We Are Still Here

Wow. What a busy few months around the Parrott household. I'm sure it will take more than one post to get caught up with our recent changes. I'll do my best not to bore anyone. :)

Perhaps our biggest and most exciting news is that Chris got a new job. He is working for Convey, a start-up company based in Richardson, TX. He was offered the job on April 3 and started on April 14. As you can see, Richardson, TX and Portland, OR are not within commuting distance. At the end of May we will be relocating to Texas. Chris has been there for 3 weeks and is really enjoying his new job. He found us a house in Garland and is very excited for us to see our new abode. He takes possession tomorrow. He will come back to Oregon on May 13th to help with end-of-the-school-year stuff for Ryan and Joshua and to help us move. We are ready to see him.

Zachary is doing well. He is making progress toward his Wolf Badge in Cub Scouts. He is making progress with his occupational therapy, as well. His OT has requested an evaluation with a physical therapist for his feet, heels and Achilles tendons. He has walked on his toes for many years and it is having an effect on the muscles in his feet and legs. I am hopeful that some stretching exercises will help with this but if not, he will have to have Botox injections and casting.

Ryan is doing well. He still loves school and is doing quite well. He read a whole chapter book during their reading program. His handwriting is improving weekly. He is learning to add and subtract. He has fun almost every day. His scar line got infected again and he will need to see a dermatologist to have some work done on that area. Poor little thing. It really hasn't slowed him down too much.

Joshua is great, although he can be a stinker at times. He is definitely testing his limits and asserting his independence, especially since Daddy is not around. He played the part of Noah in the preschool Spring Program. He did a great job. His teacher tells me all the time how much he loves to sing and dance. He is learning to read and surprises me daily with this new skill. He has made some great friends at school, too.

I'm not up to much other than mothering and teaching. I was thankful to be able to help with the Kindergarten reading program and Terrific Tuesdays until April. It was so exciting to see how far the children improved from time to time. I bet they are all great readers now. I was able to spend some time in Joshua's classroom, as well. I was in charge of the Easter party but soon learned that my gifts and graces do not lie in the organization area. I am trying to get things ready for the move but have not been very successful. My newest adventure will happen this week when I take on getting the van back into running shape. Something inside the engine is just not happy.

That is just some of what has gone on in our house for the past few weeks. We have been busy but we are hanging on. God is so very good and He has definitely been watching out for us. Our severance package, along with the unemployment benefits, kept us going for 3 months. Yes, we did make changes but we did not go without our necessities.

Another sign of God's goodness made an appearance today. Ashley Rachel Holder made her debut today. Ashley is the daughter of my sister and brother-in-law, Lori and Jerry Holder. She was born just before 8 am central time and weighed 8 lbs, 14 ozs. Her very proud big brother is Matthew.

I will keep you updated on our move as it progresses. Blessings to all.