Transition to Normalcy

Lately, we have all been feeling the stress of transitioning back to normal life. Since December, I have been driving a lot to pick Valerie up and rescue her from her dad's.  She moved in here about a month ago, complete with just about all her things, but we had to wait till legal documents were signed, then filed for her to pick up the rest of her things, and transition to school here.  This was further complicated by non-overlapping Spring Breaks and "Behind the Wheel."  I was driving to Waynesboro before the sun made it over the ridge, then leaving work, picking her up, and returning to work to finish, THEN go home... All of this was exhausting.

The school transfer was made more complex because where she was, the kids take 4 classes one semester, and 4 more the next.  The just started Spanish, Theatre, World History, and English... She has all As and Bs, but now, here, where they take 8 classes all year, it will be interesting to "get caught up" in those courses.  Sigh.

She is officially back in school though.  That is a relief.  She spent a lot of time at work with me while the guidance counselor awaited her records and figured out what to do. 

She also starts working at the movie theatre this week.  Crazy, right?  She is very excited about both, and so am I. Her first job is way better than mine was- I worked at a flea market for a man who never paid me, I worked at a nursing home, a chinese restaurant (that one was ok), and then at Hardee's, THEN I got a job I loved- in a lab, between junior and senior year, in Missouri.  That ended when I moved back to Virginia though, and back to Hardee's it was.

Anyway, we are so glad Valerie is where she needs to be.  We need her here, and she is so kind and sweet.  She recognizes a lot.  Yesterday, she told me " I am sorry Matt has to sell his blood for gas money," then "It makes me sad that Asher thinks it is a very special treat to have his hair cut." Alas, for both of those.

Something will change soon, I am not sure what, but I know that this is making me feel like I am going to have a heart attack every day.  I would do anything for these kiddos, I feel like I have worked so hard for them, for me even, and I do not have a ton to show for it materialistically, but these two know their momma loves them, and that I work VERY, VERY hard every day for them.

Trying to make use of the warm weather and my black backdrop.

She was nervous with no makeup, but look at this beauty.