repost

As K likes to say: how was your day?
Around here, the answer is that we are trying to get to a smooth flow going again.
1) 3 pink eyes in the last week
2) heavy coughing and mucous expulsion by preschooler
3) sewer pipe not draining leading to expensive repairs
4) bullying at school
5) no chance of catching up in terms of the lost learning due to awful circumstances for the kindergarten student

and yet. unlike other times when the stress might be overwhelming. we are keeping our chins up and doing our best. our attention is focused on comforting K and thinking about the next few months for R. slow and steady with changes we can manage and implement. my work to do list is actually entering the manageable zone. so i can turn my attention elsewhere. this is what tenure affords me at the moment: flexibility, ability to self-pace, and re-prioritizing.
thanks everyone for your support. we are doing ok financially and emotionally. don't fret about us.

on a brighter note, k really enjoyed mr. rogers neighborhood today. it was her first viewing and she clearly could follow the conversation, the make-believe, and the songs. she was highly engaged. it made me appreciate how wonderful that show was and is. quite different from the much faster paced, quick edit, and glossier children's programming. she really understood the lessons about what happens if you do something to hurt people when you are mad, how to handle your feelings, and the gentle inquiry addressed directly to her. it was fun to watch her enjoyment.

she also had her first big kid swimming class. she did terrific. she proudly did monkey cheeks, kicked in the water, scooped in the water, and blew bubbles. she less liked having her nose and eyes in the water, even with goggles. r also had his next swimming class. he is comfortable in the water and it will be great to see him gain some new skills (back stroke, etc.).

this week will be tax week at our home.
and i will try to publish some pictures. by the way, last week at picnic teacher, r ate a peanut butter sandwich. and tonight for dinner, k had thepla, daal, and saag paneer. r had thepla, saag paneer, and pau bhaji. so they are doing well on the food front. things are speeding up a little too as we are cutting back on reminders.
that's all for now.
and did i mention that it was about 60 degrees and sunny today. our spring is arriving in leaps and bounds. we are all very excited.