Thomas Family: I'm clearly not meeting my goal of updating the blog once a week...

The year is almost over since I set that goal, and time will tell if I achieve it and continue to provide updates.

I've been on an emotional roller coaster regarding my employment for next year. Initially, a special education position seemed available. I was offered the job and spent time debating whether to accept it. After deciding to take it, I learned that the position was no longer available, which was disappointing. After much thought, I decided not to return as an instructional assistant, a difficult decision that left me uncertain.

On the last day of school, I said my goodbyes, gathered my belongings, and left, thinking it might be the last time I ever set foot in the school. There was a slight chance one of the teachers might leave mid-year, which gave me a small hope that I might be asked to teach the second semester.

Unexpectedly, my opportunity came sooner. On Thursday, I received a text informing me that one of the teachers had accepted a different job, leaving a position available for the upcoming school year starting in August. After a day of consideration, I decided to jump in and take the opportunity. I need to complete paperwork, interview, and transfer my status to a teacher-in-residence. While teaching, I'll be required to take classes, but with only four classes left, I think it's manageable. I'm getting really excited about this job.

It's been a month since I posted any pictures or updates. So, here are some highlights from April/May.

We bought Grammy's house.

Robyn turned 27 on the 29th.

I turned 51 on April 30th. This is the only picture I have that is related to my birthday. Robyn and Devin sent these yummy cupcakes!

Dad went to Vancouver, B.C. on May 1st. He had a nice trip, but he brought COVID back with him. I don't know how, but Q and I didn't catch it. Grammy and Karen weren't so lucky.

Mike Klein and Dad

Eric came for a fun visit. He was here to attend a friend's wedding, but we got to spend time with him. Q love playing at the park!

park hair

Here's Grammy outside of her natural habitat actually petting Frank, Ashley and Jake's gigantic dog. Grammy is not a fan of animals outside of cages, so this was a rare event.

These guys got some fresh, summer cuts.

Eric's fresh, summer cut

Some nature pics from a hike, running, and getting stuck on the side of the highway because the skid plate partly fell off and was dragging. I waited for over an hour for AAA. Dad got there before AAA did and was able to remove the plate. However, the hazard lights drained the battery, so then the car was stuck for a different reason. We had to request AAA again (we had cancelled the request already). Q had an appointment I had to be home for. So, Dad waited on the side of the highway for another hour or so waiting to get a jump.