. But this year, he has seemed to enjoy art much more and I think much of that is due to the fabulous Art Mom his class has had this year. She has really done some wonderful projects! Anyway, he mentioned they had submitted a few of his art projects and wanted to go to the art show. When we arrived and found his three items (two inside and one outside which was used as part of a cool flag presentation), he burst into tears saying "I only have two items in the show". I couldn't believe it...is this the same boy that didn't even want to go last year and wants to spend about five minutes on every art related project we do at home? Camden sure keeps us guessing sometimes. But one thing is for sure he has the tendency to be very critical of himself and other people and often looks at things half empty NOT half full. How as a parent do you change that thinking? We have been praying about that a lot lately. So today I had coffee with several Mom's from his school one of which is our fabulous art Mom. It was such an enlightening conversation in so many areas....one involving Camden. I tend to put Camden in a box (I am really trying hard to change this)...he tends to be more of a concrete thinker and (in general) not naturally creative. Well, she totally called me on that today. Commenting how well he is doing in art and especially how well he did on one particular project that was submitted to the art show. She said he did one of the best (if not the best) in the class on that project and showed how creative he can be. That was so sweet of her to share and a bit of a wake up call to remember to not put him in a box. This afternoon I shared with Camden what she had said and his face just lit up and the first thing he said was, "That was really nice of her to say that!" As we were driving a few minutes later he said, "Did she really say that?" Oh my sweet boy!

In addition to my normal Wednesday afternoon in the classroom and a Field trip, they also had a K-2 program titled African American Extravaganza. It was all about celebrating African American contributions to different kinds of music. It turned out very well. However much to Camden's dismay they asked him to do a little solo. It was only two lines but boy was he nervous about it last night. He thought for sure he would forget his lines. I am so glad they asked him to do it as it is not something he would ever volunteer for and it is so good for him. I am happy to report that he did a wonderful job and didn't forget his lines.

Here the kid's getting ready to sing. Just in case your wondering why Camden is so dressed up for the show, on top of everything else this week it has also been "spirit" week. Each day the kids are supposed to dress in different ways. Today was career day. Although he thought about trying to dress up as a scientist, he decided to go for one of his sports dreams...a professional soccer player.