If Samantha wants to do something, she will give it her all; whether it be a project for school, getting dressed for an outing, or reading a book she is interested in. Samantha will surprise us and show us what she is truly capable of. However, if Samantha has no desire to do something, there is no amount of motivation or encouragement you can give her to get it done. It's like pulling teeth and the task will be met with much strife. We realized this school year the best way to tackle a big project is to break it into little manageable pieces. It keeps Sam from getting overwhelmed and hopefully the meltdowns at bay.
Jeff is excellent at keeping us in check when it seems like I've gotten carried away with scheduling and wanting to do it all. He is able to reign me in and thus, potential future meltdowns are at a minimum. I truly feel we've gotten a better handle on how much Sam can manage and what may put her over the edge. Actually, let me correct that last statement. Jeff has a better handle. I am still a work in progress. A really great example of this in action is when we had the opportunity to schedule two Broadway musicals in the same day for an upcoming trip to New York. I felt if we made sure to have a nap or some major downtime in between the two shows we could do it all and not have to chose. "Go BIG or go home" is my motto in NY -- well, pretty much anywhere. :) Jeff, however, was the voice of reason and said this was going to be difficult for Sam to sit thru and be well behaved -- which is key among an audience of theatre-goers especially when paying those high ticket prices. Overall, this has been a good year for setting Sam up for success and not failure. Plus, having Lucy has been a big blessing in keeping her emotional outbursts less of an explosion.
This past year Samantha decided to continue her horseback riding lessons. It's truly awesome to see her shine and see all her 'moods' disappear as she rides. The confidence, self-esteem and the skills she is learning to control her horse is priceless. Sam also participated in Girls Run for Fun through her school's extracurricular program in the Fall and again in the Spring. It's a great activity that meets twice a week and gets the girls to be able to run a 5k. Additionally Sam ran in the Cherry Blossom Kid's fun run at the beginning of April. I am so proud of her for wanting to do this.
Samantha is going away to camp for entire month this Summer and can't wait to get going. Unlike her brother the amount of time she will be gone is not too long and she doesn't need me to write her daily or send packages in the mail. Sam's got this and it's one step closer to her living on her own. :)
There is one area that I feel Samantha would do amazing in and really excel...acting! If Samantha entered the theatre program Ian is in, I have no doubt she would become a star. Let her put all that drama she has in her to good use. Unfortunately, I've had no luck convincing her to give acting a try.
A few weeks ago I took Sam by herself down to Orlando with me for my sister's baby shower. We had a great time and I loved traveling with her. From Thursday afternoon to Monday afternoon, I had a very loveable, happy go-lucky Samantha and it was delightful. It was the best and I wish all our days could be like this.
I wish for Samantha a very happy birthday and a fantastic 9th year. May her reasons to smile outnumber her reasons to yell. May her days be filled with sunny skies and an endless number of cute outfits to wear, where the decision on what to wear doesn't involve me. Daddy and I love you so very much!
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| First day of third grade! |
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| Sam started her eighth year getting her ears pierced! |
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