And Sometimes It is Hard Being the New Girl

In general, Grace is adjusting really well to her new school.  She seems to love it.  I am, overall, pretty impressed with the school.  The teachers really  seem to care about the kids. They put a lot of responsibility on the kids, but don't just push them over the cliff, if you know what I mean.


The week after Thanksgiving break, they are taking all 180 sixth graders to camp.  For a week.  As one who has been in the trenches of teaching middle school, I can say it takes a special kind of crazy to teach there.  They are going to Camp Michindoh.  Silly me, I thought that must be an Indian name.  Nope.  Mich=Michigan. Ind=Indiana.  Oh=Ohio.  Duh.....

Anyway I went to the parent info meeting last night and they said that each child chooses a bunk mate. Someone they know who be in their cabin so they feel like they have a friend. Then the teachers mix up the rest of the kids so they have opportunity to meet and get to know other kids.  Sounded good.  Except Grace hasn't been able to find a bunk mate.  Everyone she asks has already found theirs.

Oregon is very much like Norwood was.  There are not a lot of new students.  So, in the case, the new girl is left feeling left out.

Yesterday, I also went to pick up the four younger kids up from Bible Club after school (Yes, a Bible Club held in the public school!!!!)  And as we were all standing around waiting for the kids to get out, all of the parents chatted.  Except with me.

Being the new girl can be hard whether you are 11 or 43.

Starting To Update

Here we are! We moved to Toledo on  the 3rd of August.  We love the house.  Although it is stressful to still own a home in Cincinnati.  I guess I will start with now, and eventually move back to how we got here.

Today we went to visit the elementary school where 4 of the kids will attend starting next week. Coy Elementary is a new building.  The kids are really excited about it. (I think the younger 4 are most excited because they are in an air conditioned building.)  The very nice lady principal gave us a tour.  We got to meet 3 of the 4 teachers that will have my kids. 

On Thursday, I will take Grace up to to Fassett Middle School on Thursday.  I hope I am ready to have a middle school student! It didn't seem like a big deal when my niece, Maddy, went to middle school as a fifth grader.  In fact, I remember reassuring my sister that it would be just fine.  No big deal.  It is different when it is your own, I guess. Unfortunately, Grace is NOT in an air conditioned building.  Something her siblings love to remind her of...often!

Oregon (pronounced Oregone) Ohio is a really pleasant little town.  Toledo is so different from Cincinnati.  Much less suburban sprawl.  On one side of Oregon is Toledo proper, on the other side is farmland. The school district goes right up to Lake Erie, although we haven't made it to the lake yet.

I haven't really met anyone yet, besides our neighbors.  On one side there is a very nice couple with a 14 year old son and 17 month old daughter.  A single man lives on the other side. I am hoping to make some friends with parents once the kids are in school.  I am going to start to work on  paperwork to substitute in the Oregon City Schools.  That should give me more opportunity to make friends.

I know all of us are missing our friends and family in Cincinnati (but it is such a blessing to have my mom closer as well as my cousin.)

I will start to get some pics and give you all a tour of our new home later in the week.