The Hannah Family

I'm on the bench

I completed all the prep work and got into the substitute teacher database at long last, but the only absence available for me to cover is in December. Of course things will pop up and I just need to be ready, but being patient is boring!

Here I go again

Claire was so excited to take over Matt's room, but she doesn't want to keep it clean. I pointed out several health violations and she snapped out, "All you do is nag!" Excuse me? I am not in the mood to begin your adolescence at age 11. Pick up your shit! With four kids, I no longer have time to nag, Junior Ms. Attitude. Keep it up, move back in with Dave and I will FINALLY have my reading room/naked room/my own space.

Home stretch on round 1 of Dave's braces

They have the crossbite fixed and now are trying to correct the weird way he chews. He wears rubber bands 24/7 to finish correcting his bite, but he messes with them all the time and keeps breaking the hooks. I have to pull him out of school tomorrow to repair the hook again. He wants the braces off, but it will be a huge relief for me and his orthodontist when the hardware can be removed. Dave's OCD is mild, thank goodness, but it still feels like he is trying to play an instrument rather than let his jaw align.

Jumping through hoops

I am very happy that it isn't an easy thing to get access to our children's classrooms whether you are a volunteer or a substitute; it's as it should be. After fulfilling the requirements and attending orientation, this last week is just them assigning an ID number and getting me set up in the system to fill in...

Twilight zone

I finally returned this evening after running half a dozen errands with Claire, impressive since I'd already gone four places with Dave and had an almost sleepless night. At the end of our street, my headlights illuminated Katie and the first guy she has dated since the tragedy standing in front of a brand new motorcycle. You know I read a lot. I told Mark if this occurred in a book, no one would buy it. It's too much. The main character spends all those months bedridden, begins to get to her feet after a fatal traffic collision and WTF?! Anyway one cleansing breath later, we got out of the car. Jake showed me his red Ducati. I firmly explained that he was to use extreme caution because we don't want to visit him in the hospital - or worse. While we do not have jurisdiction over him, I also let him know in no uncertain terms that Katie is NOT to ride it EVER. To his credit, he responded with a "yes ma'am" and went back home to get his car so they could go see a movie. Poor Kate still started shaking and called Jake's mom to make sure he made it. We hate it but I told her to pray that lightning doesn't strike twice. She is making incredible progress in a horribly difficult grieving process. I wish I could shield her from any more pain.

I quit my job

It was a blessing to work at home when the babies needed me, but we don't have any babies these days so it's time to hit the pavement. I'm going to begin by doing some substitute teaching in the local schools to see if I like it. Mark swears that it is just a babysitting job, but I don't believe him. The teachers are supposed to have lesson plans that I can implement. Well, I guess we'll just have to experience it to determine the reality.

New school year

Matt went back on Monday. The littles start at two new schools this coming Monday. Katie decided to continue working at the kennel for the time being and they are thrilled to have her since she is so dependable. We have a lot of potential here. I hope they all continue to be receptive to learning and appreciate their advantages.

I have to be an eavesdropper; I'm their driver

Setting: Backseat. An impatient Claire to Dave (age 9): Do you know what you're going to be when you grow up yet? Dave: No. Claire: Do you like math? Dave: No. {Then vehemently} But I'm good at it! He really is, like it or not, and since he can't wait to begin computer programming that brain will serve him well.

Reciprocal generosity

Mark took a call from the kidney foundation and told them "we" had a bunch of books they could have. Sweet mother! Some took me years to find used and I haven't finished them yet.

He's lucky they didn't show because I would've insisted they take all of this fishing gear we have too.

Claire has band camp every morning this week

With her name, she was predestined to take up the clarinet.