Slow down!!!

I cannot believe that it is July 16th today!  Where is the summer going?!!?  Life has slowed down a bit with baseball and tball done and over for another year.   We've been staying busy with some projects around the house and outside, swimming, and going to some movies.  I am LOVING all this time spent with the boys.  Oh, there are days, don't get me wrong!  But I feel so blessed to be able to spend my summers at home with my boys and completing projects that otherwise would not get done.

One of the big projects I'm trying to get done with summer is the boys' scrapbooks!  Ugh - what a task! I got so far behind when Jace was born.  But it is something that I love to do and I only pray that the boys will continue to treasure them as they grow up.  It is so fun now to watch them as they look through them and ask questions or talk about how they remember the events.

Now we gear up for our county fair this week.  Drew has been working so hard with Carissa, his bottle calf, to get her ready.  He's been washing her and leading her around on the halter.   We just got back from taking 2 projects down for "judging".  Since he is a Clover Kid he doesn't truly get judged but gives them great experience for when they are official 4-H members.

Jaxson lost his first tooth last week.  This was the day after we went to the dentist to find out that he has 2 cavities.  One of these has infection in it so...... we go back on July 25th for a "baby" root canal.  I don't care if it's baby or not -- it's not going to be fun.  I just pray that he does well and can't feel a thing (oh, and that I don't pass out).  Thursday we go for kindergarten shots.

Jace continues to grow and grow.  So does his vocabulary!  He learns a couple new words a day.  Unfortunately for us, he favorite word is "NO" which is usually said loud and with attitude.  I'm afraid the terrible twos have started a couple months early!

All of these things, force me to accept the fact that our boys are growing up TOO fast.  I've realized that I see "growth" in other people's kids but it's really hard to see it in your own kids whom you see every day, all day.  Same goes for my 3rd graders at school.  I try to enjoy every minute with them because I'm afraid if I blink too much or too long -- they'll all be in HS or college.

Life is too short -- we've realized that in our communities in the last couple of weeks.  We've lost some dear people at WAY too young of an age.  So I try to enjoy every minute with them because I'm afraid if I blink too much or too long -- they'll all be in HS or college.  Mike and I laugh thinking about what we'll do when they're gone and we have a quiet, boring life again :)  Not something I want to even start to think about....

What schedule?!?!

I LOVE summer and all the craziness it brings!!  But for those of you that know me -- not being on a schedule can sometimes simply annoy me.  Why is it that as soon as summer vacation hits, all schedules go out the door?  Meal schedules, nap schedules, bedtime schedules, etc.  I look at the clock at breakfast time - 9:30!!  Lunch - 1:00!!  Naptime for Jace - 2:00!!!  Supper - 8:00!!!!   Bath/Bedtime - 9:00 IF we're lucky!!  My kids sleep in until 8 or 9 in the morning?!?!  These are the days when I am so thankful that I have one of the best jobs on the planet -- being a teacher and being able to stay home so we have time to "recover" from these schedules.  A good nap about every 4th or 5th day is required by all.

On Sunday, we will officially be done with baseball and tball games.  I'm hoping that will help things a bit - not as many late nights or fast food meals. ICK!!  It will be July 1st before we know it and I don't see summer or life slowing down too much.

So for now, I'll just buckle up and enjoy the ride!  Who needs a schedule anyway?!?!

Hooray for Summer!!!

Today was our first "official" day of summer vacation.  Vacation - an interesting word.  Here is the itinerary from our first day of "vacation".

6:30 a.m.  Up to shower and get ready before the boys wake up
7:00 a.m.  Jace awakes
7:30 a.m.  Drew & Jaxson wake up
8:15 a.m.  We are all dressed, had breakfast (except Mom of course) and headed out the door.
8:20 a.m.   Drop Jace off at Grandma Joyce's
8:30 a.m.   Arrive at summer school - Mom to teach and the big boys to learn
9:20 a.m.   Grandma picks Drew up from summer school to meet Grandpa Dale to take Drew to                       Explorers Camp
10:10 a.m.  Mom and Jaxson leave summer school and go get Jace from Grandma Joyce's
10:30 a.m.   Arrive home to have a quick snack and start a load of laundry
10:45 a.m.   Leave for Emmetsburg to run some errands and get groceries
11:45 a.m.   Play at the park - which I might add is RIGHT by the tornado siren which sounds at noon
12:01 p.m.  Leave park because Jace is traumatized by the noon whistle :)
12:30 p.m.   Pick Drew up from Explorers Camp
12:45 p.m.  Eat lunch and find tick #1 in Mom's hair
 1:00 p.m.  Big boys play the Wii, Jace plays with his farm, and Mom plays Candy Crush
 1:30 p.m.  Jace goes down for a nap, Mom folds laundry, Drew complains about being bored already, and Jax plays more Wii
 2:15 p.m.  Jace is still sleeping, Mom is still folding laundry (and watching Teen Mom 2 shhhh), and the big boys have set up their "hurdles" outside
 3:00 p.m.  Jace wakes up and we are now all outside being eaten by gnats and playing, find tick #2 on Jace's leg
 4:30 p.m.   We go inside for a snack and to "relax" for awhile - find tick #3 on Jace's head
 5:15 p.m.  Get Drew ready for baseball practice and take off for the ballfield
 5:35 p.m.  Return home and Jace and Jax go with Dad while Mom gets in a 2 mile run
 6:05 p.m.  Mom returns and starts supper - National Burger Day so burgers of course
 6:20 p.m.  Jaxson returns home while Dad and Jace go get Drew from practice
 7:00 p.m.  Dad, Drew, and Jace finally return home to supper on the table
 7:20 p.m.  Dad and Drew leave to go AI a cow 
 7:40 p.m.  Jace, Jax, and Mom take care of Drew's bottle calf - bottle and fresh water
 7:55 p.m.  Drag Jace in the house because we're being eaten alive by gnats
 8:00 p.m.  Jace plays in his farm, Jax plays the Wii, and Mom plays Candy Crush while hooking up wagons for Jace
 8:40 p.m.  Bedtime snack, pjs on, teeth brushed
 9:10 p.m.  Jace and Jax to bed, Mom blogs, and Dad and Drew still aren't home yet

Can't wait for Day #2 of Summer "Vacation"

Blessed by God

This isn't a blog about my crazy life with 3 boys.....that hasn't changed at all :)  But this is more of a time for me to share with you how truly blessed I am with amazing friendships.  Some of these friendships were created for me before I was even born with family and family friends.  Some were created for me in elementary school, middle school, high school, and college.  Some of these were created for me when I married in to an amazing community.  Some were created by different jobs I have worked at, activities my boys are involved in, or by marriages.  Some of these friendships were created through crisis times in my life.  But all of these were created for a reason and by the grace of God.

After a rough day yesterday, I laid in bed last night feeling truly blessed by the friends that I have in my life.  I don't know what I would do without them to get through days like yesterday.  I know that they will always have my back (any my boys') and always listen to me - most of the time agreeing with me but also letting me see things in a different light.  They have a way of knowing just when I need that text message, snapchat picture, comment, or inside joke to cheer me up.  They know when I need them to be quiet and listen or when I need their advice.  They know my trials and tribulations as I go through my day to day life.  I even have those friends that I know will take my secrets to the grave with them :)

Friends are people that we take for granted in life! I fully intend to not do that any longer (or at least try not to).  Whether you are a friend I see or talk to every day, one that I only see once or twice a year, one that I haven't even met yet, or one that is family and you have no choice but to be friends with me (ha) ----- please know how special you are to me.  I cannot imagine my life without you!  So blessed!!!

Faith, Family, Friends!!!

Life is great!!

I feel like there are so many happy things going on in my life right now!  Thank you, God!  Looking back -- I feel like a Debbie Downer and I honestly don't think I am. HA!  So here's my list of wonderful things happening in my life right now.

1.  I just survived two nights of parent-teacher conferences with amazing parents!  So blessed to have a great group of kids!
2. I received a grant yesterday morning for Reflex Math.  Not 100% sure of what it is yet but it's used by a co-worker who has nothing but wonderful things to say about it!  So excited to get started with it next week!
3.  Getting ready to start a 5 day Easter break with my family and friends!  Looking forward to little on the schedule, spending time with our families, and sleeping in!
4. Found out today that after our administrator recommended hiring another teacher for 3rd grade next year --- AND the school board approved it!!  Thank you!!  There was a lot of extra stress and worry of how next year was going to work with 28 kids in one classroom, scheduling for some split time with teachers, and having my own son in my class.  Blessed to be a part of a district that puts the kids' need ahead of financial needs at times!
5. The weather is finally looking like SPRING!!
6. I get to spend some time with great friends tonight!

LIFE IS GOOD!!!  Hope you all enjoy your holiday with family and friends.  I know I will be spending much time reflecting on Jesus' ultimate sacrifice for us.  He died so we may live!

Worry! Worry!! Worry!!!

I have developed what I would consider to be one of my worst character traits throughout this winter.  It was always there but I feel like it has completely consumed my life in the last 5 months.  WORRYING!!!!  When will it end?!?!

If you've read my earlier blogs you know that sickness has been almost a constant at our house this winter.  Now I completely freak out and worry myself sick if my kids have in any way, shape, or form been around anyone who is sick - especially the stomach flu.  It is not their fault at all - I know we've probably spread it to plenty as much as we've had it.  I just let it consume my every thought of my day. I can't focus, eat, or even function.  I find myself planning meals that won't be "messy" if thrown up (no red sauces, etc.).  I lay sheets down beside the boys' beds to avoid a mess on the carpet.  I don't even want to go anywhere.  I lay in bed at night for hours and jump at every little sound that I hear coming out of their rooms.  See what I mean?!  I feel like a complete freak!!!

I try to remind myself that this is one of those things that is completely out of my hands.  I turn it over to God and tell myself that we'll deal with it if it happens.  But that lasts about 2 minutes.  I feel like I have no control and that makes me crazy. UGH!!!!!!!!

I'm hoping that my venting here and reading how crazy I appear to be will allow me to relax and actually get to sleep tonight.  Although I'm worried to let my guard down.   I don't wish my kids to grow up AT ALL but I'm thinking it would be a little easier on my worrisome soul if they could tell me it's coming or know what to do in the middle of the night.

I have never, ever been so ready for winter to be over and for all this sickness around us to be DONE!! Let's move on to summer - then I can worry about sunburn, bug bites, and drowning in the pool :)  HELP!!  I'm a crazy lady!! HA

The Winter From HELL

A good friend of mine suggested that I blog about our winter because I'll be able to look back at it in a couple years and laugh or not be able to believe it actually happened.  So here goes.....

Our winter from hell began on Nov. 9th (the day before my 40th birthday).  Our oldest came down with the stomach flu.  Everything spiraled downhill from there.  In the next 6 weeks, both our oldest boys had the flu 3 times, my husband got it once, and I got it twice.  Jace (the youngest) had it a couple times in a smaller way - Thank God!  But he also had rotovirus during that time.  The last "bout" was mine on Christmas Eve/Christmas.  However, we had found out on the 22nd that Jace would more than likely be needing another surgery.  So, Jan. 31st we underwent another surgery to release his tethered spinal cord.  He came through GREAT and is healed very quickly!  Bad luck finally behind us?!?! NOPE!!  This week the boys all came down with coughs.  No big deal - just a winter cold.   With Drew's birthday here in a couple of days I decided to take him and Jace in today to get checked out.  I planned to go after school but a text from daycare telling me Jace was throwing up, cut my school day short.  So Jace threw up all day along with coughing.  Drew coughed and coughed.  And Jax played.  Took the boys to the Dr.  Jace has RSV and Drew has bronchitis.  Got home about 5.  Jax started complaining about his tummy hurting about 6 and he was throwing up by 7.  YEP!  This is a true story!  So 3 boys - all sick - with 3 different illnesses.  And bless his heart -- Jax is asking as he is throwing up how many nights he'll be sick this time.  Talk about breaking your heart!

So - my daily prayer book today told me that I would need God to get me through the day ahead.  Boy, was that an understatement!  It's been a rough winter to say the least.  But tomorrow is a new day, God is by our side, and we'll make it through all this with His help.

Come on, Spring!  That groundhog better be right or I will be hunting him down :)