Final Exams

Have to say, I had no clue that Kourtney's final exams would hit our family so hard. It is like a virus that has spread through our house, papers everywhere from the English Civil War to The First Canadian Explorers to the American Revolution. Grade 9 socials is difficult, however, I believe, we have conquered the giant. Yes "we". It has become personal, as Todd and I feel that Kourtney has flown under the radar in midldle school with her school assignments, and exams. Now, she is in the big leagues andwe are finding many holes in her learning that she needs to fill in!
Kourtney has done extremely well this semester, through our "gentle encouragement",  I think it has become almost more of standard than encouragement for her, so there is a lot anxiety for all of us. However, getting into University is a tough so we want to ensure that we set her up for success through her high school years.
It has been a bit difficult for Kourtney to study, I am pretty sure it is the medication she is talking, as well as the pain she has. I was very proud of her when she arranged a study date with her friends. It did my heart good to hear that she took the initiative to do that.
Have to say, that things are going better (this week). I always am cautious saying that because it generally comes back to haunt me later, but I feel it is important to accept the good days and not worry about what tomorrow brings.
We had lots of snow in Abbotsford, Kourtney had 2 snow days. (Shaelyn and Todd in Maple Ridge, no snow days; only 30 minutes away and such different weather). Friday morning our caregiver Kim showed up at her regular time 0600 am to start the day, and 2 minutes later we found out school was cancelled. We told Kourtney, and at 0600 am she started singing, I love the snow!! I Love the Snow. Kim and I started laughing. Such music to our ears.
I feel much better, somehow I feel a weight being lifted (maybe that is because I have put myself on a very strict exercise routine, as well really watching the food that enters my mouth)!  It is interesting how many of my coworkers (who don't read my blog) were very aware that I wasn't right. I guess I am very transparent. Depression is not something that you can hide very easily. I do feel though it has lifted. Have to say though, if it wasn't for my bff Angela encouraging me, supporting me, walking, talking, talking and talking, I probably would not have gotten through as well as I have. Thanks, my friend!
I hope to one day, share my struggle with depression at a mom's group at church. I believe that if you can learn to recognize its onset it can be managed.  I also feel there are things that you can do to alleviate depression, exercise, and have a BFF! I will one day, blog my story on depression, hmm maybe I will start on that now, since I am trying to keep myself awake on my night shift.