Our family is at a cross-roads. Our son Prince will be leaving elementary school behind next month, and we have some very big decisions to make in regards to where he will be attending middle school next year. Ordinarily, you just send your child to the local public school, but our situation is a bit more complicated than that. First off all, we have several options. There is the regular public school (which if you knew me you would realize that I am very anti-public school in our area), there is a charter elementary/middle school, there is a charter middle/high school, and there is a special charter school for all ages. If you are not familiar with a charter school, these are free public schools (and not the kind that I am against like in my first statement). Our kids have gone to a FABULOUS charter school for the last four years. In our household, we LOVE charter schools.
If this decision was for Princess, we would probably just send her to one of the more traditional charter schools. But alas, this decision is not for Princess. It is for Prince. That might sound like a double standard, but in this case it is not. For any one that is not familiar with my son, just to look at him you would think that there is nothing out of the ordinary. That assumption would be incorrect. Prince was diagnosed with early onset bipolar disorder, ADHD, ADD, anxiety, and depression. We are also thinking that there are some sensory issues coming into play lately.
Depending on how he is currently responding to his medication, his mood changes. At the moment, Prince is in an up cycle. That is to say, he is manic. For the last several weeks, his behavior has been getting harder to control. This last week it came to a head (at least that is my hope). For him, when he feels out of control, he regresses with his behavior. Over the last weekend, he literally has been acting like a three year old. According to the doctor, this is most likely his "natural" state when out of control. They have increased his medication, and we are hoping to avoid this getting any worse. In fact, this episode is the worst one I have seen from him to date. I feel like the increased medication is working, but time will tell.
This leads me back to the big decision. Do we put him in a traditional-style middle school that most likely will not be able to fully support him when it comes to these types of issues? Or do we put him in a school that will definitely be able to support him, but is not a school for "traditional" students? What types of behaviors will he pick up from this type of school? I love that we have so many options, but none of them seem to be the "perfect" fit. How do I as a parent make the best choice for my child? We have been praying over this issue for weeks.
We attended a walk through of the special school today. I have to say, we were pretty impressed with what we saw. After talking with the staff, seeing the students and how they are handled, and then watching a staff member with Prince while he was literally flying through their hall, I believe we are ready to make this next step. I believe that we are making the correct decision, and pray that everything is working out as it is supposed to. I am putting my anxiety and worry to the Lord. I know that my son is in the best hands possible, the Lord's.
We are a God-loving family, and life for us is wonderful! We love to stay busy with our children, read the bible, and just spend time as a family. Even though life for us can get chaotic, we would not change it for anything!
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Monday, April 14, 2014
Family ties
It is official, my baby sister is back in Utah! Yes! Can you tell I am just a wee bit excited?!? She is the baby of the family, and almost like my own child. I hated having her move away, and as of two days ago she is back!
On another note...it is very physically and emotionally draining to have a child with health problems. Prince has mental health conditions, and he has been having a really rough time the last week or so. We are hoping the new medication dosage will help him out. I know he is tired of it, and quite frankly, so am I. I know that the Lord has a plan for him and for us. There is a reason for everything, and there is always something to be thankful for. In this instance, one thing that I know I can be thankful for would be the patience that I am learning. Patience has always been one of my weaknesses, and it is definitely getting better. I am also eternally thankful for having Prince in my life. He is such a joy, and a sweet boy. He is a pleaser and hates when people are upset with him. I am really working on giving him patience and understanding during this current trial.
Princess has been struggling with Prince lately too. She feels like he gets all of our attention, so we make sure she gets special one-on-one time with us. She also is struggling with understanding of what is going on with her brother. She is at an age where she is starting to comprehend that something is not right, but doesn't fully understand it. We are doing what we can to help her through this as well.
If you could pray for our family right now, and pray that the doctor will guide us in the correct direction we would be grateful. Thank you!
On another note...it is very physically and emotionally draining to have a child with health problems. Prince has mental health conditions, and he has been having a really rough time the last week or so. We are hoping the new medication dosage will help him out. I know he is tired of it, and quite frankly, so am I. I know that the Lord has a plan for him and for us. There is a reason for everything, and there is always something to be thankful for. In this instance, one thing that I know I can be thankful for would be the patience that I am learning. Patience has always been one of my weaknesses, and it is definitely getting better. I am also eternally thankful for having Prince in my life. He is such a joy, and a sweet boy. He is a pleaser and hates when people are upset with him. I am really working on giving him patience and understanding during this current trial.
Princess has been struggling with Prince lately too. She feels like he gets all of our attention, so we make sure she gets special one-on-one time with us. She also is struggling with understanding of what is going on with her brother. She is at an age where she is starting to comprehend that something is not right, but doesn't fully understand it. We are doing what we can to help her through this as well.
If you could pray for our family right now, and pray that the doctor will guide us in the correct direction we would be grateful. Thank you!
Friday, April 11, 2014
Faithful Friday!
Today is Friday! I do not know about you, but I absolutely LOVE Fridays and this has been a great one. It started out with sleeping in (how can that be a bad start right?!?). Then the kids and I went with fabulous friends of ours to a family fun center and spent most of the day. All of the kids seemed to have such a great time playing arcade games, miniature golf, riding the go karts and bumper boats, and lots of other activities. It really was an amazing day. Then after being home awhile, my friend brought me a piece of cake from one of favorite bakeries. Sounds like a great day, right? And it gets better. MY BABY SISTER IS ON HER WAY BACK HOME! She will be here soon. I can not tell you how happy that this makes me feel. She has been away too long, and I am so grateful that she is moving back here.
One thing that I have not covered lately on this blog has been my "faithful Friday". I really enjoy writing those posts and will get back into the habit.
Our family's journey of faith has been through some ups and downs lately. A few months back, we left our home church of over five years. I really do not want to get into reasons on here, other than to say that the Lord put it on our hearts that it was time to find a new spiritual home. We started this new chapter of our life with a list of multiple churches that we wanted to into and see if they were the right fit for our family. While we did enjoy several of them, when we attended our new church we just new that we had found our spiritual home. It was very much the same feeling that we had when we found our church home before. When we walked in and attended the service, it just felt right. So, we started the year off right, with our hearts and minds open.
I will be forever grateful for our previous church. We were saved in that church. We have loved learning about the Lord, and all the lessons we have taken into our hearts. We consider the people there our family. While it was and is a wonderful place, we just new that it was not our home anymore. That church will always hold a piece of my heart. It was bittersweet to move on, and taking that first step away was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I know now that what we did was for the best. That the Lord has bigger plans for our family, and I do not know those plans.
We continue to follow the Lord's plan for us. We have not stopped reading His word. We continue to pray and mediate on all that I have learned. We are at peace with this decision and there is no anxiety when it comes to this change. With the move to the new church, our faith is growing. We are walking in the path of the Lord. And that is a beautiful thing!
Some of the passages that we have found to be inspiring lately include:
Proverbs 3:5 (NASB)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-10 (NASB)
There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven. A time to give birth and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted. A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance. A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing. A time to search and a time to give up as lost; A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear apart and a time to sew together; A time to be silent and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate; A time for war and a time for peace. What profit is there to the worker from that in which he toils? I have seen the task which God has given the sons of men with which to occupy themselves.
Psalm 32:8 (NASB)
I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.
Proverbs 19:21 (NASB)
Many plans are in a man's heart,But the counsel of the Lord will stand.
One thing that I have not covered lately on this blog has been my "faithful Friday". I really enjoy writing those posts and will get back into the habit.
Our family's journey of faith has been through some ups and downs lately. A few months back, we left our home church of over five years. I really do not want to get into reasons on here, other than to say that the Lord put it on our hearts that it was time to find a new spiritual home. We started this new chapter of our life with a list of multiple churches that we wanted to into and see if they were the right fit for our family. While we did enjoy several of them, when we attended our new church we just new that we had found our spiritual home. It was very much the same feeling that we had when we found our church home before. When we walked in and attended the service, it just felt right. So, we started the year off right, with our hearts and minds open.
I will be forever grateful for our previous church. We were saved in that church. We have loved learning about the Lord, and all the lessons we have taken into our hearts. We consider the people there our family. While it was and is a wonderful place, we just new that it was not our home anymore. That church will always hold a piece of my heart. It was bittersweet to move on, and taking that first step away was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I know now that what we did was for the best. That the Lord has bigger plans for our family, and I do not know those plans.
We continue to follow the Lord's plan for us. We have not stopped reading His word. We continue to pray and mediate on all that I have learned. We are at peace with this decision and there is no anxiety when it comes to this change. With the move to the new church, our faith is growing. We are walking in the path of the Lord. And that is a beautiful thing!
Some of the passages that we have found to be inspiring lately include:
Proverbs 3:5 (NASB)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-10 (NASB)
There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven. A time to give birth and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted. A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance. A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing. A time to search and a time to give up as lost; A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear apart and a time to sew together; A time to be silent and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate; A time for war and a time for peace. What profit is there to the worker from that in which he toils? I have seen the task which God has given the sons of men with which to occupy themselves.
Psalm 32:8 (NASB)
I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.
Proverbs 19:21 (NASB)
Many plans are in a man's heart,But the counsel of the Lord will stand.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
End of spring break
Tomorrow is the official last day of spring break. I have really tried making this spring break a fun one for the kids. We have definitely been able to pack in the fun! We have gone to the movies, the park several times, swimming, a trampoline park, shopping, lunch, and tomorrow is the biggest day yet! The kids are so excited for tomorrow, and quite frankly, so am I.
Just so everyone knows, I have the best family ever! My husband works so hard for our family. The National Guard is taking him away tomorrow (thankfully just for the weekend). My kids are awesome. While they might drive me bonkers, they are my life. I just love the people they are growing up to be. Prince is almost as tall as me now! He has about four inches to go and he will be taller. I imagine this will probably take place sometime in the next year or so. Princess is as cute as ever. She is such a big helper.
It has been really nice having the last week off of school, definitely a much needed break. I absolutely love my job and my students, but it is getting close to the end of the school year and I am ready for it! In fact, once we get back to school next week, we only have seven weeks left until summer break. That is just nuts!
I hope everyone has a wonderful day tomorrow!
Just so everyone knows, I have the best family ever! My husband works so hard for our family. The National Guard is taking him away tomorrow (thankfully just for the weekend). My kids are awesome. While they might drive me bonkers, they are my life. I just love the people they are growing up to be. Prince is almost as tall as me now! He has about four inches to go and he will be taller. I imagine this will probably take place sometime in the next year or so. Princess is as cute as ever. She is such a big helper.
It has been really nice having the last week off of school, definitely a much needed break. I absolutely love my job and my students, but it is getting close to the end of the school year and I am ready for it! In fact, once we get back to school next week, we only have seven weeks left until summer break. That is just nuts!
I hope everyone has a wonderful day tomorrow!
Monday, April 7, 2014
Today is a new day...
I am officially off of school for the next week! YEA! I finished my alegbra final today, and passed the class with am "A". I am so glad that this class is over. It should be my last math class for my degree! While I think that math comes easy to me, I find it incredibly boring. (Sorry all you math people out there!) History is my favorite subject :)
Tomorrow is a pretty full day for the kids and me. Prince and I need to have blood work done. I need to submit Prince's middle school registration papers to the new school. I am going to lunch with the girls. After lunch, the kids and I are going out and having fun!
I am looking into going on a girls trip this summer. It has been a couple years since the last time I went away with the girls, and it is definitely past time!
Tomorrow is a pretty full day for the kids and me. Prince and I need to have blood work done. I need to submit Prince's middle school registration papers to the new school. I am going to lunch with the girls. After lunch, the kids and I are going out and having fun!
I am looking into going on a girls trip this summer. It has been a couple years since the last time I went away with the girls, and it is definitely past time!
Spring Break
I do not know about you, but I sure am glad spring break has arrived. My children have been driving me bonkers ;) and definitely needed some fun time. (Just between us, I did too!) Recently I started a second job, and have to say, it is so much fun! I am only going to be doing it one-two nights a week for a little extra spending money and to keep me from going insane over the summer while school is out.
Prince is doing well. We started with a new doctor a couple weeks ago, and have a game plan in place for his medication and behavior. It is going to be a few months before we really have a complete picture, but it does sound promising. He also recently started playing the piano again after quitting three years ago. This change really makes me happy. Prince LOVES music, and he played for a long time. We have a fabulous teacher who is wonderful with my kids! Soccer is also starting up again this week. I can not believe that it is already soccer season!
Princess is a doll like always. She wanted to chop off her hair yesterday, so we let her. While I think the cut is cute and she looks lovely, I miss the long hair. At least when it grows out, it will be super healthy :) Princess is also playing the piano. She started back in September, and is FLYING through the lesson books. She has completed the first level already and starts in on the new set of books this coming week. She has really been loving it! In addition, she has been taking a sewing class. She has already make a bag, and is now working on her first pair of pajama pants. It is too cute!
Brian and I are great. We are getting into a routine with all the changes in working hours, and the new schedule seems to be working. While we both are busy, we are still making it a point to try to "date" and also make time for the kids. I just have to say, I am the luckiest woman ever. My husband is the best, and works so hard for our family. He is an amazing person. I do tell him that, but I probably should tell him more often.
This coming week is going to be great! Starting tomorrow night, I am off of school for a week, the kids are on spring break (and I am to from my job), and we have so many fun activities planned for this week. I really just wanted to take the week to focus on our kids, and let them have fun!
It is super late, so I better sign off for now!
Prince is doing well. We started with a new doctor a couple weeks ago, and have a game plan in place for his medication and behavior. It is going to be a few months before we really have a complete picture, but it does sound promising. He also recently started playing the piano again after quitting three years ago. This change really makes me happy. Prince LOVES music, and he played for a long time. We have a fabulous teacher who is wonderful with my kids! Soccer is also starting up again this week. I can not believe that it is already soccer season!
Princess is a doll like always. She wanted to chop off her hair yesterday, so we let her. While I think the cut is cute and she looks lovely, I miss the long hair. At least when it grows out, it will be super healthy :) Princess is also playing the piano. She started back in September, and is FLYING through the lesson books. She has completed the first level already and starts in on the new set of books this coming week. She has really been loving it! In addition, she has been taking a sewing class. She has already make a bag, and is now working on her first pair of pajama pants. It is too cute!
Brian and I are great. We are getting into a routine with all the changes in working hours, and the new schedule seems to be working. While we both are busy, we are still making it a point to try to "date" and also make time for the kids. I just have to say, I am the luckiest woman ever. My husband is the best, and works so hard for our family. He is an amazing person. I do tell him that, but I probably should tell him more often.
This coming week is going to be great! Starting tomorrow night, I am off of school for a week, the kids are on spring break (and I am to from my job), and we have so many fun activities planned for this week. I really just wanted to take the week to focus on our kids, and let them have fun!
It is super late, so I better sign off for now!
Sunday, October 6, 2013
reprioritizing life
I haven't written on here in awhile, but I am not going to apologize. I have been incredibly busy spending time with my children and husband (while he was home), working, doing homework, and just living. A lot has happened in the last few weeks, and it really makes me take a step back and look at what is going on. My children are happy and my house is a mess, and that is okay. Everyday I am learning to let things go and to just enjoy the time that I have with my family. In the end, nothing really matters but them (and God!). My house does not need to be perfectly clean, the laundry does not need to by put away, homework can wait a bit, but time with my children can never wait.
In the last week, a little boy in our town passed away. It was a random accident, and his parents were home at the time. It was a tragic accident that has left me shaken and reaccessing all that I know. This little boy was exactly Prince's age. They were into the small things, and competed against each other on their schools' track teams.
In addition, a girl I went to high school with passed away yesterday, as well. For her, it was not an accident, and she knew eventually this time would come. Even though she realized that she would pass at a very young age, it is still hard to know that a girl who used to be one of my best friends is gone.
This events really make you take a hard look at your loved ones. It helps you re-prioritize what is important. To me, the things that are the most important is my faith and my family.
So, what have we been up to you say? Well, at the beginning of September, my brother and his beautiful family flew out and stayed with us for about a week or so. While he was here, my mom drive in, and stayed with us as well so we could all celebrate her 50th birthday. Then, in the middle of September, Brian and I with our children drove out to Washington state to celebrate his Grandma's 90th birthday. We had a wonderful time with his family, but our time was cut short. We had to leave very fast, as his unit was activated and he needed to report the next morning.
Once Brian left, the kids and I just went back into normal mode. Luckily, Brian was able to come home after being gone 5 days. He was only home 4 days, but they were full days! We were able to do our annual tradition of going to the pumpkin patch and we also celebrated the kids' birthdays early since he will not be home for them this year. Prince will be turning 11 on Thursday, and Princess will be 9 on the 21st.
The kids were very excited to be able to celebrate their birthdays with Dad. Even though he is career military, we have been very fortunate that he has been home for all birthdays until this year.
Overall, I have been hugging and kissing my kids more than ever. It has been a rough little bit, but we will persevere and get through anything. We need to lean on God for our strength, and that is what I have been doing and will continue to do. In all things, I thank God for my blessings and for my struggles. I thank God for His grace.
In the last week, a little boy in our town passed away. It was a random accident, and his parents were home at the time. It was a tragic accident that has left me shaken and reaccessing all that I know. This little boy was exactly Prince's age. They were into the small things, and competed against each other on their schools' track teams.
In addition, a girl I went to high school with passed away yesterday, as well. For her, it was not an accident, and she knew eventually this time would come. Even though she realized that she would pass at a very young age, it is still hard to know that a girl who used to be one of my best friends is gone.
This events really make you take a hard look at your loved ones. It helps you re-prioritize what is important. To me, the things that are the most important is my faith and my family.
So, what have we been up to you say? Well, at the beginning of September, my brother and his beautiful family flew out and stayed with us for about a week or so. While he was here, my mom drive in, and stayed with us as well so we could all celebrate her 50th birthday. Then, in the middle of September, Brian and I with our children drove out to Washington state to celebrate his Grandma's 90th birthday. We had a wonderful time with his family, but our time was cut short. We had to leave very fast, as his unit was activated and he needed to report the next morning.
Once Brian left, the kids and I just went back into normal mode. Luckily, Brian was able to come home after being gone 5 days. He was only home 4 days, but they were full days! We were able to do our annual tradition of going to the pumpkin patch and we also celebrated the kids' birthdays early since he will not be home for them this year. Prince will be turning 11 on Thursday, and Princess will be 9 on the 21st.
The kids were very excited to be able to celebrate their birthdays with Dad. Even though he is career military, we have been very fortunate that he has been home for all birthdays until this year.
Overall, I have been hugging and kissing my kids more than ever. It has been a rough little bit, but we will persevere and get through anything. We need to lean on God for our strength, and that is what I have been doing and will continue to do. In all things, I thank God for my blessings and for my struggles. I thank God for His grace.
Friday, September 20, 2013
Long time
So, it has been a CRAZY BUSY few weeks lately! Oh my goodness! I was really trying to blog every day, but with my schedule, it just is not happening. I will try to start doing it again, as I really enjoy it, plus it is a great record of my children over time.
What is new with us, the parents? A couple things. For one thing, Brian might be activated soon with the Guard. I can not really go into details here, but he will probably be missing the kids' birthdays next month. Over the years being a military wife has been stressful occasionally, but it has been a great experience. I have been very lucky that up until this year Brian has never missed a birthday or anniversary. That lucky streak ended with our anniversary back in July, and is going to continue through the kids' birthdays in October. They are pretty bummed about this, but there is a possibility that we may be able to go to where he is around Prince's birthday and do a little family party.
We will have to see.
Another big thing going on is that we are going on a trip on Saturday. I am fairly excited about this as I LOVE road trips. Brian's Grandma is turning 90 this weekend, so we decided to make the drive up there. Please do not freak out that I just announced to the world that we will not be home, as I have house guests watching our house the whole time we are gone, so the house will not be vacant ;)
I have another big announcement :) As of today, I have lost a total of 26 pounds this summer! I am so excited about this! I still have 44 pounds to go, but am making great progress in a relatively short amount of time! If anyone wants to know, I have been watching what I eat, and staying within the calorie intake suggested by my doctor. I am also losing the correct amount of weight each month so that I do not lose it too fast, since that is not good for your body.
Well, I think that is all for now, I will post more tomorrow! See ya!
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
health news and busy day!
Today was the first full Wednesday since all of our activities have started. I ended up working a couple extra hours, and went straight from work to Prince's Lego Robotics Club. After dropping him off, I picked up Princess from our carpool (who got her from school choir practice after school) and went into the eye doctor's office. I have a pair of glasses that the frames keep tweaking, so the office keeps fixing them for me. After leaving there, I headed over to Costco to price out treats for the Governor's Day event that I am in charge of. (Of which, I did not find out about it until last night and the event is in a week!)
After Costco, I picked up dinner (there was NO way I was going to make dinner at this point), and brought it home where Prince and Brian were waiting. Brian is going to the last half of Prince's Lego Club meetings and then brings him home. After dinner, the kids had to do their homework. By that time, bed time had passed, and they were straight to bed, without doing chores :( Oh well, hopefully they will get caught up tomorrow.
On another note, I got called today from Princess's sleep doctor about the tests that we have had run in the last couple weeks. Her sleep study came back great!!! No more sleep apnea, either type! Her surgery back in May only had a 15% of working, and it did the trick! This is a HUGE weight off of our shoulders!
After talking about her sleep study, we moved on to her blood work. This is where we did not get the news we were wanting. Not only is her anemia not better, it is getting worse :( Princess has been taking supplements for the last several months, but she is still getting lower. The doctor feels like there is a problem with the way she absorbs iron, and we need to change doctors to one that specializes in anemia, since this was a sleep doctor. So now we get to search for a hematologist that will work with our insurance and with Princess.
After Costco, I picked up dinner (there was NO way I was going to make dinner at this point), and brought it home where Prince and Brian were waiting. Brian is going to the last half of Prince's Lego Club meetings and then brings him home. After dinner, the kids had to do their homework. By that time, bed time had passed, and they were straight to bed, without doing chores :( Oh well, hopefully they will get caught up tomorrow.
On another note, I got called today from Princess's sleep doctor about the tests that we have had run in the last couple weeks. Her sleep study came back great!!! No more sleep apnea, either type! Her surgery back in May only had a 15% of working, and it did the trick! This is a HUGE weight off of our shoulders!
After talking about her sleep study, we moved on to her blood work. This is where we did not get the news we were wanting. Not only is her anemia not better, it is getting worse :( Princess has been taking supplements for the last several months, but she is still getting lower. The doctor feels like there is a problem with the way she absorbs iron, and we need to change doctors to one that specializes in anemia, since this was a sleep doctor. So now we get to search for a hematologist that will work with our insurance and with Princess.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Running Club!
Today was the first day of Running Club for the kids this season. This is Prince's third year being in his school's running club, and Princess's second year. For those of you that do not know what Running Club is, in the fall it is the school's cross country running club. In the spring time, it is more about track and field. The kids have so much fun doing this activity, and I love that it helps increase their stamina, which in turn helps their other activities. I love the fact that my children enjoy being active! I just need them to drink more water when there is a heat wave going on like today!
Monday, September 2, 2013
Family Time
This weekend has been great, so great in fact, that I forgot to blog! Oh well!
Today is Labor Day, so the kids and I had a half day of school on Friday, and today (Monday) off. It has been a wonderful long weekend! We have spent a lot of time playing and having fun. We have also spent a lot of time cleaning and getting ready for the next week.
I am settling into my routine, with all that I do and all that the kids do. It feels like a balancing act sometimes, but everyone is happy and healthy and that is the important thing. Brian is taking on a lot more around the house to help me out. I just received my school schedule for my next class and it is a LOT of work. Brian is going to really help out so that my grades do not suffer. I also am working on shuffling my day to increase my efficiency.
Last night we went to the Drive In. We were able to watch Planes and Percy Jackson. The movies were really cute, and we all had a great time. I love hanging out with my kids and husband. They are my world!
Today is Labor Day, so the kids and I had a half day of school on Friday, and today (Monday) off. It has been a wonderful long weekend! We have spent a lot of time playing and having fun. We have also spent a lot of time cleaning and getting ready for the next week.
I am settling into my routine, with all that I do and all that the kids do. It feels like a balancing act sometimes, but everyone is happy and healthy and that is the important thing. Brian is taking on a lot more around the house to help me out. I just received my school schedule for my next class and it is a LOT of work. Brian is going to really help out so that my grades do not suffer. I also am working on shuffling my day to increase my efficiency.
Last night we went to the Drive In. We were able to watch Planes and Percy Jackson. The movies were really cute, and we all had a great time. I love hanging out with my kids and husband. They are my world!
Friday, August 30, 2013
Looking for a truck
A few weeks ago, Brian was rear ended on his way home from work. Well today we got the official notice that the insurance company is going to be totaling his truck, and giving us the money to buy a new one. This kind of works in our favor, as we had planned on selling his truck and buy a newer, bigger one, since the kids are getting too big for the back seat of his Ranger.
We started looking at trucks today. Well let me rephrase that, we looked at one truck today. It was NOT good, horrible condition and not what was advertised. I know that our budget isn't the biggest for what we want, but there has to be something better than what we just looked at.
In the meantime, he is driving a rental car. I really like the rental except that it is on the small side. It does have some features that I have wanted in a car for ever! Such as a sun roof. That seems silly, but I have craved one for years, literally. We have bought several cars in the last ten years, but never have we purchased one with a sun roof and most likely will not this time either. It will be fun to have one though for the next week or so.
We started looking at trucks today. Well let me rephrase that, we looked at one truck today. It was NOT good, horrible condition and not what was advertised. I know that our budget isn't the biggest for what we want, but there has to be something better than what we just looked at.
In the meantime, he is driving a rental car. I really like the rental except that it is on the small side. It does have some features that I have wanted in a car for ever! Such as a sun roof. That seems silly, but I have craved one for years, literally. We have bought several cars in the last ten years, but never have we purchased one with a sun roof and most likely will not this time either. It will be fun to have one though for the next week or so.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
after school events
Do you know how I know that fall is approaching? All of the extra curricular activities are starting! I only have two children, but wow! As they get older, they keep wanting to do more and more! Prince is currently signed up for Running Club (cross country through school), Lego Robotics Club (through the military), and soccer! Princess is doing piano lessons, Running Club, Choir (through school), and wanting to do gymnastics! All of these activities happen on week nights, with the exception of soccer games on Saturday. At this moment in time, I am very grateful for my calendars.
I LIVE for my calendars and to do lists. Without these tools, I would be a mess and would forget my head. Between the kids' after school stuff, work, my school, army, church, and anything else going on, I HAVE to stay organized. My idea of organization: wall calendar in kitchen, phone calendar with alarms, my school planner for assignments, kids calendar for their chores and weekly activities, and a calendar for what to eat for dinner all month. This probably seems overboard for many people, but for me it works. I love that by using these I can just glance down at it and see immediately what is going on on any given day. It also helps me balance everything and keep the kids on task.
We usually allow the kids two extra curricular activities outside of school. They are very aware that if the activity starts to interfere with school work, that activity is gone. They sit and down and do homework and their chores on schedule. I like that they are so busy. It keeps them out of trouble, and doing activities helps teach them great life skills. They learn about being part of a team, keeping your commitments, dedication, and so many more lessons.
I LIVE for my calendars and to do lists. Without these tools, I would be a mess and would forget my head. Between the kids' after school stuff, work, my school, army, church, and anything else going on, I HAVE to stay organized. My idea of organization: wall calendar in kitchen, phone calendar with alarms, my school planner for assignments, kids calendar for their chores and weekly activities, and a calendar for what to eat for dinner all month. This probably seems overboard for many people, but for me it works. I love that by using these I can just glance down at it and see immediately what is going on on any given day. It also helps me balance everything and keep the kids on task.
We usually allow the kids two extra curricular activities outside of school. They are very aware that if the activity starts to interfere with school work, that activity is gone. They sit and down and do homework and their chores on schedule. I like that they are so busy. It keeps them out of trouble, and doing activities helps teach them great life skills. They learn about being part of a team, keeping your commitments, dedication, and so many more lessons.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Piano lessons
Princess had her second first lesson in piano tonight. She attempted to learn the piano a couple years ago, and just was not ready. Now that she is in third grade we tried again, even though it took a bit of teeth pulling to get her to agree to it.
Princess's first lesson went great! She seemed interested after meeting the new piano teacher last night, but was still a little apprehensive going into it today. Well, she has declared that she plays great now! :) On the way home from her lesson she kept going on and on about how she was a fast learner on the piano because she is so smart. I have to tell you, this was music to my ears! Lately she has been telling us how stupid she is and not feeling very good about herself. I was so happy to hear that she feels like she does something great! And guess what? She really is doing great! She has already passed off four songs and has three more that she is working on. All in her first lesson! I love that she is excited about this and wants to do it. In fact, she had to play for her brother when she got home, and then again for her Dad when he got home from work. We will see if this enthusiasm keeps up, but I am optimistic.
Princess has been going on so much about piano tonight that Prince says he is thinking about starting lessons again. Prince took piano lessons for almost three years, but stopped a couple years ago. He loved it at the time and it really helped with his behavior so I would love to see him pick it back up. I think he would do well with this teacher, she is great!
I love the fact that my children love music. To me, music is a form of worship (which is why I am a part of a worship team at church!) My mood can drastically change depending on what I am listening to. I took piano lessons briefly as a children about Princess's age, and was involved with vocal music for years. I love most music, although there are a few genres that I do not like. Prince has always gravitated towards music which is why he started piano lessons when he was about five years old. For Princess, music has been building inside her for a while now. Lately, one of her past times has been to go around making up songs and "playing" them on the piano. I am so happy to have her really learning how to play now. Maybe someday she will write a real song, but if she doesn't that is okay too. As long as my kids are happy, that is all I ask. :)
Princess's first lesson went great! She seemed interested after meeting the new piano teacher last night, but was still a little apprehensive going into it today. Well, she has declared that she plays great now! :) On the way home from her lesson she kept going on and on about how she was a fast learner on the piano because she is so smart. I have to tell you, this was music to my ears! Lately she has been telling us how stupid she is and not feeling very good about herself. I was so happy to hear that she feels like she does something great! And guess what? She really is doing great! She has already passed off four songs and has three more that she is working on. All in her first lesson! I love that she is excited about this and wants to do it. In fact, she had to play for her brother when she got home, and then again for her Dad when he got home from work. We will see if this enthusiasm keeps up, but I am optimistic.
Princess has been going on so much about piano tonight that Prince says he is thinking about starting lessons again. Prince took piano lessons for almost three years, but stopped a couple years ago. He loved it at the time and it really helped with his behavior so I would love to see him pick it back up. I think he would do well with this teacher, she is great!
I love the fact that my children love music. To me, music is a form of worship (which is why I am a part of a worship team at church!) My mood can drastically change depending on what I am listening to. I took piano lessons briefly as a children about Princess's age, and was involved with vocal music for years. I love most music, although there are a few genres that I do not like. Prince has always gravitated towards music which is why he started piano lessons when he was about five years old. For Princess, music has been building inside her for a while now. Lately, one of her past times has been to go around making up songs and "playing" them on the piano. I am so happy to have her really learning how to play now. Maybe someday she will write a real song, but if she doesn't that is okay too. As long as my kids are happy, that is all I ask. :)
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Belated birthday post
Now that my birthday has been over for a week, I suppose it is time to write about my birthday ;)
The day started out great! Brian let me sleep in a bit, and then made me breakfast. I love his breakfasts! He makes the most delicious eggs. After breakfast, the four of us got ready to go to the water park and off we went. It was so fun to have it be the four of us! Brian even told the kids that since it was my birthday, I got to pick out what we did all day. :)
The water park was a lot of fun, but after we ate a late lunch and got back in line to go on more slides, a storm moved in. Since thunder and lightening were part of this summer storm, the water park closed about 3:00 pm. This seems like it would be a bad thing, but summer storms are some of my favorite things. I just love the warm rain and the huge lightening strikes that flash across the sky. This storm was really interesting. Princess and I were on the top of a large tower when it came upon us, and the storm surrounded us. It was really cool. Lightening kept streaking all around us. Before you get upset that I was putting Princess in danger, please know that we left the tower and got back down on the ground as soon as it started.
After leaving the water park, the four of us headed over to my little sister's house to get ready for dinner and to hang out with her. Tiff is an awesome sister, and we all love her so much!
For dinner, we went to one of my favorite restaurants, a Brazilian steakhouse. My sister and her friend Jen went with us. It was great to see two of my favorite girls and spend my birthday with them! OF course, after eating a fabulous dinner, I had to have a very large piece of chocolate cake. I was even nice, and shared it with Brian ;)
On Monday, my birthday continued at school. My wonderful coworker brought me a yummy treat! In addition, my class all made me a birthday book that they wrote me notes and colored me pictures in. It was so cute!
Today, a week after my birthday, I was able to pick up my birthday present. My adorable husband gave in to my wants and desires and let me buy a new kitchen table. It is a large, counter height table that expands to fit 8. I am so excited for my table! I have wanted one for YEARS and our old table didn't really fit anymore than the 4 of us.
Overall, I had the best 30th birthday a girl could have! I was surrounded by the ones that I love, and had a wonderful time with all of them!
The day started out great! Brian let me sleep in a bit, and then made me breakfast. I love his breakfasts! He makes the most delicious eggs. After breakfast, the four of us got ready to go to the water park and off we went. It was so fun to have it be the four of us! Brian even told the kids that since it was my birthday, I got to pick out what we did all day. :)
The water park was a lot of fun, but after we ate a late lunch and got back in line to go on more slides, a storm moved in. Since thunder and lightening were part of this summer storm, the water park closed about 3:00 pm. This seems like it would be a bad thing, but summer storms are some of my favorite things. I just love the warm rain and the huge lightening strikes that flash across the sky. This storm was really interesting. Princess and I were on the top of a large tower when it came upon us, and the storm surrounded us. It was really cool. Lightening kept streaking all around us. Before you get upset that I was putting Princess in danger, please know that we left the tower and got back down on the ground as soon as it started.
After leaving the water park, the four of us headed over to my little sister's house to get ready for dinner and to hang out with her. Tiff is an awesome sister, and we all love her so much!
For dinner, we went to one of my favorite restaurants, a Brazilian steakhouse. My sister and her friend Jen went with us. It was great to see two of my favorite girls and spend my birthday with them! OF course, after eating a fabulous dinner, I had to have a very large piece of chocolate cake. I was even nice, and shared it with Brian ;)
On Monday, my birthday continued at school. My wonderful coworker brought me a yummy treat! In addition, my class all made me a birthday book that they wrote me notes and colored me pictures in. It was so cute!
Today, a week after my birthday, I was able to pick up my birthday present. My adorable husband gave in to my wants and desires and let me buy a new kitchen table. It is a large, counter height table that expands to fit 8. I am so excited for my table! I have wanted one for YEARS and our old table didn't really fit anymore than the 4 of us.
Overall, I had the best 30th birthday a girl could have! I was surrounded by the ones that I love, and had a wonderful time with all of them!
Friday, August 23, 2013
Finish line of the first week of school
Well, we all made it through the first week back to school! The kids did fabulously! They have the most wonderful teachers, and had such a fun week back. Both kids went to school every day excited to learn and see all of their friends. Prince even made a new friend! (Those of you that know him, know that this is a HUGE thing!) Princess is already quoting her teacher to us! It is so cute! She told me this morning, "Mrs. ****** says that we need to have a positive attitude all the time. That is why I am not complaining you are pulling my hair." Of course, I was brushing her hair and getting her ready for school, not actually pulling it!
The kids in my class are so cute! I have already started a pile of pictures that they have made for me. They run up and give hugs just because. We have 26 kids in our class, and every single one of them are great children. They all have their own strengths and weaknesses, but don't we all! It is so exciting to be on this journey to help them grow in all the aspects of life, from knowledge to manners to social skills! I am very pumped for the coming year!
The kids in my class are so cute! I have already started a pile of pictures that they have made for me. They run up and give hugs just because. We have 26 kids in our class, and every single one of them are great children. They all have their own strengths and weaknesses, but don't we all! It is so exciting to be on this journey to help them grow in all the aspects of life, from knowledge to manners to social skills! I am very pumped for the coming year!
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Power outage
Tonight we had a power outage. I was (of course) working on a final for my class that is due in a few days, and our city had a major power outage. The best part? I had not saved my work yet! I am really grateful for auto save, because while I did lose some of it, I did not lose it all. Another reprecussion of the power outage was that I had not made dinner yet, and we all had to go out to eat since I was not able to cook the chili that I had planned.
We turned a newer restuarant tonight. It was decent, but not great. I was happy to see that it had a full bar though. I did not drink tonight, but it is rediculous how hard it is to find a bar in my county. We usually have to drive over to another county to drink (which admittedly is only a couple times a year, but still!).
The kids were happy about going out to eat dinner. Since a large portion of our city was without power, the restuarant that we went to had a fairly large crowd inside it. Once we ordered, it wasn't until after 8:30 pm that we were served our dinner, which is 30 minutes AFTER Princess's bedtime. We arrived home about 9:15 or so and promptly sent both kids to bed.
Which reminds me, I need to get into bed! I have to wake up in six hours! Good night!
We turned a newer restuarant tonight. It was decent, but not great. I was happy to see that it had a full bar though. I did not drink tonight, but it is rediculous how hard it is to find a bar in my county. We usually have to drive over to another county to drink (which admittedly is only a couple times a year, but still!).
The kids were happy about going out to eat dinner. Since a large portion of our city was without power, the restuarant that we went to had a fairly large crowd inside it. Once we ordered, it wasn't until after 8:30 pm that we were served our dinner, which is 30 minutes AFTER Princess's bedtime. We arrived home about 9:15 or so and promptly sent both kids to bed.
Which reminds me, I need to get into bed! I have to wake up in six hours! Good night!
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Busy days
As summer closes, and autumn is coming up, the four of us are getting busier and busier. Prince starts his Lego Robotics Club next week and soccer as well. He is very excited for both of these activities. Princess is going to do tumbling soon, I am just trying to find a great place so I know she stays safe while doing her flips. I am also trying to talk her into playing the piano. She has been trying to write songs and banging on the piano keys, so I think she would really enjoy learning more about music. In addition to the two activities the kids do, they also do running club, drama club, and choir at school. You always know it is fall and spring when we are SO busy and never home! ;)
I am also quite busy lately. I am working Monday through Friday, going to school full time, running the drama club at the kids' school, running a church ministry, on the worship team at church, and am also the Family Readiness Group Leader for Brian's unit. All of which comes second to my most important job as a mother and wife. I clearly do not like to say no and love to stay busy ;)
Brian is pretty busy lately too! He works full time with a private company, part time with the Utah National Guard, and he also does a few car jobs on the side.
I am also quite busy lately. I am working Monday through Friday, going to school full time, running the drama club at the kids' school, running a church ministry, on the worship team at church, and am also the Family Readiness Group Leader for Brian's unit. All of which comes second to my most important job as a mother and wife. I clearly do not like to say no and love to stay busy ;)
Brian is pretty busy lately too! He works full time with a private company, part time with the Utah National Guard, and he also does a few car jobs on the side.
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