Family Update

James turned 4 years old today. Hard to believe. I mean it is not like this is a suprise, we have been talking about it for a year now. It did not sneak up on us or anything. There are many milestones that come with your youngest child turning 4. For us, it is limiting the thumb-sucking to laying down in bed or on the cot at school. (Of course, I realize, I cannot control what goes on at daycare, but they are usually pretty good with follow-through. Don't get me wrong,, this will be easier for us than for them.)

Giving up the thumb is BIG in his world. The milestone for me, though, means that in barely over one year from now, James will be going to Kingergarten summer school. Holy Crap. Where has the time gone? And that only means one thing--Emma will be entering Second Grade summer school. SECOND GRADE??!! She was just born.

The little smart-### found his birthday present. Daddy was supposed to have it wrapped before we came home. Life happens, and it did not get done. Well, as it was still sitting "hidden" in the garage, James found it. I am pretty sure that he knows what it is, but he was not 100% convinced. His reaction opening it tomorrow at his birthday party will be fun to listen to.

Emma had her Kingergarten graduation today. OMG. She got her little diploma. I know that this is a big deal, or is it? Who decided to hipe this up back in the day? I guess at one point it was a big deal to adjust to 1/2 day Kingergarten to full day 1st grade, but nowadays don't most kids go full day in this grade? Anyway, we got her report card. Pluses all the way down. (Nope, not bragging at all.) This is an improvement in many ways. She is now keeping her mouth closed at appropriate times, and has improved in her reading and writing skills. What I am most impressed with is the checkmark next to "exceeds grade level expectations". We are so proud.

Kevin is still doing well. We went with his mom to a celebratory one year anniversary of his sobriety meeting together. I am very proud of him. He is doing a great job. We continue to thank God daily for his sobriety, and pray that it continues.

And the laughs continue....I/we just bought Kevin a car from my brother. Paid lots of money. Kevin wants a birthday present. Humph. Doesn't he drive it everyday? hahaha.

Work is still going great. I helped put together a new handbook for my program. I also revamped the discipline policy. I am excited to have things in writing and to watch the implementation unfold next school year. If you don't already know this, I am proud to tell anyone who will listen that I have the BEST job in the world. I will do this until I retire.

I have spoken minimally about this, but I am a bit excited to keep it in. I have an appointment with my plastic surgeon in two weeks. I am fairly confident that I am going to get the surgery that I have been wanting for YEARS. If I get my way, it will happen on Dec. 19 so that I have my entire winter break to recover. This will give me the time off that recovery demands and I won't have to go back to work and move/lift heavy things as I would if the surgery happened over the summer. I will be recruiting people to come help take care of the kids(me), so watch out.

Any of you who read this and know me well, know that I started this approaching my bedtime. And since I have to get up and work a WW meeting in the morning, I must close.

God bless.