Was that A Bell I Heard Ringing?

Yes the school bells are ringing and Abate and Fantu have started class here in Texas. Monday was the first day and we were all feeling quite nervous as we headed out the door. Abate was dropped off at the door and was off to start his first day of school here in Jr. High. 8 classes, 6 different teachers, changing classrooms at the end of each one. I think he was most excited about having a locker to keep things in. It was something he had only seen in movies. His athletics coach is also his math teacher - and they really hit it off. Coach Olsen is thrilled to have Abate on the cross country team and will hopefully work with Abate to help him to do well in math, it is his worse subject. He has to pass all his classes to remain on the team. He also has Texas History, English, Science, Art (which he also loves), Reading, and will have English as a Second language starting in a few weeks. Until then he is in an extra reading class that is computer based. He is so excited each evening and talks constantly about his day. Several of his teachers are really impressed with him and his level of English. I think he will do really well this year.
Fantu is in the 6th grade at the Intermediate School. She also has several different teachers but her entire class changes rooms together. I had a chance to meet her different teachers and they all seem very nice. Fantu of course was looking most forward to Choir. It is her first class every morning and she just can't wait to get there. The choir directors are both such sweet ladies and are very excited about Fantu being there. I was very apprehensive placing Fantu in the 6th grade as she is only 10. But so far she is doing quite well. She also is in a English as a 2nd Language class and we hope that this will help her to keep up with her class. We are looking at this year to be a year for her to build her confidence and improve her English skills. But I think she may surprise us all and do really well. She's a very clever girl.
It has been such a successful start to the school year and we just continue to feel so blessed that Abate and Fantu are part of this family. What amazing kids they are!
Here are a few pictures of them waiting to leave for their first day - real excited looking aren't they?

Cheers to the Irishman!

The Irishman had a birthday and the new family had so much fun planning, decorating and celebrating! Abate and Fantu really got into it. Abate blew up a dozen balloons, we put up streamers and a banner. Confetti on the table (it is now all over the house). Fantu and I baked and decorated a cake. Decorating cakes is not one of my many talents, but we had fun and it was very tasty! Alan and Abate went and played a round of golf while Fantu and I stayed home and cooked and baked. We made a Ethiopian meal - Doro Wat (spicy chicken stew) Miser Wat (spicy red lentils) Gomen (collard greens, except I couldn't find any so I had to use turnip greens) and of course Injera (Ethiopian flatbread). Carrie, James and Caleb joined us for the evening. Caleb kept telling Alan "Happy Birthday". He then said he'd sing it for him in a minute but he was too busy eating. After dinner Fantu did an Ethiopian dance and the she sang (Abate did join in) a Ethiopian song. Such a beautiful voice. Abate did his balancing act - this time with a golf club. We then watched Watership Down - one of Alan's favorite films.

Alan and Abate had alot of fun playing golf. Alan managed to win this round but I don't think he will be beating him much longer! Abate really enjoyed playing and shows real promise. Alan was really impressed as this was the first time Abate had played. Watch out Tiger!

Well school starts on Monday and we are all getting nervous. We go Friday to get Abate's schedule and hopefully get a tour of the school. We will also go to Fantu's school and meet her teachers. The weekend has lots of shopping planned, new clothes, shoes and school supplies. Should be exciting and fun!

Pictures are from the weekend, enjoy! Fantu took quite a few of them.

Tears and Laughter!

Well it was a exciting week here at the madhouse, oops I mean doghouse. Dentist for Fantu, she did so well this time! Vaccinations for both of them 3 each, a must have to attend school. This went okay. Apparently Abate has a habit of fainting after getting a shot - something he failed to mention. Gave me a bit of a fright! But he was okay after a few minutes. Fantu was better than I had prepared for, but it was still very hard on her. She has a low tolerance for pain and it's a very sad sight to see her cry for 10-15 minutes. The worse thing is - they have to go back in Monday and get 3 more each. Alan's turn this time though!
We got them registered for school. Abate will be attending the Jr. High school, in 7th grade. He will be taking in addition to 5 required courses - ESL (English as a Second Language), an extra reading class and Athletics. He has to sign up for Athletics so he can run track - Cross Country Running. Athletics usually includes American Football, Basketball and Track. He will opt out of the Football though as he will be playing in the city soccer league this Autumn. Not sure yet if he will do Basketball. Fantu will be at the Intermediate School in the 6th grade. She will also be in a ESL class for an hour each day and will be able to take Choir. We think this will really help her fit in and enjoy school as she loves singing and has such a beautiful voice. 6th grade is going to be hard for her but they have promised extra help for her during the year. They are both really excited but nervous about starting school. It is quite a change from Ethiopia.
The big event this week was the Boys and Girls Club Talent Show. Fantu performed a Ethiopian dance and Abate balanced a pool stick on his finger, then bounced it onto his palm. Then on his thumb and finally on his forearm. Abate won 1st place in the variety category. Fantu did a really good job and we are so proud of her. She has come so far in the 2+ months she has been home. Here is the link to a video of their performance. http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dbb5w8D3wUHs&h=705b96a4aa4ef17fcf4e5699a36bdd76
The next 2 weeks look to be pretty busy as the summer winds down and school starts on the 24th. They've only 1 week left of Boys and Girls club so I guess they will be going to work with me a couple of days that last week. Sounds like a good excuse to go to Austin for lunch.!