Fresh starts

Today was the first day of school. Matthew is in eighth grade, Caroline is in seventh and Ellie is in fourth. I also started one of two new jobs today. I recently resigned from my position at hospice and have taken two new positions. The first job is working as a palliative care MSW at a hospital twenty hours a week and the second is at an academic family medicine clinic also as a medical social worker. I loved being back in my element today! I did not feel challenged at all with my previous position and felt like I didn't belong. However I will forever be grateful for the flexibility that job allowed in our year of transition to Rochester. I was home every day by 5. It was nice to be there for the kids as they have adjusted but I never felt fulfilled. I will be forever grateful for my work with the bereaved. Working with families after their loved ones died gave me such insight and will only help improve my work with palliative care patients and families.
We are settling in more and more here in Oakland Twp. Matthew and Jeff are busy with hockey. Jeff is coaching again. Matthew is proving to be the type of person, much like his dad, that people gravitate towards and look to for leadership. He is also like his dad in the fact that he doesn't like any attention. I am proud of the man he is becoming!
Caroline has really thrived here in Rochester and has a good group of nice friends. She is also very involved with the youth group at church. It has been awesome to see her excited about growing in her faith.
Our little Ellie Bellie just turned ten yesterday and is also finding her way. She really liked her school, Baldwin, when she changed in March and was excited to return. She is enjoying swimming weekly and we are considering adding a more competitive swim schedule.
Jeff is busy as ever and his laid back attitude continues to serve him well! His job has let up some in regards to not being so hellish! :)
I am due for an MRI November 1st to check on that dang neuroendocrine tumor! We are believing and praying for NO GROWTH!!!
Life continues to throw us some challenges but we are determined to keep on keeping on!