So I've thought about posting a couple of times. I got so close to composing something, only to give up, sign out, and walk away. Why? I really don't know. I guess I just haven't felt like I've had much to share? I'm not sure. So anyway I decided enough is enough and I really ought to just put some sort of update out there. So here it goes . . .
What's up with Linda?
I've lost 30 pounds. I weigh less than Ben! I wear the same size I did in high school (although I know my body does not, nor will it ever, look like it did in high school).
I'm teaching 4th grade math during summer school. I have 3 classes that rotate to me throughout the day. 4 days a week. I have a babysitter who watches the girls and my child care kiddos at our house while I'm at work. It seems to be working out well.
I fell down the basement steps and landed on my head the day before Memorial Day. It was traumatic and I'm pretty wary of the stairs now. But I have healed quickly and my bruises are getting a nice greenish yellow tint finally. Only a little sore on the spot where I hit my noggin and landed on my right knee.
My current puzzle is how to get 12 two year olds to sit quietly for a 5 minute nursery lesson. I've tried all sorts of things and nothing seems to feel right. But I have a few more ideas to ponder and pray about. I think the solution is right around the corner. I can feel it.
I have taken the Praxis test for early childhood education which will add birth to 3rd grade to my 1st-6th teaching certification. Result won't be available for another 4 weeks. I'm feeling hopeful about a possible job at the district's early childhood center this fall. Crossing fingers and saying prayers.
What's up with Ben?
He is building cabinets for our newly remodeled bathroom. It's coming along nicely. I'm not planning on posting any pics until the trim is up and it looks "polished". You will be ah-mazed! It's gorgeous. Oh alright . . . here's a sneak peak.
He has also installed the new windows for the main floor. He's amazing. And with all the power tools a-buzzin, the neighbors have enlisted his help leveling the ground for their pool. The neighbors next to those neighbors have asked him to help put up their backyard pavilion. He says he needs to be more careful about how he works his home improvement projects.
Ben starts his summer classes this week. He is working to finish his Bachelor's at UMSL and then he'll continue on toward his MBA. He has promotion interviews and is standing out as a leader at his company. I'm proud of him.
What's up with the girls?
Daila had a neurology appointment and another diagnosis. She has an anxiety disorder called selective mutism. This is not a big deal to us at all. We have no worries about Daila. We took her to the neurologist on a request from her therapists and he didn't find anything unusual about her. Actually, the selective mutism diagnosis validates what we already know about Daila. She gets anxious in unfamiliar places, especially social settings, and will refuse to speak or communicate with some people. Ya think? We already knew that about her, but it does explain a few situations that have happened in the past. So I'm glad that we took her to the neurologist and figured all that out about her so we can help other people understand her better.
Anna will be in 5th grade! She's starting to see the first bits of peer pressure. I wouldn't really call it peer pressure at this point, but her friends seem to be wondering why I'm so strict. hmmm . . . Anna doesn't question me and considers them her own personal values, but she doesn't know how to respond to her friends questions and comments.
Janae is maturing nicely and seems to be more comfortable with herself. I feel great about that, but at the same time I know that could mean something big is on the verge of happening. But for now, there isn't too much to report.
My laptop battery is low and I'm going to watch a movie with Ben. I'll try not to wait so long for the next update. :) Enjoy your summer and PEACE OUT!
