It just keeps getting better

Things have continued to improve since my 12/16 post. Mentally, emotionally, spiritually, even physically. My appetite is back, and I've been eating 95% good foods. I haven't touched the Christmas candy, which I've usually just about cleaned out by now. Praise God, I just don't have the taste for junk anymore.

I'm working on establishing a habit of making dinner for the family. I'm pretty shaky at getting everything to be ready at the same time, and supper is always late (so far). I enjoy the cooking and putting things away, even washing the dishes afterwards, but having everyone at the table seems to take it out of me. Tonight all five of us were there, and we had a good time - Stephen provided lots of laughs, he's a natural - but by the end of supper I just wanted to be alone. David's sense of humor seems to get on my nerves lately - his conversation doesn't seem to quite fit in with what's being discussed, and he makes insensitive comments - thinking they're funny. I tried to give him some hints tonight, but he just got worse and thought I was being thin-skinned. I hope that improves over time, like my ability to have food on the table at 6:00, ready to eat - on a regular basis.

I got out for a walk with Asher (and Jessica & Peanut) yesterday and the day before; Tuesday we went a full half-hour, but yesterday was soooo cold we cut it in half. No walk today, I was just worn out from not getting enough sleep the two previous nights - plus I was stiff and sore from the walks, when my body just isn't used to it yet. I hope to get out for a walk with Asher tomorrow; she loves walks so much and is starting to catch on to the "stop and sit" training when we reach a curb. Regular reinforcement makes a big difference. Sometimes I want to take her by myself, but Jessica likes to come. I'm always glad I brought her; she's a joy to be with and we have some really nice talks.

Jessica's birthday is on the 9th - 13 years old! But she's not like most 13 year olds - she's thoughtful and kind and gentle, and doesn't hate me. Thank God for home schooling! Her friends in the neighborhood that go to public school are getting ill tempered and sometimes downright mean, and tell Jessica how they hate their mother. Jessica just doesn't understand that; I explained to her that it's peer pressure, if you say you get along with your mom at that age you're subject to ridicule. I got her a new wardrobe for Christmas - mostly American Eagle Outfitter, Tommy Hilfiger and Abercrombie & Fitch - it was secondhand, so the whole wardrobe was under $200. Jessica LOVES her new clothes, but her friend down the street says if they're last year's clothes they're out of style and it doesn't matter if they're from a good brand. Any time something good happens to Jessica, this friend has something negative to say about it - jealousy? I don't know, I don't care. I just tell Jessica that when this friend is being snobbish, it's okay to politely say "see ya later".