So fun to see so many updates on this thread! I try to keep up on facebook, but that's not always possible!
Things here have been pretty rocky for a while. Financially, we haven't been doing well, and I am looking for jobs. The good news is that Alan finished his grad school, and is now a Master! His employer was scared that he would leave and find something better, so they are trying to sweeten the pot for him with more of the documentary filmwork that he loves to do, instead of the day to day crap (he's spent the last 2 days working on a story of a baby thrown in the trash).
Now that he's done with his schooling, he wants me to finish my Master's. So, starting October 1st, I will be in an intense year-long program to get my Master's of Education in Instructional Design. So, I may not be able to do a ton of posting, but I'll try to check in when I can! I'm excited but nervous to do this! Keep your fingers crossed for me. I will also be substitute teaching in our local district, and I've applied for a job at a local library. It's only part-time, but that with the subbing would really help us out, financially.
Katie is a Senior this year, and is actually enjoying her life, right now. This last year was the worst year of my life as a parent, and I hope never to go through that again. Katie was subjected to some of the most vicious bullying from a teacher in the drama department at her school, and that trickled down to the rest of the kids in the department. When they saw how he was treating her (and getting away with it), they felt justified in treating her the same way. It was awful! Kids who she thought were her best friends turned on her and hung her out to dry. She kept it hidden from us for a while, but we clued in... after her 3rd suicide attempt! She's now in therapy, and out of that department. I had some long talks with the principal and superintendent and the upshot is that he is on "probation" while he takes extra training, and has supervised classroom visits throughout this year. It was HORRIBLE!!! I'm so glad that she is liking her classes this year, and has found a creative outlet in her Guitar class, her AP Art class, AP English Lit, and Science Fiction and Fantasy writing class.
The other kids continue well. Jacob is a 9th grader, the twins just started 7th grade, and Timmy started Kindergarten. It's definitely a time of change for us all!
We have a
Disneyland trip planned for June as a graduation present for Katie. Should be a lot of fun!!!
Thanks to all of you for your words of support when Alan's mom died in July. It was very kind, and meant a great deal to us!