Hello, Blog

It seems like there's so much to write down at this point that I don't know where to start.  It's like when you pick back up your journal after so long and you've missed so much time that you can't sum it all up, or even mention all the things you want to, so you just set the journal back down without writing anything.  Like that.

Here's a snipet on how things are going for all of us, School Edition.

ROB
He has started teaching for his fall semester at NKU (in person) and UC (on-line).  For some reason it feels like a lot of work for him right this minute and is a smidgen overwhelming.  Being the completely sympathetic person that I am, I looked at him and said, "But you signed up for all of that."  Yep.  Take notes.  I'm pretty awesome.

TAMRA
All the Ohio colleges and universities are now all on a semester schedule.  3 equal-length semesters a year.  Most of the students at Cincinnati State are freaking out about this, but 16 weeks is what I did at BYU, so it doesn't stress me out.  It also means that Rob's teaching schedule and my school schedule will line up from now on, which makes it easy to remember.
School is going GREAT!  My Practicum experience (where I get hands-on interpreting practice) is super fun and I look forward to every minute.  I am finally getting practice in all the areas of interpreting, both from ASL-to-English and English-to-ASL.  I love it.  I am currently exceeding expectations, which I like so long as I can maintain it.
Also, I receive a ton of genuine compliments from mentors, teachers, and fellow students.  I don't let it go to my head, because cocky people are pricks, but I have to be honest:  Receiving compliments like that is REALLY awesome.  It just makes me feel good.  Because, that's right, I DO excel at something.

MICIAH
Just started 5th grade, her last at the elementary school.  She has asked to sign up for Choir, Orchestra, and some Lego Building Club.  On top of that, she'll still be doing piano (which hasn't started again yet, but should soon) and all her homework.
And on top of THAT, she's still a super great person and we enjoy her a lot.  You guys should see what she created with Tank for his Halloween costume.  Seriously.  It's cool.

ELIJAH
Just started 3rd grade, and he has a male teacher this year, which is exciting.  I'm hopeful that the teacher will see him as a Normal Boy instead of a disobedient child who can't bother to sit still and listen to directions.
We're working with Elijah on communicating his needs so that he doesn't get so disappointed all the time.  That kid can internalize rejection better than anyone I know (except his father, who is also a pro)!

TANK
Just started 1st grade, which is full day, and he typically comes home exhausted.  It's been difficult for him to stay happy.  He definitely tries my patience.  But he seems to love school, and he adores his teacher, so I think things can only get better.  He's getting more used to the idea that someday he'll need and actually WANT to read for himself.  Remember, he's the kid that didn't mind being held instead of walking until he was almost 5.  It's kind of a general life trend for him.

So there you go.  Nothing of interest, I guess, but that's our life in a nutshell!