Greeting: An Update

Write a story or poem that starts with the word “hello”.

If I'm being completely honest, the first thing that popped into my head was this: 

If you haven't watched Trolls yet, do it. It's on netflix and totally worth it. Stephen and I might have watched it one night the girls were with their dad. Since I have that out of the way, I will use this post to update my followers on how things are going at our house.

McKayla is doing well. She is going into sixth grade this year. It's her final year at our school which makes me a little bit sad. While she is still quite small for her age, she is starting to develop. That scares the crap out of me! I am so not ready for puberty, but I have a distinct feeling that it's too late. This child has enough pre-teen angst to fill the house and she is only one of three. Her favorite thing right now is playing on her tablet. If we won't let her do that, she is outside. We got a membership to the pool this summer and we have been spending a lot of time in the water. She loves it.

Natalie is also doing well. This is her last week of summer school. Not all that sure what they are doing at school. When I ask, she tells me about art projects and lunch. Those are the important things in her world. Nattie bug is a total girly girl when it comes to clothes. She wants to make sure that she is spot on with her style. Hair done, cute shirt and of course "the perfect shoes!" We have been reading Pheobe and her Unicorn at night, we both laugh at the antics of this girl and her bff, a unicorn. We are looking toward fourth grade this year. All her interventions are in place for this school year and we have a familiar teacher. That makes things a lot less stressful for this momma. During her free time, Natalie loves watching random youtube videos and also playing minecraft or roadblox. When we say no to electronics, she is outside with a notebook and pen drawing and writing things down.

Alivia is not doing so hot. She has strep throat, again. We just got a referral from her doctor to see an ear, nose and throat doctor. At that visit we will discuss if it is necessary for her to have her tonsils out. To say that I am a bit stressed about that is a major understatement. Thinking about her having surgery, however minor, is terrifying me. Aside from that, she is doing good. She is looking forward to third grade. This year she will be in the 2nd-3rd grade combo class again, with the same teacher. This time she is the older class, so that will be interesting. I know that last year went amazing and she did fantastic. Cannot wait to see what this year brings us. Liv is quite the sensitive child and uses that to her advantage, sometimes she cries on purpose because she knows it gets to me.

My dear husband is working toward getting a degree in computer sciences. He starts at College of Western Idaho next month. Keep him in your thoughts and prayers as he is quite anxious about this. Things with his mental health are stable. We are all working to learn the tools that will help him out on a daily basis. There have been a lot of appointments with the counselor, psychiatrist and such. He also meets regularly with our pastor for some Christ based counseling. Most days we both feel pretty well about life. Though things are still a bit of a struggle, mental health always will be.

That's what is going on at our house. Leave me a comment and tell me something exciting going on at yours!

Updates

Good afternoon readers. I thought it would be a good idea for me to hop on here and write out what's been going on in my life. There has been some "radio silence" on the blog lately and for that I'm sorry. Life gets busy though and lately I haven't been in the mood to write.

Today though, I am forcing myself to write. I have zero excuses. There is a quiet room, my computer and a cold soda. What else could I ask for? So, here are updates on each of our family members.

Stephen - since his hospitalization we have found a different psychiatrist. She is tweaking his medications a bit to try and maximize the benefits of a few of them and maybe discontinue some of the others. Apparently he was on lower doses of lots of medications that can do the same things. So far she seems to be a good fit for him and I think they will get things straightened out for him. The other bit of news on the health front is that he was diagnosed with sleep apnea. Hopefully soon he will be seeing a sleep medicine specialist and they will determine what needs to be done to help him get the right sleep. This could mean he uses a cpap, but we really aren't sure. I am just praying for it to be soon because sleep can really aggravate all the other problems he has. One last thing to update you on for Stephen. When he went in the hospital, he was dropped from his program at school. Since the school will be closing, there was no way for him to make it up and get back in. Thankfully, he was able (all on his own!) to find another school that took most of the credits and he is now enrolled in a bachelor's degree program in computer sciences. He hopes to get a job as a network architect, building and maintaining networks for businesses.

McKayla has got an attitude to rival a teenager already. Her feelings get hurt quite easy (like her momma) and she is quick to tears. But as fast as they come on, they are gone. McKayla seems to have lots of friends at school. There is always a story or two about one kid or another. You can read more about how she is doing at school here, in my post about the parent teacher conferences. In her free time, M's favorite thing is her tablet. They watch a lot of "funny youtube" videos and play roadblox. Keeps them busy and warm inside when the weather is cruddy.

Natalie is slowly warming up to reading. She still doesn't love it, but if it is the right book, she will read. This morning, Alivia was reading to her, see:

So stinking cute! Plus, it helps them both. Being read to and reading both help with those skills. Mr Odin couldn't help but listen! Natalie loves writing stories. Give her a pen and paper or a blank word document and she will fill the page. I loved helping her with her Thanksgiving break homework. She got to write about what she did each day. For most of the days I was able to help with the spelling and make sure it made sense, but the last day we missed it. Here is what she wrote for the week, just for memory's sake:

Day 1. I ate my favorite dinner chicken alfredo. I love chicken alfredo. I read a book. 

Day 2. We had to get wywy (her brother) from school. After we get wywy, we got in the car. We had to go to Utah. It is five hours got there. When we got there we had to go to bed I slept with Clara and Tiffany. 

Day 3. On thanksgiving we ate turkey with Auntie Amanda. I love her turkey. I love her jello, it has whip-cream. Then we got pie after we watched finding dory. 

Day 4. We had to go home. When we were going home I got sick. We got to my mom`s work and I got to color. I got to draw a cat. I love it. I sat on the couch all day. We invited Kaya and her sister Cali and we watched two movies. 

Day 5. We got to go to kaya`s house we ate pizza. We ate cake and ice-cream. 

Day 6. (The day I didn't help with, "edits" are in (parenthesis)) I had a dinner i did not like. it is btaetoses coockt carits and coockt selrey (potatoes, cooked carrots and cooked celery). I had suthing i like stack (???). Kaya and Cali came ofer (over) we played a game.

 Alivia is a child after my own heart right now. She is reading so much and I love it! So glad to have at least one kid to share my love of reading with. Alivia also loves to play her tablet and draw all kinds of pictures. She has lots of friends at school and we get to hear all about them as well. I have been told that even at church she is like a mother hen, making sure all the kids are staying safe and following the rules.

That's about all the updates I have for today. Hopefully I can get my writing mojo back and this blog will be normal again.

Updates!

This last week got away from me and before I knew it,  it was over! I thought it would be as good a time as any to write an update on our little family. 

Stephen starts one of his computer classes today.  He is pretty excited.  So far he is doing wonderfully in school and by the end of next summer he will have an associates degree in information technology. He is getting great grades and just started a work study at the school that he also loves. Plus it's bringing us some extra income so that's wonderful. 

I am also doing well.  Migraines are mostly under control,  so that is huge for me.  My doctor started me on a new medication in December that worked great but late last month my blood pressure ended up dropping too low.  Now I am on just the one medication,  but the blood pressure is stable and the headaches are stable. 

McKayla is doing well.  She is starting to be a really big helper around  the house. Stephen just taught her how to do laundry so she wants to help with that now.  She mostly dies her homework and reading without complaint,  but we still have our days.  She is doing fairly well in school too.  Still getting extra help in reading and math but it is almost all in the classroom so that's wonderful. 

Natalie seems to be doing well with her accommodations and special ed classes.  She had gotten two 100% spelling tests home this month and seems to be getting back to her joy in school.  She also still has her mornings where she wants to stay home. (Don't we all? !) I wish I could say she is as helpful as m at home,  but she is starting to be more willing to do things she wouldn't before. 

Alivia is growing too fast.  I have gotten more comments about that then anything right now.  She is doing really well in school.  I love listening to her reading.  Makes this mommy's heart happy. One thing that made me almost cry for her last week though. She was watching pokemon with her sisters.  There was this episode where Ashe is trying to leave Pikachu behind with the others of his kind. Alivia was so sad she was crying about it.  Love knowing she has heart. 

Odin is great too. He is such a great addition to our family. 

There you have them, updates all around. 

What's Happening Wednesday

Since I am starting to review more books, I figured I needed a new time/place to talk about what's going on in our neck of the woods. Today is that day. First a picture:

Our little Mister is fitting in quite nicely. He cuddled up with the girls for our nightly reading time. Right now we are reading the BFG. All the kiddos (Odin included) enjoy it very much!

Now, on to the updates. We will start with me, since I am the oldest! Things with me are about normal. I already mentioned that I have started getting novels from publishers to review before they are released. Loving that so far. I have both an eye doctor and a dental appointment today. Kind of hoping that maybe the eye doctor can find the reason for my frequent headaches. We will see.

Stephen is doing okay. Still having lots of issues with his anxiety but seems to be showing some improvement, at least from my point of view. Regular appointments with a counselor, and today a psychiatrist to manage his medications, I feel like we are on the right track. He has been working on getting his Idaho license (DONE!) and then his commercial drivers permit. He passed one of the four tests he needs for that so prayers he passes the other three on Thursday when he re-tests. Aside from that he is working on training Mr Odin and keeping the girls occupied when we have them. He is a busy guy, despite not working right now!

McKayla is turning into a pre-teen faster then I want her to. Not necessarily in her size but most definitely in her attitude. For example, Monday night she cried for at least a half hour that she didn't like her dinner, didn't want to eat that but still wanted dessert. I stuck to my guns and told her if she didn't eat her dinner she wouldn't have dessert. It was obvious I wasn't budging so she finally ate and got her candy for dessert. Hopefully if we just keep doing what we are doing, she will learn that we aren't going to be her personal caterers. She is pretty excited for fourth grade and has been counting down days until she gets to go back to school.

Natalie is finally starting to eat better. The dinner that McKayla whined about, Natalie scarfed down. She even had two servings! In this family, that is impressive for any meal except pizza and mac and cheese. We are working really hard on helping Natalie gain some confidence in her reading and writing skills. I am praying that this school year is better for her. Class lists will be posted soon. Natalie has quickly gotten taller then McKayla (which she hates!) and I can't believe what a beautiful girl she is becoming. With the way she likes her boys, I am more then a little worried.

Then there is Miss Alivia. I can't believe how much she has grown in the past few months. Feels like just yesterday we moved here and she was still taking naps. Suddenly she is this kid with her own opinions and thoughts and she expresses them! We have been dealing with some baby talk from her, which drives me batty, but I think we are slowly getting rid of that. I basically ignore her if she isn't talking like a big girl. Liv is beyond excited for first grade and is already talking about who she hopes is in her class. I'm not so excited for my baby to be at school all day, but I am resigned to the fact that it's happening.

I guess Odin is the baby now! We are training him slowly on our own until we can afford to take the petco classes that we want to. He can sit really well, is learning to lay down and we are buying a "clicker" to help with his "heel" command. There has been a little bit of trouble with the girls wanting to command him when Stephen and I are working with him, but they are slowly learning.

That's what I have for updates. Anything new with my loyal readers?


1000 Gifts: 3 gifts half-hidden

• it is a gift to have a cherry tomato plant with the ripe little pear tomatoes hiding in the leafs, ready for me to pick and enjoy. 
• it is a gift to have scriptures that were half hidden, revealed to me through a message at church. 
• it is a gift to have children's feet, half hidden because they are covered in dirt. A sure sign that my girls have been having fun! 

Updates (short version)

One of Mama Kat's April prompts for today:  Look into your archives. What were you blogging about a year ago around this time? Are you still dealing with the same thing? Your thoughts?

A year ago today, I posted this update about my little family. Quite a bit has changed in our lives. I feel like we are all getting better at the two home family thing. The girls take the transitions a lot better then they were. They are also getting used to not being able to climb in bed with me. The last time we had a kid in the bedroom, it was Natalie, she kicked me out and apparently Stephen was calling me from the bedroom but I didn't hear him. Since then I have had to be "mean mommy" but I try and let em down easy, helping them back to their bed, tucked them in. That's most of what has changed since last year, but since I am on the subject, I will update on how we are as well.

I guess it's been since December that I updated! Not too much has been happening. The girls are all doing well in school. Report cards all looked pretty good though on Natalie and McKayla's it was noted that reading more at home would help. We are slowly working on improving our nightly routine to try and add in the reading time for the girls. Most of their evenings here are spent outside with the  neighborhood kids. Our house seems to be the cool place to be, and the other kids are here even when the girls aren't home.

One thing that has been changing in our lives is that we are using more oils. We have been using a lot less of the over the counter medications, both for the kids and Stephen and I. They ask every night for their "dream spray" (lavender and water) their lavender roller and their on guard. It's nice to have them on board. We also haven't had any bad illnesses since really starting them.

Stephen has also had a few changes. He finally found a job that he enjoys. We are starting to really get into a routine with our family. I love that he is so good with the girls and they really love him too. Alivia calls him Stevie and it's just adorable how wrapped around her finger he is. My girls are so blessed to have so many people who love and care about them. Not only do they have their father and mother, but they have a step dad and a soon to be step-mom who also love them and want what is best for them.


1000 Gifts: a  gift stacked, stashed, stilled

• The tote boxes I have stacked in my shed, full of memories are a gift. I can go through them when I need to and have those pieces of my childhood and teen years. 
• It is a gift to have a stash of mom stuff here. When I miss her most, I can look at letters and cards from her, stalk her facebook. 
• It is a gift to have a quiet still house. I didn't realize how much I cherished this time until I didn't have as much of it. Don't get me wrong, I love my family and love being with them, but I also love my me time. 

Updates & 1000 Gifts

Yet again, it's been awhile since my last update (click the link to read the last one). And yet again, lots is going on! Here is just a small update of what our family has been up to. As you can see I updated the cover photo for the season. Sorry the pic is a bit grainy, but it was the best I could do with my oh-so-cooperative models. Anyway, it's updated no less. Here is the full size pic (had to be cropped a bit for the header.

Christmas 2014

Before I start, I want to let you know, this post is full of links to other posts. Anytime there is an underlined word (might be blue) it is a link to a previous post. Clicking that word will take you to the other post. =) 

Last time I updated it was just before the wedding, since then, we did get married. In my personal opinion (however biased that might be!) it was beautiful. I loved how the colors came together. Loved that it was intimate and just suited us! I have posted a few pictures (here and here) and more on my facebook but it was just wonderful. Honestly, can't think of anything I would have changed. It was so amazing to be surrounded by our friends and family. We have also since had our family blending ceremony which also went wonderfully. There wasn't a great turnout of people there, but it was okay. We loved how it went. The girls were very involved and felt comfortable with everything. I posted a picture of the sand here. Besides the wedding I have been doing pretty well. My grandmother had a pretty serious fall and is in the ICU, but she has stabilized. She's not going to be too happy though, this fall makes it impossible for her to live independently. Keep her in your prayers if you wouldn't mind, her name is Carolyn. 

Now I have a new person to update on and that is my wonderful husband Stephen!! He moved here to be with us, we drove back after the wedding. Things seem to be settling quite nicely in the house. We were able to purchase a few things with gift cards to make the house a bit more comfortable for all of us. It's a small one but we are making it work. When he moved, he had to find a new job. We had a lead on one, he interviewed for it and got the position but something felt "off" about it. Eventually we decided that it wasn't the right fit for our family (it would have been an overnight position.) I honestly believe that God is caring for our family because the day before he called to decline job one, he got a call from another assisted living facility for an interview. The day he declined job one he had an interview with job two. He was the only person (of eight interviewees) who showed up for the group interview. They offered him the job basically right away and he started this last Monday. So far he is enjoying it, even though it is a little different then his last job. The hours are 6:30 am - 2:30 pm which works out just perfectly for our family. God provides! 

McKayla is doing really well. She has a stubborn streak and an attitude, but we are working on it. We are working together to make sure she understands that the rules for Stephen aren't any different then the rules for mom. Her and her sisters have been trying things with Stephen that they know wouldn't fly with mom. I had to explain to him my mom's box theory. Every child has a box. When a new person is introduced into their lives (or anytime they feel like it really) they test the limits of the box. They want to make sure it's still there and they only way they can do it is to do things they wouldn't normally do, that they know aren't okay, to make sure mom or whoever is going to tell them now. We just have to work extra hard on being on the same page and working as a team. No real other issues with her. She is just growing and turning into a young lady right in front of me!

Natalie on the other hand, not dealing with all the change so well. She has been having some pretty serious emotional breakdowns. I will give you a good example: the other night I told her to go in her room and get her pj's on. She went in her room, grabbed her pjs and started putting them on in the living room. My drink was on the floor (in a lidded cup!) and she knocked it over. Just spilled a tiny bit and we weren't mad at her, just wanted to talk to her. She started inconsolably crying. Wouldn't even listen to us talking to her. We were just trying to explain that there are reasons we ask them to do things the way we do, this is why we wanted you to change in your room. I was beyond annoyed. I know she's been through a rough year though, so I'm trying to give her some grace. I have also scheduled her an appointment with a counselor so she can talk about things. Hopefully we can come to an understanding of how to handle her best. We are also slowly working on things for school. Her papers are starting to look a little better coming home, so that's encouraging. Keep Natalie in your prayers. She seems to be having the toughest time with all the changes.

Then there is my Alivia. Sweet little Liv who isn't so little anymore. She is slowly gaining on her sisters in size. Only thing that's still much smaller is her feet. They are still so small! Alivia loves going to school and her after school program. She always seems to come home in a wonderful mood. Her favorite things to do are color and cut and make things for people. I am constantly finding scraps of this or that that she wants to give to someone. She also really loves to write. She asks me all the time how to "do" a letter she can't draw. I can already tell how much she has learned this year. I hope her love for learning and excitement about school continues. She's such fun to watch and be around. We have also gotten a few compliments from her Sunday school teacher about how attentive she is and how quickly she can understand things. I love the faith of a child that asks questions but has zero doubts about God. It's amazing.

So, that's us. Anything new with you?

1000 gifts: three gifts striped

• The wallet my girls got me, it's stripes of hearts, but they are still stripes. Makes me smile thinking of them every time I get it out. (see right) 
• Candy Canes. I love them and it's such fun to get them and share them with the kids (even if they do get sticky everywhere!) 
• The stars and stripes on our flag. They remind me every time I see or think about it how very blessed we are to live in a country where we are free. 

Family Updates!

Its been a LONG crazy couple months since I updated last. Lots has happened in my life and the girls'. We are all slowly working to get back to a new normal.

We will start with the oldest and work our way down to the youngest. So, first you hear about ME! Many people have been asking how I am doing. It's tough to judge as I change so often. Some days are really good, some days not so much. Last weekend I was at a women's retreat with my church. It was one mom was supposed to go to with me, so it was rough, but I'm so glad I went. The women are always so wonderful but they really took care of me over the weekend. I was never without Kleenex or a comforting hand on my back and there were LOTS of hugs which was nice. 

I started my new jamberry business and have been LOVING it. I think it's amazing when you find a product that you love and you are able to share with people you care about. My family and friends have been so amazingly supportive of me. I have three months worth of goals I am trying to hit and am SO close on my first. I have a few more weeks then on to number two. Keep your fingers crossed because I can earn up to $275 in product credit and a $100 bonus just for reaching them. If you don't know what Jamberry is, I encourage you to look at my website. Not because I want to sell you something, but because I really (HONESTLY!) love this product. Especially if you are a lady who does their nails. Here is the link to my website. Feel free to comment me or email if you are interested in a sample or want to know more information. Moving on. 

You also know that I am planning a wedding right now. We are still set for November 25. Consider you, my bloggy friends, all invited. I was apparently not in the state of mind to be making a guest list and missed a few people. (SORRY!) Hopefully I didn't hurt any feelings. The planning is going well. I decided not to do the story-book roses, too much right now. But I am making small pendants to put in my bouquet in honor of my mom, grandma and Stephen's papa. Things are coming together and it should be a wonderful celebration.

McKayla is fully in third grade now. She loves her teacher and parts of school but has decided that school is hard now and does not like that part. Her homework is proving challenging for ME, but she is getting it slowly. There isn't a day I have her that she isn't talking about what she is doing or who she was playing with at school. I haven't gotten any bad reports about her, so I am assuming (until I know for sure at her parent/teacher conferences) that she is doing well. When she isn't in school, she loves to play with the neighbor kids. We both find it really difficult to keep things organized in her room. She doesn't want her sisters helping to clean because "they don't know how to sort it right." Pretty sure this kid inherited my ocd. :/ We are also having a bit of a struggle with her when it comes to church. She does not like going because "it's boring" but once we are there (aside from the time she has to spend in the chapel before junior church) she is fine. Any ideas on how to work with her on this? Trying to think of what else is new with her. She has become a chronic nail biter. I bought her some jamberries this week, so we will see if that helps her like it did me. Besides that she is doing well. Eating better when she feels like it, so that's a little better.

Natalie is in first grade and LOVES it! She loves doing her spelling words, loves doing her homework. I am praying we can keep her this was as long as possible. We aren't having the struggles like we did last year when we leave her at the school. Natalie is also very excited to be a Sunbeam now! For those unfamiliar with The Salvation army, that is the equivalent of girl scouts. All three of my girls really do love the youth programs at the church. She is really becoming my little "diva" and is always wanting to wear accessories or nail polish and "fancy dresses." It's adorable now, but probably won't feel that was in a few months. She also has some serious sass in her! Sometimes I just want to scream because she talks right back to me. My two and a half weeks away from home totally destroyed the limits they used to know they had. So now, all three test their boundaries.

Then there is Alivia. What can I say about sweet Liv. She is still my little snuggle bug. Loves kinder and her after school program. Seems to be really doing well. Only comes home with good green slips so momma's happy. Besides school she LOVES playing outside with her friends. She had two neighbor girls in her class but one has since moved. She keeps telling me she missed her friend. Makes me sad, but they have to learn the lesson. Alivia also really loves going to church and is actually pretty amazing. She is in the elementary school Sunday school class and from what I am told will listen really well and is able to answer questions. All three girls have also been working really hard at memorizing their memory verses. Most months they are getting them down. Not completely sure how long they remember after that, but I'm still impressed!

So there you have it, our update. Anything new about you guys?

Family Updates!

It has been WAY too long since I updated on the family, so I thought this last week of summer vacation I should update on how we are.

McKayla really enjoyed her first time at church camp. She especially loved the swimming pool and the creek walk that she got to go on. Grandma and her both enjoyed their one on one time before the rest of our family arrived for vacation. Thankfully she is finally starting to put on weight like she is supposed to. I guess she ate pretty well while at camp and also at my mom's, so it's just with me that she is picky. Annoying! While she is a very caring child, she gets annoyed easily when she doesn't get her way. This means that she doesn't love playing with the neighbor girl who doesn't ever play the way M wants to. I hear way too often "I don't want to play with Jadee" and we are working on that. I am having a really hard time drawing the line between wanting her to be nice to other kids and letting her decide who she wants to be friends with. She is excited to start third grade, we should find out next week who she has for a teacher.

Natalie my Natalie. The only child who missed me enough to need a phone call while with daddy on vacation. She continues to be my love bug. Another loose tooth has been found in her mouth and she can't quit talking about that. She keeps saying that it hurts. I have to remind her that it probably doesn't hurt so much as feels different then she is used to. Speaking of dental issues, this poor girl has a lot. She has a couple cavities that need to be capped, but she will have to be put under to have that done. That will cost us 1800 dollars that we don't have right now. If you could pray about that, I hate waiting on it, but that is an impossible cost for either Jimmy or I to pay right now. Natalie is quickly catching up with her sister in size. In fact, all three girls can wear the same size clothing. Makes shopping so much easier. She is beyond excited for her Ninjago birthday party (look it up on netflix, it's my girls newest obsession!) I can't believe she will be seven! I am quite anxious to see how she does with a full day of school this year, considering our problems last year. I am confident she will adjust, even if it does take more time then mommy wants it to!

Then there is my Alivia. She really isn't my baby anymore, will actually be entering kindergarten this year. I can't believe it. Seems like just yesterday I was pregnant with her. Alivia is my water baby and would spend all day everyday in the water if we let her. We were at the river in Oregon and she literally didn't come out except to eat a very small snack. I think we were there six hours! She is a little bit bigger then her sisters (not taller, just a bigger girl) but still fits into the same size as them. We are constantly telling that child to pull her pants up as she always has a little bit of crack showing. Drives her mommy crazy! She is quick to give everyone a hug and say hello. Alivia is a social butterfly and loves to just be around people. She is the one who makes sure that everyone is included when they are playing with other children. The child also has no fear, she will do stuff that her sisters are too scared to try like jumping off stuff touching bugs. I love watching her learn because she is still so animated about it! Can't wait to see how she does in kinder. I know she is beyond excited for it.

Finally there is me. You know most of my big news. Got engaged while on vacation in July. Still can't stop looking at the ring. My Stephen did an amazing job. We plan to have the wedding on November 25 in Oregon, then we will both drive back to Boise where we will live. It was going to be a really small wedding, just our immediate families, but that quickly went out the window. It will still be small, just a ceremony and cake reception. I am having so much fun planning and getting things ready. We are doing as much of the decor and stuff as we can. So far we are planning to make our own bouquets (mine will include a few of these storybook roses!), center pieces, and the chapel and reception area decorations. Should keep us busy those few days before the wedding since I can't exactly make stuff and ship it over (at least not cost effectively!) But, we have lots of family and friends who have said they will be more then willing to help us out, so that will be great. Besides that, there isn't a lot going on with me. Just planning, planning.

So, that's our update. Any other burning questions you want me to answer? Leave em in the comments!

Family Updates

It has been too long since I updated on our family last, so here is the overdue update.

McKayla just finished second grade. She had an awesome year and just loved her teacher. She is glad to be done with her spelling tests for the summer and looking forward to spending some days in the pool. This year she finally decided that she is a leftie, so we are working on improving her handwriting with that hand. Her grades all year have been wonderful and I am very proud of how far she's come! We are still concerned about her growth, but keeping an eye on it. Her weight has yet to break 40 pounds and she is still a shortie. I'm not too worried, but the doctors are just checking in with her every six months to see how she is growing. My sweet girl keeps complaining that their divorce class is over, she wanted it to go on forever! She was recently enrolled as a junior soldier in our church which means that she made a commitment to follow Jesus and will try her best to live a life that is pleasing to Him. I couldn't be more proud of her.

Natalie finished her kindergarten year well. She is still a little behind in her letter recognition and letters, but we have a plan to help her work on them this summer. I already shared a picture of her graduation, but it was a really cute show. She has got some serious sass in her. Part of me thinks that God is trying really hard to teach me something through this girl, I just have to remember that they may be my children, but I have given them to him. I need to trust that he will help me raise them. I think Natalie would be happy eating pop tarts for every meal, but she's been better then her sisters about trying new things and actually eating the dinners that I fix. It's nice to have at least one kid that will. She already weighs more then McKayla (barely) and is very close to being taller then her.

Then there is my sweet Alivia. She will forever be my baby, I don't care that she is FIVE now and no longer a baby. Anyway, she is beyond excited to start school with her sisters. I love watching her play with other kids. She is so sweet and makes sure that everyone is included. Liv is always the one who jumps in to defend her sisters or a friend when someone is being mean and I love seeing it! Alivia officially weighs more then both of her sisters, but she isn't fat by any means. She's a well built girl and I love watching her run and play. We spend a lot of time playing pretend with Liv, that she is serving us food or getting us a drink or that we are watching her baby. It's quite cute.

Finally there is me. My divorce was final as of May 9 and as I have mentioned before, I am seeing someone new. His name is Stephen and he makes me so happy. We are taking things slow and I think that's okay. He lives in Oregon (where I am from actually) which makes it a little easier to take it slow, but he is planning a move here some day. I am starting to embrace my time away from the girls. Don't get me wrong, I love my girls and love being with them, but the time away helps me feel like I am doing a better job when they are here. It helps that I know they are in good hands.

Anyway, I guess that is all I have for updates. Any questions?

Family Updates!

I realized yesterday that it's been over a month since I updated on how the girls are doing. So, today is update day!

First my firstborn. McKayla is doing awesome in school. I already mentioned that she got an achievement award. You can tell when she puts in the effort because she brings home more stars on her work. She continues to be the social butterfly of the neighborhood. I don't think a night passes by that they all aren't outside playing. In fact, the child complains when she has to come inside every night. Lately she has been taking the drop offs really hard. Every day that Jimmy leaves she cries. Makes it really hard on mommy, especially when I can't magically make it better. Overall though, I think she is doing really great. I haven't heard anything from school or from her teachers at church that she is acting out. McKayla remains the kid who is most often crawling in bed with mommy. Not gonna lie, I love having her there (most of the time) it's a kind of security for both of us.

Next is Natalie. She continues to be the one that pushes her limits as much as possible. One minute she is driving me batty doing everything she knows that I don't want her doing, the next she is snuggling up to me on the couch, asking for hug and kiss after hug and kiss. She is doing really well in school. Her reading help program seems to be doing the trick and I think she is on par with her classmates now. Natalie also got an achievement award for the third quarter at school. I was one proud mommy at that awards assembly! She also has a lot of fun outside with her sisters and the neighbors. She is most often the first one back inside though... not sure why that is. My Nattie-bug also seems to be the one with the most tender feelings. I can't count the number of times she comes crying to mommy that so and so hurt her feelings. We are working on it, but it's hard. She is also having trouble with the separation when daddy leaves. It drives me batty because they were fine about it a month ago! The other day she cried for more then 20 minutes before finally falling asleep.

Then there is Alivia. Sweet Liv is the most affectionate of the girls. I taught her how to do Eskimo kisses and butterfly kisses. So, now she has to have a regular one and then one of each of the others. Usually more then one of each. She isn't in school yet, but her sisters are teaching her all kinds of things. She can recognize a lot of letters, most colors and a few numbers. She is also really into rhyming and singing right now. I love listening to her in the back of the van singing to herself. She also tries really hard to have conversations in the van but won't sit up in the middle seats. I keep telling her if she sits closer we can talk, but no luck so far. I still love watching this kid sleep. She finds the most interesting positions to sleep in, especially now that she has more room to move!

Anyway, that's how we are doing. I better finish this post before the sun sets and my girls still aren't back inside!

Coffee Talk

A few of my favorite blogs like Kaci's and Heather's have started doing this new post. I thought I would jump in. Basically, you write about the things that you would talk about if you and I were sharing a cup of coffee. 

So, would you join me for coffee today? 

If we were having coffee, 

I would tell you how proud I am of Natalie and McKayla. They both got achievement awards at their third quarter awards assembly.

I would tell you about how excited the whole family is about our new fur babies. We adopted two small rats from petco to join Pepper who is all by herself in the cage now. So, now we have her, Oreo and Snowball. The girls just love them already. 

I would tell you how much I am beginning to enjoy our new house. We are getting into a routine and I am not feeling so overwhelmed. 

I would tell you about how on Tuesday Jimmy and I were finally able to get down to the courthouse to file paperwork for the divorce. It was not an easy day for me, but it was something that needed to be done. I would tell you how grateful I am that we were able to do that together, saving us two extra trips (at least!) After our parenting class on May 8, the papers will head for the judge's desk and if he doesn't have any issues with our agreement it will be stamped and final. 

I would tell you about how much I love our new pastors. They are so easy to talk to and I really enjoy listening to each of them speak. They take turns at the pulpit each Sunday, but they are preaching on the book of John, each one taking a passage, in the order it is written. I am really getting a lot more from this then I have from sermons in a long time. 

I would tell you how thankful I am that I was able to find a new sitter. She is another one who works for the church so I know her background is clean and that leaves me with one less worry. 

I would tell you what a wonderful day I had a work yesterday. I love that I can laugh at work and have fun and take care of people. I may not be a nurse or a doctor, but I still feel like I can make a difference! 

I would tell you how hard this single mom thing is. How often I wonder if I can do it without screwing the girls up. 

I would tell you how much I dread the teenage years with three girls. They are already so full of attitude, I can't even imagine how I am going to handle more! 

If you and I were having coffee, we would have a lot to talk about! What would you tell me?

What I Learned At Church Yesterday

For those closest to me, you know that yesterday was rough. I ended up leaving before the church service started and heading for urgent care. Thankfully, Jimmy was able to leave work and take me. I didn't even feel like I could drive. Urgent care doctor diagnosed me with a migraine (I knew I had that!) and a panic attack. I was given a shot for the pain and sent home with a plan for my anxiety medications. Again, Jimmy stepped up and took the girls all afternoon. He didn't bring them home until after dinner. I had the entire afternoon to rest and relax. I think it helped. Not sure why I am suddenly having problems with panic attacks, but I plan to talk to my doctor today. If you could, keep me in your prayers. I hate feeling like I don't have control of my body.

One quote I left church with is this:
There is a God and I am not Him.

Family Updates

Its been awhile since our last update, so I thought I had better do another. With the way things change around our house, it's a good idea to do them fairly regularly.

I will start with me. Overall, I think I am handling things really well. I am down to half a dose of the anti-anxiety med I was taking for sleep. Most days I have are pretty good. There still have been a few rough ones. Had one at work not to long ago, ended up crying and I can't even tell you a specific reason, just everything all at once hitting me again. I am still in counseling and have met with my pastor as well. The way I see it, I would rather be proactive about my health including my mental, emotional and spiritual. I have seen so many books that compare divorce to death and in a way it certainly is in my case. My marriage was killed in a very unexpected way. It is going to take me awhile to get back to my new normal. Each first that I have had to go through (and will go through) will be hard, but getting through them is important. This week my focus has been on working through my anger in a healthy way rather then burring it or ignoring it. Admitting that I am angry is important and I have been doing that, mostly in my journal or while in counseling.

The girls as a set are all faring pretty well. I signed all three of them up for Divorce Cares 4 Kids (DC4K). The class wasn't free, but it was worth it to me to make sure they know they are still loved and that they have a God who loves them too. I love that this program is very much faith based. The girls have a verse each week they focus on. This program also has a parents page that has been so helpful. Not only do I know what they will be doing each week, but there are lots of articles to read about divorce and single parenting. Anyway, the girls seem to really look forward to each week. I'm just praying this helps them. Not that they are taking it horribly, but I want them to be well adjusted kids.

McKayla is doing good. She had one night last week where she cried for her daddy. He was wonderful and came over to give her hugs and kisses. I will admit that I was a little upset about it, it's hard when you aren't the one your kid wants. Just have to keep reminding myself that they have always been daddy's girls, just because he doesn't live with us doesn't make that untrue. Anyway, she is doing really well in school. Most of her papers come back with just one or two mistakes and many times it's just because she is in a big hurry. She is loving walking to school. Our new house is less then a block from school so I let her and Natalie walk to school and then she walks home in the afternoon. It makes her feel really independent to be able to do that by herself.

Natalie is also doing really well. She seems to be acting out just a little more then she used to, but nothing that is abnormal for a six year old girl. I have also noticed her get a bit more tearful at times and is a little more clingy. Besides that she is doing really well in school. Last month she started a new after school reading help class and sounds like she is doing well with it. Yesterday she got to spend her first Friday afternoon at Just for Kids, the after school care offered through our school district, and as soon as I picked her up she told me she wants to go there every day. I would say that's a win. We will be sticking with just Friday for now, but I am glad to hear that I have options.

Alivia is doing amazing. That girl is so ready to go to school. She talked to my mom on Friday morning and told her all kinds of stories. Most of the conversation my mom could even understand without a "translator" lol. Plus, Liv kept her laughing through almost the whole conversation with her stories. When I finally got to talk my mom admitted that she thought it was McKayla for the first part of the conversation just because of how expressive and vocal she was. This is her first year getting to go to Moonbeams (it's the Salvation Army's version of Brownies) and she is loving it! She is also really enjoying her DC4K class. I get to hear all about it when they get home.

Update

As most of you know, we moved this weekend. We have spent the last two nights in our new house and it has been wonderful. Yesterday we were able to get most everything else moved over. A minor plumbing problem had me worried (at the old house) but it has since been taken care of. All we have left to do is clean up. I also might "get" to make a couple trips over to the old house to do some laundry. Until my daddy gets here (hopefully Friday!) we don't have laundry in the house.

The girls seem to be adjusting well. They all love their new room. Since getting the furniture in, it doesn't seem as small as I first thought it was. I think once we are completely unpacked it will be just perfect for us. I am slowly getting the house in order.

One big thing I think I am going to "change" is that I will use the coat closet (that is strangely right next to the kitchen) as a pantry. We just have more food then I do cupboard space. Right now it is in the pots and pan cupboard and the pots and pans are still in boxes! Like I said, working on it. Hopefully daddy will have some ideas on how I can best use that closet space. Not sure I have mentioned before, but my dad is kind of a whiz when it comes to maximizing space. Needless to say, I am really excited for him and my sister to come visit!

Anyway. That's my update. I will try and have pictures up soon (maybe Wordless Wednesday?)

How was your weekend? Did you do anything fun?

Family Updates

It's been a few months since I updated on everyone, and with everything going on, I thought I would take the time to let everyone know how the kids are doing. Oldest to youngest here are the updates!

Doing their favorite thing, playing the "golden ds" 

McKayla is right at the age where she is totally understanding what is going on. She's asking questions and making sure that both mommy and daddy know that she loves us. It is still the sweetest thing for me to go downstairs (where Jimmy is sleeping) and see her curled up with him. She is still doing really well in school and I haven't heard anything bad at all from her teachers.

Natalie is the one taking this the hardest. She is tearful often and asks a few questions. She's really insecure about what is going to happen. I think she is going to be the one who needs the most support. Her insecurity has rolled over into other areas of her life and now she is tearful any time anything isn't going her way. We are working on that, but I am just trying to make sure that I am available for them to talk to. She is still doing really great in school though. I sent emails to both her teacher and McKayla's and so far haven't heard anything back, so I am assuming she is doing okay at school.

Alivia doesn't really understand what's going on. I think this might hit her harder when we are actually in separate living residences. She asks a few questions and sometimes they catch me off guard because they are so beyond what I think she's capable of understanding. An example: last weekend she brought me a picture of Jimmy and I the summer we got together and said "you were happy when you got married, why aren't you happy anymore." I had no answer. There is no easy button for me to push and make this not hurt the girls (and me!)

Overall we are handling it. I did find out this week that we do have a place to move. It's a little 2 bedroom duplex. I'm not sure on the dates of the move or anything, but it is nice to know we have somewhere to live. Honestly, I think the girls are going to start taking it a little harder once we move out and they realize daddy isn't coming with us. I think it's probably going to hit me too. But with the continued prayers and support from our friends and family I am sure will will get through this.

365/286: Family Updates

Its been awhile since I updated on everyone, so I thought it would be good to do it again. =) I know how much my family and friends "back home" enjoy them.

McKayla is loving second grade. She says her favorite part is spelling tests. McKayla continues to be a really good friend. She has even had a few of them come by the house and play! When she is at home she enjoys to play gameboy or watch netflix, but when I won't let her do that she likes to play outside on the swing set. She plays pretty well with her sisters as long as they do what she wants. We have quite a bit of squabbling, but that's to be expected. Lately we have been working with her on her attitude and how she reacts when we make her do something or when she doesn't like the answer we give her. Since starting second grade, they have asked that we make her read at least 15 minutes every night. We do a pretty good job most nights, but there are times we forget. She is currently reading her first chapter book and also likes to read to her sisters.

Natalie is finally settling into kindergarten. The issue I had dropping her off at pre-k is a non issue for kinder. She has had one bad morning (and even the teacher noticed). Nat doesn't talk about her class mates as much as McKayla did, but with prompting she will talk a little bit about how she's liking it. She says her favorite part of kinder is recess and besides that she likes her friends. We LOVE her teacher. I admit that I was worried having the "new" teacher when M did so well with her kinder teacher, but I have been nothing but impressed with how Natalie is doing. She is also really fast at emailing me back and has been super helpful with a few issues I had.

Only goofball who wouldn't let me get a good picture!

Then there is Alivia, she can't wait to grow up and go to school. I keep telling her to slow down because she's my baby, but it isn't working out too well for me. Alivia loves to color and "write" letters. She even does her own spelling tests. It's quite adorable. She is growing like a weed and has almost caught up with her "big" sisters. Most of the clothes in her dresser need to be pulled out because they are too short. Not sure when she got so tall! Miss Liv also can't wait to start loosing teeth. Every time McKayla looses another she is asking when she will lose one. I asked her if she wanted me to pull one out and she said yes! I had to explain to her that mommy was only kidding.

Overall our little family is doing great. We have been struggling a little bit financially, but I think we might just make it out of this. Jimmy started a second job. It is in sales/finance and is something he can do in his time not working for coke. We are optimistic this will be good for us, just waiting for the income to start coming in. I think after his first sale he will be able to pay to take his insurance sales test. Keep us in your prayers though, it hasn't been easy, but He is carrying us through.

365/232: Family Updates

I have spent the last week thinking about things I can take pictures of, things I can write about, something to get my creative juices flowing. And you know what I came up with? BIG FAT NOTHING! So, I thought since this is first and foremost my family blog, I would update on our family.

McKayla -- 8/17 @ her cousin's Angry Birds
birthday party

McKayla is 7 now, going into second grade and VERY excited about it. She is really starting to get an attitude, and I am thinking if it has started this early, I may pull all my hair out before she's a teenager! But as much as her attitude drives me crazy, she still has that heart of gold. She never likes to see anyone left out. She is still reading really well. When she feels like it, she reads to her sisters and my heart melts a little!

Natalie 8/17 -- ever the model!

Then there is Natalie. we have been having some pretty severe anxiety issues with Natalie. For the month of July she was in a pre-k program at the school. Drop offs for the first week went really well, she let me drop her off no problem. By week two she was getting upset when I left but would stay seated so I could leave. The last week and a half I ended up leaving her with her teachers. They literally had to hold her to keep her from following. Then last week when she went to the sitter's she threw the biggest fit. She was crying, yelling "mommy" over and over kicking and throwing her fists around.  I have been doing research and trying to apply them. I try to make it quick, try to explain ahead of time what is going to happen. I emphasize that Mommy and Daddy would never leave her in a place where she wasn’t safe. And I also remind her that we will pick her up around 3 (or whatever time we are planning for that day). I’m really at a loss of what to do about it. I am also praying that because I drop both her and McKayla off for school that she will do well, but honestly, not holding my breath. Besides that, she's still Natalie. Her loud voice is the one I swear I hear in my sleep. She loves ALL animals and never passes up the opportunity to hold her pet rats. 

And Liv in her Piggy mask 8/17

Alivia is growing much too fast for me. I can not believe how quickly she changed into a little girl. That little baby face isn't such a baby face anymore :-( She loves to "read" to her animals and her sisters. She is already starting to write her letters and keeps asking when she gets to go to school. I might get her some workbooks to try and do when she's in the mood. When we make our trips to the library she is the one who loads us up with books. She has forced me out of my "reading rut" by picking books I would have never thought to read to them (like a book about electricity! lol) 

Jimmy (my oldest "kid") is doing good as well. He is working a lot of hours this summer. Pretty much normal for his line of work (summer = higher soda sales) The extra hours mean extra pay which really helps our financial situation, but it's rough on the family to have him away so much. I think he misses us too! Besides that he is just watching lots of preseason football and counting down to Bronco kickoff (14 days from today!!) 

And then there's me. You guys are pretty currently updated here. I have been doing the half marathon training and then a whole lot of nothing besides work. I am also teaching the teen Sunday school class. It's been eye opening to me talking to these kids. Things have changed since I was a teen, but in a way they haven't. I think that no matter what age you are, life can be rough. It's then that you have to accept the help that comes to you and be grateful.

Winter Fun

  Today we took the time for a walk at the park. We were all very cold and I couldn't resist taking pictures of these sweet rosy cheeks. I think we too often get caught up in the business of life and forget to stop and just enjoy the moments. I love these girls with every breath that is in me. I am so blessed to have them. I am going to take this opportunity to update a bit on each of them.

McKayla is now 7 and thinks she is the boss of everyone. I know that ALL of my family (the ones older then myself) will be saying that she is just like me, not just in looks, but in attitude. She is so smart though! She is doing so wonderfully in first grade. She is still the social butterfly she's always been. So many friends she is always talking about. I love it!!

Then there is Natalie. She is now 5 and continues to be my stubborn kid. I love her so much, but sometimes she knows just which buttons to push to drive mommy crazy. I guess every family has to have one right!? She is really into her ponies and playing pretend. I just love seeing her imagination working. Natalie is also a very affectionate kid. I love that she still sneaks in my room in the evenings to give me a goodnight kiss. "Just one more mommy" Knows how to melt my heart too!!

And sweet Alivia. My baby isn't such a baby anymore. I can't believe she is 3 (almost 4!). She is growing so quickly. She is already almost the same height and weight as her older sisters. You wouldn't believe how many times we get asked if they are triplets or twins at least. Alivia is very high energy trying to keep up with everyone. She is such a joy to be around. Her laugh just makes everyone smile. Love it!

Finally Friday

This week has just felt like forever! We had one girl at work quit two weeks ago, then another girl went out to have her baby this week. So being 1/3 short of our front office staff makes the remaining 2/3 feel like we are running, all the time. Not to mention we are in the process of changing over our electronic health records to a new system, so we are all attending mandatory classes and training for that. Makes me feel like I am going non-stop. Can't wait for the end of this month where I can take my vacation and not worry about any of this! =)

I missed thankful Thursday, but I still think its important to think about those things I am thankful for. Just a short list for today.

I am thankful for my sister and brother in law who are always happy to see us.
I am thankful for people we can swap babysitting with (hoping for a date night, SOON!)
I am thankful for the gradual coming of spring. I have been CRAVING the sunshine lately.
I am thankful for my coworkers who make me smile, even when we are stressed.
I am thankful for a weight loss plan that allows me to be flexible. =)

Alivia

My sweet baby is showing me a little more every day how she isn't so much that "baby" anymore. Half of me wants to just cry because I want her to stay little forever, but the other half knows that there is so many more milestones to look forward to.

Miss Liv is now 2 1/2 years old and really starting to explode in the language department. My family back home especially notices now that she can really talk on the phone! She is really patient and eager to learn. McKayla sits and plays "word games" with her where she says "Liv say Daddy" and just changes what word she has her say. Last night they played for a good 15 minutes and Liv just kept repeating those words back at her big sister! She often surprises us with what comes out of that little mouth. Full 3-4 word sentences already!

Liv is my biggest (at her age) She is only about 2 pounds smaller then Nat and probably a couple inches shorter. She is so full of spunk that she makes everyone around her laugh! The nursery workers at church just love her and she has these chubby cheeks that you just wanna pinch (not hard of course!)

Eating is one of the things I don't have trouble getting her to do. She is always willing to try new things (which the other two don't really do!) She is also constantly falling asleep in the weirdest positions/places. I have more pics of her sleeping then any of the other kids. Sadly she doens't get her naps nearly as often as we wish (thanks big sisters!) but when she does, she is an excellent napper. She sleeps really well thruogh the night, though on occasion we do get her sneaking into our bed. I can't tell her no because she is like this little heater in our bed. Love it!

I feel like I don't have nearly as much to say about Liv, but I swear she is so fun. She just isn't in school yet, and isn't causing me any trouble, so I have nothing to ramble about with her =)