Hi

I'm way behind on my blogging. I've got lots of fun pictures to post from the things we've done over the past couple of weeks but I haven't had a chance. I got hit with strep for the second time two days after I finished my first antibiotic (so much for my no-antibiotic streak). I'm feeling better now but better is relative. Stress is really getting to me and I'm having some other "issues" (aside from the strep that I think came back because of it). Eric is still without a job and unemployment is running out as well as our cushion which is almost gone. I know we are not alone and that some people have managed to make lemonade out of lemons in the same situation but things are looking bleak and I seem to be spiraling. Needless to say spending has ceased. We are going to stretch what we have left as long as we can and pray for miracles. Eric is looking into retraining but it leaves us in the same boat and would take much longer than whatever funds are left. He also has a couple of hopeful opportunities for temporary employment but it is temporary. I know God will provide when we need it and I'm trying to be hopeful.
Aside from that the school district is on strike. Madison was all set to go in for her assessment on Wednesday and her orientation this morning but we're waiting to see when they will come to an agreement. There isn't a lot of information being given by the school district and I was told by one board member to read the blogs from the Bellingham Herald for the other side of the story. I haven't had a chance yet but will soon. I was surprised that is where the school district is telling people to get their info. I really can see both sides to this story. In a time where the economy is what it is everyone with a job should be thankful and teachers should be held to certain standards BUT I know teachers work much harder than what they are paid for and many give time and money of their own for their job to plan and buy supplies. I value teachers so much and want them to get what they deserve and to have adequate planning time but it's a really disappointing way to start off your school experience as a kid. Madison is disappointed but, thankfully, not too much so. I haven't talked a lot about it to her other than school isn't starting as scheduled and it will be soon and she is okay with that. Maybe I should go deeper, I will if it goes on too much longer. She hasn't seen a picketer yet but I'm sure when she does that will spark more conversation.
Sorry for the Debbie-Downer update, I'll try to lighten it up a bit.
Kennedy had her preschool orientation last week (pictures to come later) and she absolutely loved it. She was mad at me for staying (although it was a parent/child orientation) and kept telling me, "I don't need help!". That girl is so awesome. I feel so blessed to have the funniest, sweetest, smartest, most beautiful and loving (etc., etc.) kids. Okay, I'm sure everyone feels that about their own children but I'm sure, in my case, it's the truth.
It looks like it's trying to rain outside which is going to make the birthday rescheduling of the bike/kite day interesting but I'm off to take a shower and give it a go.