annual update

[Guest guest]

Well, I am a little late adding to this. We just returned from a trip home to

Alabama for Christmas. Had a great time, but the driving is no fun. Pulled in

the drive at 4:30 pm, I had to work at 6:45 pm. I slept in the car, but had no

problems staying awake at work as we were extremely busy at the hospital.

Our 2005 has been an interesting year. My mother announced her engagement, and

we will be returning to Alabama next week for her wedding. Both girls are very

excited.

started middle school, and she loves it. I can't say I am thrilled, but

then I am looking at it from a different perspective, that of a parent. Her

academics seem to be doing well, although I am concerned about the academic

plan. I will be meeting with her teacher soon to review her academics. Reading

continues to be her strength, math her weakness. I just don't seem to be in the

loop as to what she is working on in school, and that bothers me.

The other area I am concerned about is socialization. This is an area I have

fallen down on in the past year, and need to work on now. She doesn't mind

being by herself, watching TV, etc., but she needs friends. There is no one in

her sped class for her to be friends with, and the sped population in our area

is small. I have to admit to a certain amount of envy reading about the

programs in the larger areas, such as 's programs. I am trying to promote

some friendships with peers, and will see how that goes.

also started having periods earlier this year, and I am very proud of how

she is handling it. To be honest, I didn't think she would do as well, and she

has proven me wrong.

is in 5th grade and doing well. And in case you didn't know it,

knows it all already, so we don't know why she goes to school (lol). But she is

really doing well. She has started playing tennis and loves it.

continues with her ballet, lyrical and jazz dance. She loves it. I also

am seriously considering starting her in some type of martial arts program.

Mike continues to work hard. He is doing well in his job, and enjoys it

(although he won't admit it). He fishes as much as possible, and takes the

girls fishing when he can.

I am still working part time, although will be changing to a more flexible

schedule the end of this month. This will allow me more time with the girls, as

Mike's hours seem to be increasing. I just can't see myself quitting

completely. I have been an RN for 24 years now, and still enjoy it immensely.

On a personal note, I have been having knee problems that have curtailed my

activity. Luckily, no damage, but my doc has lowered the boom, I must lose

weight. Funny, I have been overweight for 14 years, and talk about losing

weight frequently (remember ?). However now I am worried about health

issues. It certainly has been easy to watch my portions, etc., recently.

And I would like to say how much fun we had at the gathering in Pittsburgh this

summer. We are already looking forward to the next one.

We hope everyone has a wonderful, happy, healthy, blessed New Year. I feel

fortunate to be part of this wonderful group.

Sharon H.

Mom to , (14, DS) and , (10)

South Carolina