The New Year

Happy New Year!! This year brings many changes to our family.

Charles has parked his semi truck and is looking for a full time job in town. We are excited to have him home each and every night with us. However, it has been an adjustment for me. It is kind of like when you first get married – you each have your own rhythm of living and your own set of quirks. We have been married over 17 years but have not lived day in and day out together since just before our second wedding anniversary. I have had the cold/flu/crud that is going around my office and Charles has been trying to take care of me – I don’t know how to let him. The other night he looked at me and asked me to just let him help. He has been great to make dinner, run kids to and from school and activities.

Maggie has adjusted to being home. She is now seeing her therapist weekly. It has been a huge change to live with her little siblings instead of a household of girls her own age. Maggie likes her new school but again this too is an adjustment as she has only been to school with all girls on site at her RTC’s. Her new school is small but co ed. I am relieved to hear her describe boys as “weird”. Maggie is helping teach dance to the younger kids at the school and has tried out for the girls basketball team.

Caitlin is getting busier and busier – She loves Young Womens and school. She has her own room downstairs now and loves the independence it brings. For Christmas Santa brought a Wii. She loves Just Dance 2 and there always seems to be a dance off happening in our familyroom. I think now that it is so cold she really hates to walk Buddy the dog – however the consequence of not walking him is worse.

Sydney had her IEP last week. She is making slow progress but it is progress at school. The semester changes soon and that means three new classes. I never thought I’d be so glad to see a PE class end. Her teacher just doesn’t get Sydney or her needs. She has a transplant clinic appt coming up – I’m sure it will be fine as always.

Jonathan is now 8. He started cub scouts and LOVES it!!! His new meds are working better for his social phobia and anxiety. Jon loves having his dad home every night. It has taken some getting used to but he looks forward to doing his homework with Charles. Jon loves the Wii – sometimes a bit too much.

Zachary is well Zachary. He is so busy and into everything – he always asks “how, why, how come” type questions. For Christmas the boys received a ton of building block type toys – legos, nuts and blots, tinker toys etc. Zachary is always making something. He is still in love with his Buddy dog – however we are working more and more on being gentle.

As for me work is very busy – sometimes too busy. I met with my manager because I feel like I could work 70 hours a week and there would still be tasks to do. John told me that was normal. I’m so glad that we have our perm leadership team in place – maybe we can get a bunch of stuff done! It is the beginning of our busy season with many groups preparing to fly over the next three months. Next month is my first performance review as a supervisor and I am way nervous.