update

How're we doing lately?

Bob:
Foot has been hurting for over a year. Got in to the VA last month; they promised another appointment to be fit for insoles, but we haven't heard from them yet. Works part time for the Post Office, delivering mail. It's a good job and he doesn't mind it most days.

Me:
I lost 5 pounds on our vacation, and a couple more since then. Not sure exactly. To put a number on it, I was 265 after Ruth was born, and am now 223. Went down a single dress size. (That one boggles my mind, but anyway.) I have been focusing on no snacks, and smaller portions at table with no seconds. I feel good most of the time, and am energetic (thanks to my daily 2 cups of coffee), but not very strong. I've been knitting (washcloths), teaching school (at home), and generally trying to ignore politics and other depressing things.

Taryn:
Heard Bill Gaither say the best way to have a career in music is to go to college.  Took GED classes for 2 weeks, passed the exams, and then studied another 2 weeks before taking the ACT. Got a 27 on the ACT, which is apparently good, and started looking at colleges. Applied at John Brown University in Siloam Springs, College of the Ozarks in Missouri, and has had some contact with Liberty University in Virginia (looking at their online school). Last night she got a call from JBU that she was accepted. That was her first choice, but there is still a big IF of finances (and a little audition for the music program). So we are waiting and trusting God on that score. She has also been working part time for a friend, and is hoping to save enough for a newer car before college starts in the Fall.

Naysha:
What a do-er! She teaches a few subjects every day, keeps us all on schedule, and is learning for herself as well. Apart from bookwork she is also learning to decorate cakes (thanks for all those magazines, Mom!), crochet, and sew. She washes dishes faster than I ever could, grooms the Poodle, and keeps the dining room clean and decorated for each season. She got the Serger to work! She made a cape dress pattern for me! She just blows my mind. Naysha has been going to the local Beachy Mennonite church for a couple of months now, and is starting to figure out who is related to whom and so forth. The girls all went to revival meetings last week, and learned some stuff and had some discussion afterwards with each other and their parents.

Riah:
13 years old, and as tall as I am. Still eats like a horse. Doesn't take himself as seriously as he did at 3, but still thinks a lot. He reads fast and fairly well. Is interested in Fantasy/SciFi. He read The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring, and has started on The Two Towers. He's learning a lot about mechanic-ing by helping Bob; he enjoys power tools.

Ced:
As tall as Riah, but thinner. He is more thoughtful, and will often ask if I need anything done. He's reading much better now. Still really wants a Cocker Spaniel, but is willing to work with Cookie. He's doing really well in school.

Ella:
Growing up faster than she wants to. Very sociable. Smart. Has a different way of looking at things and so often finds herself at odds with her teachers. Has learned to crochet and wants to sew. Inspired the whole family to learn cursive handwriting.

William:
Still hasn't "got" reading. Thinks everything is boring, because Math is too easy and everything else is too hard. Has a beautiful giggle. Broke the filling off his chipped front tooth yesterday.

Elijah:
My sidekick. He's young for his age and checks in with me frequently. Has begun school in earnest and is doing brilliantly. When he manages to sit right side up. He's very affectionate and silly and wiggly and everything a 6 year old ought to be. The older ones complain of him following them, and he complains of being followed by Daniel.

Daniel:
More independent than Elijah, but still quite close to me. He is pale no matter how much he plays outside, but isn't anemic (had him tested last year). Eats better than he used to. Has learned to write his name, and various preschool stuff.

Ruth:
So bossy! If you tell her "no" she will shake her finger in your face and declare "In a minute!" She has learned to use full sentences. She keeps us all laughing and loving. She likes kisses and hugs and changing clothes.

Cookie:
Is in heat and it stinks! No boy poodle to be found. :(

Ok, time's up.