Update

Today was Jack's first day of school.  He was accepted into Pope John Paul the Great Catholic High School, and we are very happy about this!  The principal is a Dominican nun, (my age) who wears a habit, and the staff seems wonderful.  During his interview, the dean of student activities, who is also the wrestling coach asked Jack if he would be interested in managing the wrestling team this year.   Jack said he would like to do this.  Of course, my husband would rather he wrestle on the team, and maybe he will, but it was nice of this man to offer the position to Jack, upon just meeting him.  He knew the background information about Jack's difficulties in middle school, and said that being part of the team would be a good way to fit in.  We were given some tuition assistance, for which we are certainly grateful.  But on top of our share of the tuition, we need to pay bus fees, we ordered uniforms, and we still have to order and pay for his books.  None of these things are inexpensive, but are worth the price, I am sure, as I do feel so good about this school - Katie says she wishes she could have gone to a school like PJPTG.  I do have to figure out the daily logistics, because I have to drop Jack off at our parish to be picked up for school, then get back home in time to see the others get on their buses.  7 kids in 5 different schools will definitely be a challenge!

I also took Molly to the orthodontist this afternoon.  She has been in braces for 4 years, and her treatment with the orthodontist in NC has been paid for for 2 years.  But, she still needs ongoing care, which means we have to pay the orthodontist here, since her orthodontic insurance allowance is used up.  The new payment plan for her treatment with the new orthodontist does not include wisdom teeth extraction or  the 2-3 dental implants she will need when she turns 18.  And, I have an appt for a consultation with this guy for Jack, who I am sure will need some orthodontics, too.  I need to get a REAL job!

My husband is still adjusting to his job.  His hours are long, and he comes home so tired.  I know he wouldn't mind the hours so much if he felt like he was doing something that mattered.  I suppose that is a common feeling among service members who have been to war - compared to dealing with life and death situations, and training for war, not a whole lot else seems all that important.  What is sad is that all he wants to do is relax when he gets home, and he can't seem to do that.  He did finish the garage this weekend, which was no small job.  He said he is going to try and take Thursday and Friday off - it would be good to have some down time.  We've had company nearly every weekend since we moved in, and it would be nice to have some family time.  Especially since the rest of the kids start school next week.

Our dog died a couple of weeks ago.  She was 15, blind, deaf, and incontinent.  Not to mention that she had a dog's version of a dowager's hump, and slipped on the stairs frequently.  She had lived a good life, she was the perfect dog for our family.  Surprisingly, the kids have not been asking for another dog.  I am not in a hurry to get another one - I don't really need something else to take care of.  But, we do miss her.

We managed to put the trampoline up a couple of weekends ago.  With the pool and the trampoline in the backyard, you would think my kids would never have to park themselves in front of the TV.  You would think............