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JSchaaf
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| Posted: Feb 26 2006 at 9:17pm | IP Logged
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I was going to go and find all my old posts and respond to each one-but this seems easier...
First, someone posted about always praying-even if he/she didn't respond on threads with prayer requests. I just wanted to say that I do the same thing-sometimes I just don't have time to respond but each one of your needs and intentions is lifted up in prayer.
I want to thank everyone for your prayers and support over these last few months. I am finally out of a very dark place, and I know that all of you played a very big part. I thank God for this community every day. So, if you want to hear about what we've been up to and how we're doing-read on. If not, then now's the time to stop reading and go fold laundry or whatever else it is you're putting off...
I am much better. I did go to the psychiatrist, who did put me on an anti-depressant and referred me to a psychologist for follow-up. That was about a month ago and it took about 3 weeks for the meds to start working. I feel like my old self again! I can get out of bed in the mornings with enthusiasm and caring for my children doesn’t seem like the hardest thing in the world. To sum it up, I’m finally enjoying life again-laughing a little bit and looking forward to the future.
We sold our house! Closing was on Feb 8th. We made enough of a profit to clear about 50% of our Katrina debts. Gifts from friends and family cleared about another 25%, so we are left with something that is manageable. The closing was bittersweet-I was thankful that the house was rebuilt and sold, but sad because it made our move here so permanent-we really weren’t going back to our dream house in Mississippi. We were very close with all our neighbors on our cul-de-sac there, the rest of them are rebuilding and staying…I do miss them. I never really had a chance to say goodbye-we all thought we would be back in 2 days after Katrina passed us by.
The girls are doing well. Anne-Catherine (who I enrolled in Catholic school kindergarten after we got here) is enjoying school-but we are all looking forward to her being home fulltime in the fall. I don’t like being tied to a school schedule. She isn’t getting anything there as far as academics are concerned-she’s been reading well for a few months and they are still teaching letter sounds. I hate to say it-but the main reason I put her in was for socialization. After 3 months of just me and the girls, we were both desperate to meet some new people. What I didn’t realize is that at private school your classmates aren’t the kids from your neighborhood, like they would be in public school. So my plans for after school playmates really didn’t work out. We are meeting more and more people through homeschool functions and park days, though.
Bethany and Allyson are great, as well. They are both going to a mother’s morning out program three mornings a week on base. Allyson will go again in the fall, but Beth will be home with me. She is the one I’m actively homeschooling now, she is the one that kept me going through the darkest days-“Mom, you haven’t read to us yet today. Can you read some books?” “Mom, we haven’t done math in three days-where’s the books?” We would have all just laid around and watched Noggin if it weren’t for her.
Dh is doing well at his new job. Paying off most of our debt and selling the house has really taken a lot of stress away from him. We finally joined a parish-not my favorite, but it was the one he preferred. He has joined the Knights of Columbus and is looking forward to being involved with them.
My mother seems to be doing better-lots of counseling and some medication changes. She wrote me a long letter, apologizing for the way she treated us when we were there after the storm. Looking back I can see she was already very sick when we got there and it was a stressful time for her as well. I just couldn’t give her any support-I needed it all! I’m not angry anymore with her. We are going up there for 6 weeks this summer-just me and the girls. Hopefully we can work on the mother-daughter relationship. It has never been the best relationship-either we are too much alike or too different-I haven’t figured it our yet.
I think that’s it. I’m actually looking forward to tomorrow and the next day and the day after that…which I guess is a sign I’m recovering.
Thanks again for everything!
May God bless you,
Jennifer
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guitarnan
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| Posted: Feb 26 2006 at 9:47pm | IP Logged
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Jennifer,
Your post fills me with such hope and joy. You've come a long way in such a short time. You probably don't realize how many, many families go through tough times and have to cope with the same sorts of issues...depression, moves, hard choices, ill parents, financial difficulties. Reading your words and realizing how much better you feel are really inspiring.
I'm sure you and your family have many things to work through, even now, but the fact that you've been willing to share so much of your difficult journey with others is a testament to your courage and faith. Your girls sound so wonderful; it would be a privilege to meet your family some day (in person!  ). I know that my children have kept me sane more than once!
I hope your husband really enjoys his KofC experience. We loved being involved with them in Virginia Beach. When dh was deployed, the Knights came to my rescue more than once! If you've never read their magazine, check it out; they have many articles of interest to Catholic families.
Thanks so much for the update. You've really brightened my day!
__________________
Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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Erin
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| Posted: Feb 27 2006 at 2:44am | IP Logged
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Jennifer,
I am so thrilled to hear that you are doing better, I have been wondering how you are going. I always read your posts avidly. You have been through SO much and are so amazing and courageous.
God Bless
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Erin
Faith Filled Days
Seven Little Australians
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Mare
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| Posted: Feb 27 2006 at 7:52am | IP Logged
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Jennifer,
I'm so glad to hear that things are looking better for all of you. You are such a wonderful mom to your children!
May God continue to bless you!
Mare
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Natalia
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| Posted: Feb 27 2006 at 7:58am | IP Logged
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Jennifer,
Your post gave such a joy. It is like seeing the faithfulness of our God in action. Thank you for posting the update.
May God continue showering you with his hope and joy,
Natalia
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Victoria in AZ
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| Posted: Feb 27 2006 at 10:31am | IP Logged
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God bless you, Jennifer! Thank you for your generosity in sharing with us.
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Your sister in Christ,
Victoria in AZ
dh Mike 24 yrs; ds Kyle 18; dd Katie 12; and one funny pug
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Meredith
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| Posted: Feb 27 2006 at 4:14pm | IP Logged
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Good to see things going so much better, welcome back on the forums!
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Meredith
Mom of 4 Sweeties
Sweetness and Light
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mumofsix
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| Posted: Feb 28 2006 at 6:39am | IP Logged
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I am so pleased to hear that you are feeling so much better, and looking forward to homeschooling again.
Jane.
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Leonie
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| Posted: March 02 2006 at 11:37pm | IP Logged
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Jennifer, things really sound like they are looking up! Thank you so much for the update.
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Leonie in Sydney
Living Without School
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~Rachel~
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| Posted: March 03 2006 at 8:25am | IP Logged
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Jennifer,
YAHY! For feeling better, and getting things done... That accomplishment alone can make you feel TONNES better!
Here's hoping things keep on improving for you 
__________________
~Rachel~
Wife to William
Mum to James 13, Lenore 8
Lighting a Fire
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Jerin's Zoo
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| Posted: March 03 2006 at 4:35pm | IP Logged
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Hi, Jennifer. You're sounding a lot better than the last time I "talked" to you. Sounds like you're finally starting to get settled. That always helps.
__________________
Jerin
wife to Dan since 1994
mom to ds (6/98 ) , dd (7/99), ds (1/01), dd (2/05) and 16 more
Life at the Zoo
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JennGM
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| Posted: March 05 2006 at 8:49am | IP Logged
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Jennifer, my apologies for not posting sooner, but I've been thinking and praying for you. I know how it feels when that "fog" is lifted and you start looking forward. It's a great feeling. I felt like clicking my heels when I read your update! So happy for you!
__________________
Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to  & ds1  '03 & ds2  '07
Family in Feast and Feria
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4Real Forums : Tea and Conversation
Topic: An update from Jennifer
