And so...

And so...
Our change in after school care has been very good for the two younger boys. My oldest son has only been home alone for a few days but that will be changing next week. He has handled himself fairly well. We have written down routines and rules and that helps him to stay safe. Now the biggest challenge is what about the summer. I am not ready for him to be home alone 3 days a week all alone.

I have started a new semester at the college. I love teaching. I have decided to pursue a full time faculty position at the college. I am hoping that this will work out and then I will have summers off to be with the boys and hopefully I will also be able to go back to work on a doctorate in nursing. The director of the nursing program has been very encouraging.

Looking Ahead

What a year it has been. I taken a look back at the previous year and reflected on all that I have accomplished and then the things that I want to do in the new year. When I look back at the last year I feel quite satisfied that I got the most living packed into the short time and I am happy. This is my plan for the next year also.

Big changes are being forced on us with this new year. Our after school childcare has closed, unexpectedly and we are forced to look for new options. We have been quite content and comfortable with the arrangement that we had and this is a huge disappointment. We still don't have the whole story of what happened, only the owner does, and she is not talking to anyone right now. The center had been in business for almost 20 years and has enjoyed a very solid quality reputation. This has been quite devastating to many families.

The two younger boys will go back to the aftercare provided at the school. This may be a good option since they will get more homework help. It is safe and well run and they will not have to travel anywhere to get there.

The big worry is what about my oldest? He is no longer in elementary school and not eligible to attend the after school care there but I am nervous about having him home alone in the afternoons. He is also a little bit nervous about it. We will have to have transportation arrangements made and strict after school rules. I am still unsure of how to enforce some of the consequences if he breaks the rules. We are working with a "home trainer" from the Autism program through the school district and I am hoping that she will be able to help some with this new twist in after school routines. This will certainly force him to grow up quickly.