and Molly Grossman Update

[Guest guest]

Sorry this is a mass email, but I just haven't had the time to keep up with friends and family the way I would like to. I emailed most of you during our trip to India in February to meet our son Gobinda (now going by ). A lot of things have changed around here in the last 6 1/2 months! 's fallen right into the crew and we can't imagine life before him!

The kids are now 12,10, 8, and 6. The girls played softball and played Tball over the summer. Karl didn't want to play ball, but he did an awesome job on a covered wagon model for 4-H. He was able to take it to the state fair and received a special merit ribbon there! In the fall both boys started soccer. definately prefers T-ball, so I don't think he'll be on a team next year. Of course the girls both say they want to play so.... well... may be even more evenings with practices next year!

still working with seed corn. They're harvesting now. He's putting in fairly long days and working some on weekends, so I'm running kids a lot. I'm working at Prairie Heights Middle School this year. I plan to stay here until I retire. I'm having a lot of fun working on exciting hands-on ways to get the 8th graders to understand science. The teachers and staff have been awesome helping me settle in to a whole new school. I'm very comfortable already!

Monali's in 5th grade and has developed into quite the helper. It's hard to believe how much she's grown up since she came home 3 years ago. She's quite a mother hen making sure everyone pitches in. She's eager to help out and keeps track of everyone's chores to see what allowance they earn. She's a master of saving what she has so she can get something much more expensive down the road. Monali is loving school and is a bit disappointed that they haven't been getting homework every night!

Karl is in 4th grade and has developed a new interest in music. They are learning to play recorders in school. He can play several tunes by ear. I'm not sure he's willing to admit he has anything left to learn though. He's doing quite well at school academically. He still struggles to fit in, relax, and be happy. His medications for Asperger's (mild form of autism) have helped, but he still has strange quirks. I guess that's part of the charm of his personality Karl's also starting work this week to get braces on.

As a complete opposite of Karl (and major irritant to his already grumpy state) Lizzy is an always happy 3rd grader. She's usually spinning around dancing and singing some tune she's making up. She does very well at school, but doesn't really LIKE her homework. She's in "Lizzy Land" most of the time and is very very artistic and creative. She's also got a competitive side and is built like a solid athlete. She's looking forward to playing basketball in the spring. She's one of the tallest in her class and already shows natural ability.

is alllllllllll boy. He's run and gun.... you can't go fast enough... life is a race. I joke that he's NEVER getting a driver's license. The only thing he's discovered better than a race car is a crop dusting airplane. The day one swooped back and forth over our house spraying the field behind us was beside himself with excitement. He's grown nearly three inches in the last 6 months, but he hasn't put on a pound. He's a lean muscular machine. He's a fast runner with great endurance. He has the makings of a great athlete as well. He's attending all day kindergarten and seems to be doing fine. The papers he brings home are correct, but coloring is hardly ever within the lines. I'm sure he wants to finish quick and get on to something new

So, here's an August shot of the crew. All four of our miracles!

Karl (10), (6), Monali (12), and Lizzy (8)