Hi Everyone!

Kath - Yes, Erin was bullied from 4th grade and into 8th grade. It started within 3 weeks of when her dad died (he died the very first day of her 4th grade). She obviously was not herself and I think the kids just dived in while she was down. I really thought it would eventually fix itself, but it never did. She lost all of her self-esteem and self-confidence. Things did start to improve in 8th grade, and I really am not sure why. I'd say that it was a combination of things. A few years ago I even considered selling our house and moving - but I am glad now that I didn't. She has had several kids randomly apologize for how they treated her and she says that she has forgiven them (well, most of them!) - which I had been told by a psychologist is nearly impossible for a child to do. If we had moved I don't think she would have reached that point, so I think staying worked out for the best. She has amazed me with her ability to moved forward, but yes I am still concerned with what the long-term effects of all this will have on her.
Lucky you - having all that work done around the house - that is always exciting! And yes, it always great to have some time to yourself, but it sure is good to have them home again, isn't it? I miss Erin so much even if she just spends the night at a friends house!

Julie - I hope you enjoyed your indoors day! I really can't remember the games we played - it was a long time ago! I do remember heads up 7 up! We are expecting rain all this weekend too, but I can't say I'm looking forward to it.

Well, as I was typing this the print got very small - I hope it doesn't post like this?? I wonder what I did...?

Anyway, Erin had a great time in Chicago yesterday, she really loved the Blue Man Group and Navy Pier. She says that she and several other kids fell alseep during the Chicago Symphony Orchestra rehearsal though! She says it was good, but then they started rehearsing the same part over and over and zzzzzzzzzzzz.. lol! We don't have any real plans this weekend, but we will probably go to my moms tonight.

I will try to check in again later! Have a great day all!

Mary