Updates of the Joy

I would say that its been a long time, but that's something of an understatement... So much happens and time flies, whether we are having fun or not...... I'm still in the same position at work, but I have a few other duties that keep me busier (thank goodness), and make me feel useful. That's one of the main reasons I started working, again. Funny how staying at home made me feel unnecessary. I love my babies, but I need to be busy and have my own separate identity. When I get caught saying something more age appropriate for someone about 8, I make sure to explain myself as being a Mom of three..... That instantly explains it all...... Huh? I wonder if they think I play and am silly with the kids or just completely crazy? :o)

My Madison has been having a hard time of it lately. She has a doctor appointment this Monday to find out if she has ADD. I put this off and put this off...... I've thought she did for a while, but as long as she was progressing and doing alright, I didn't want her to have to go through all the mess involved in this. Girls more often have ADD versus ADHD and it is diagnosed later than the ADHD that is more frequent in boys (like my Ryan). Madison has been having a harder time of it the further she goes along in school. She doesn't have any behavior problems and that's usually what the teacher's want to fix. I really hate the thought of giving her the meds that are needed with this diagnosis, but her poor progress has started affecting her self- esteem and she has just seemed so frustrated. My Ryan has had to take meds since he was in first grade. It has been horrible and the kids were merciless. They used to tell him it was his crazy medicine. How do you defend your children from their classmates? He is almost 17 and still struggling to make it through. I guess we all do what we have to........ and no one is perfect.

Work has certainly been interesting. I am enjoying the work more. The people are being a little more accepting of me and more talkative, shall I say. I don't know how to explain what has been going on there. I can honestly say I've never had such a work experience before. We've lost 2 employees in my office, one right after Thanksgiving and the other about the middle of January. This is NOT any fun. It was very emotionally straining or draining, whichever. I think that's as far as I'm going to get into that.

On a positive note, Madison has passed 2 test leading into an onstage school spelling bee. This is supposed to be on the 9th, next Friday. I am so excited for her! She is such a stinker though. Grandma has done the majority of studying with her, and I'm trying to help with the deadline coming up, but Madison just won't cooperate. I think she wants to spend time with Grandma and that's why she tries so hard for her. Grandma also spoils her rotten..... I'm not sure who to fuss at there! I'm sure we'll get it figured out, and get her back on the right track. I don' think Grandma feels very good. She is usually very quiet about anything she has going on with her health, and she told me that she had a procedure on the 8th and couldn't quiz her the day before the spelling bee. We worry about her, too, and want to know and help as much as possible.

Kaitlyn is wonderful. Doing well in school. Doing pretty well at home. She is such a....... I don't think there is one word to describe her. She really is intelligent (I like to think so anyway). She can read really well along with being able to spell her colors and the days of the week. She wanted to learn how to spell words like sister, how can you turn her down? She also has SULTAN down pat. Madison was having a hard time with that one and so she was quizzed on it over and over. Kaitlyn couldn't help but pick it up. I really do love OLV. They do so much more there than public school. They're constantly exposed to new things. Kaitly has learned sewing, cooking, music, spanish, they've had a gymnastics class..... there's just so much. They cook their own snack on Monday's (Kaitlyn just loves that).

I will have update you more later. I do think I've run on at the fingers....... :o)