I have such random thoughts sometimes:
- There is no Diet Coke in the house. Must run to gas station before Jason goes to work so that I don't have to load 4 kids in the car to satisfy my caffeine fix.
- I really wish my 11 month old would learn to find his own paci in the night. I mean, seriously, it's 2 stinking inches from his face! I know I could just leave him to figure it out on his own, but whatever.
- The weather turned out perfectly today.
- I have a great husband.
- I took a bite of my husband's ice cream, which TOTALLY grosses him out. I didn't tell him immediately, either. I'm such a rebel.
- My kids are awesome.
- I'm still laughing at the fact that when Peyton saw bras at Target, he called them boobs. Close enough, I suppose.
- I love my job.
- I'm really ready for my parents to move here. 7 months and counting. I've made fabulous summer plans for myself.
- I have approximately 82 loads of laundry to do tomorrow. Approximately.
- I need to find Halloween costumes for the kids and myself. I hate that Halloween costs as much as Christmas. That's just wrong.
- Ribs or Swedish meatballs for dinner tomorrow?
- Decide about dinner tomorrow before 5:00pm tomorrow.
- I'm trying to figure out why Addison only eats one really good meal per day.
- Logan is such a smart kid.
- Why do people think it's so "trendy" to say things like "Oh, my life has been so crazy lately!" or "Oh, it's just been so crazy around here". It drives me nuts, really.
- I would REALLY love some donuts right now. White frosting with sprinkles. They've been my favorite since I was 2.
- Logan's birthday party is Saturday. We should probably get planning on that. My sister made KILLER invitations.
- I should really go to bed now. I always stay up too late. I mean, you know....my life has just been crazy lately.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Such a Slacker
I am the ultimate blog slacker. I look on my friend's blogs, and on their blogrolls, I am always at the bottom. Well, maybe I'll be at the top for a few hours!
I'll try to give an update without being too boring. Grab a snack, this could take awhile.
Let's see.....first of all, I'm working part time. I'm teaching preschool again (3-year olds) three days a week. Peyton went to the school last year, and I loved it so much that I decided to go too. It's been a huge blessing in so many ways. I get to do what I love, I only work about 18 hours/week, the 3 younger ones are right there with me, and I'm getting paid for it! Peyton is in pre-k (we decided to wait on Kindergarten, since he just turned 5 on August 6), Addison is in the 2's class (which is just 2 doors down from me), and Austin is in the "Bunnies" class.
I knew Addison would be fine - she can totally hold her own. Austin was the one I was worried about. I have never left my kids at that age, so I was quite nervous at first. Well, I had absolutely no reason to be. He is seriously in a dream situation. First of all, there are only a few kids in there. Second, his teacher is TO DIE FOR. Third, he's spoiled rotten. When we get home, he expects to be held and cuddled every stinking minute! Fourth, the nursery room is super fun and cozy. Basically, it's probably better than home. Especially on
Fridays, when it's just him and one other baby. He doesn't know WHAT to do with himself!
**Just a side note: If you need a preschool and you're in Springfield, MO, you MUST, MUST, MUST go to RidgeKids at Ridgecrest Baptist Church. It's amazing. Seriously. Words cannot describe. And I am majorly picky. OK - just wanted to share. :)
Jason is doing really well with work. He continues to be busy with Handyman Connection, but because he's so freaking awesome (aren't I so nice?), he's building quite a customer base of his own. We've had several people from church hire him, and then you know how good word of mouth goes! It's been great for him.
Logan is doing great at school. He's in 2nd grade now and just turned 8 on October 9. I had a little moment with that one. You know, mom issues. And mark my words - the boy will be taller than me before too much longer. I realize that's not saying much, but still. He's very smart and kind, and he's just as sweet as he's always been!
Peyton continues to be the funniest thing ever made. He never quits. Come to think of it, he's been going since he was born. He absolutely loves school, and the highlight of his day is after care. Yes, you heard that right...my kid WANTS to go to latchkey. There is nothing wrong with latchkey at all. The point is that he's obsessed with it. My dad came in for a visit, and Peyton practically ignored him because he was on a very serious mission to get to after care. He goes for about 20 minutes after school while I finish up in my room. Also, he wants to be a truck driver when he grows up, live in the trailer park on the outskirts of our town, and drive a bright yellow low-rider truck. That's all I have to say about that.
Addison is 2, but Jason and I are convinced she already has the hormone thing down pat. I always wanted a girl in my mix. The more girls, the better. Well, I got my girl. I got my girl who wears her ballet skirt and tights with no shirt and a baseball cap on backwards. I got my girl who is so independent, she does things that most 4 year olds don't do for themselves. I got my girl who loves her baby dolls, but also sings songs to the Rescue Heroes. And finally, I got my girl who will wear her pretty black shoes straight out the back door and straight into the biggest mud puddle she can find. I guess that's what having 3 brothers will do to you!
I know I already talked about Austin in the first part, but here's a little more info. He'll be turning 1 next month (boo hoo). He looks like the perfect mix of Logan and Peyton when they were that age. He growls. Alot. I don't know why, but he does. Also, he loves peas, but not carrots. That probably doesn't seem like a big deal, but I am the only one in my house who loves peas, so I'm super excited.
I'll stop for now. (Do I hear shouts of joy?!) Be back soon!
I'll try to give an update without being too boring. Grab a snack, this could take awhile.
Let's see.....first of all, I'm working part time. I'm teaching preschool again (3-year olds) three days a week. Peyton went to the school last year, and I loved it so much that I decided to go too. It's been a huge blessing in so many ways. I get to do what I love, I only work about 18 hours/week, the 3 younger ones are right there with me, and I'm getting paid for it! Peyton is in pre-k (we decided to wait on Kindergarten, since he just turned 5 on August 6), Addison is in the 2's class (which is just 2 doors down from me), and Austin is in the "Bunnies" class.
I knew Addison would be fine - she can totally hold her own. Austin was the one I was worried about. I have never left my kids at that age, so I was quite nervous at first. Well, I had absolutely no reason to be. He is seriously in a dream situation. First of all, there are only a few kids in there. Second, his teacher is TO DIE FOR. Third, he's spoiled rotten. When we get home, he expects to be held and cuddled every stinking minute! Fourth, the nursery room is super fun and cozy. Basically, it's probably better than home. Especially on
Fridays, when it's just him and one other baby. He doesn't know WHAT to do with himself!
**Just a side note: If you need a preschool and you're in Springfield, MO, you MUST, MUST, MUST go to RidgeKids at Ridgecrest Baptist Church. It's amazing. Seriously. Words cannot describe. And I am majorly picky. OK - just wanted to share. :)
Jason is doing really well with work. He continues to be busy with Handyman Connection, but because he's so freaking awesome (aren't I so nice?), he's building quite a customer base of his own. We've had several people from church hire him, and then you know how good word of mouth goes! It's been great for him.
Logan is doing great at school. He's in 2nd grade now and just turned 8 on October 9. I had a little moment with that one. You know, mom issues. And mark my words - the boy will be taller than me before too much longer. I realize that's not saying much, but still. He's very smart and kind, and he's just as sweet as he's always been!
Peyton continues to be the funniest thing ever made. He never quits. Come to think of it, he's been going since he was born. He absolutely loves school, and the highlight of his day is after care. Yes, you heard that right...my kid WANTS to go to latchkey. There is nothing wrong with latchkey at all. The point is that he's obsessed with it. My dad came in for a visit, and Peyton practically ignored him because he was on a very serious mission to get to after care. He goes for about 20 minutes after school while I finish up in my room. Also, he wants to be a truck driver when he grows up, live in the trailer park on the outskirts of our town, and drive a bright yellow low-rider truck. That's all I have to say about that.
Addison is 2, but Jason and I are convinced she already has the hormone thing down pat. I always wanted a girl in my mix. The more girls, the better. Well, I got my girl. I got my girl who wears her ballet skirt and tights with no shirt and a baseball cap on backwards. I got my girl who is so independent, she does things that most 4 year olds don't do for themselves. I got my girl who loves her baby dolls, but also sings songs to the Rescue Heroes. And finally, I got my girl who will wear her pretty black shoes straight out the back door and straight into the biggest mud puddle she can find. I guess that's what having 3 brothers will do to you!
I know I already talked about Austin in the first part, but here's a little more info. He'll be turning 1 next month (boo hoo). He looks like the perfect mix of Logan and Peyton when they were that age. He growls. Alot. I don't know why, but he does. Also, he loves peas, but not carrots. That probably doesn't seem like a big deal, but I am the only one in my house who loves peas, so I'm super excited.
I'll stop for now. (Do I hear shouts of joy?!) Be back soon!
Monday, July 6, 2009
I love Summer.
We had such a great weekend - I hope you did, too! We spent 2 evenings at our friends' house, and the boys had quite an experience. ALL of them. By that, I mean that Jason helped our friend (along with several others) put on one amazing fireworks display. It seriously was right up there with the ones that an actual town will put on! Of course, I was scared to death. I could just see Jason getting on one of those "I Can't Believe I Survived" shows - you know the kind where they look so bad that you really CAN'T believe they survived?. And then I would be on one of those incontinence commercials. And it would say "This is not an actor...". You get my point. It was a great time, though. Logan and Peyton set off several explosive devices, Addison ate enough cookies to feed an army, and Austin just sat there smiling and drooling all over the place. Oh, and threw in some occasional massive spit-up, of course.
Our family has been having such a great summer. Jason has been super busy with work - mainly constructing an addition on our local dance academy. It looks awesome. If you live around these parts, you need to get your booty up there - it's called Jenks Dance Academy. You can thank me later.
The kids and I have been having a blast. The routine of the school year is good and all, but I so enjoy having them home. We all hang out in the morning while watching either Boomerang cartoons, Thomas, or Barney - depending on who got lucky enough to grab the remote first. Then it's a leisurely breakfast (a definite change from the school year!) and usually a day filled with swimming, swinging, playing in the sandbox, hosting playdates, or taking trips to the library. It's all flying by much too quickly.
On another note, thank you for the numerous e-mails about Peyton. We are so blessed to have many amazing people in our life that care so much about him. He is doing very well - I cannot even describe the difference. I am learning so much, too. Just a quick tidbit: Did you know that food allergies can even cause nighttime problems? Peyton was having nightmares (almost a night terror-type) and pains in his legs quite regularly. Taking him to the chiropractor helped, but as soon as the casein was gone, it all stopped. CRAZY. He's becoming quite educated as well, and it's incredible how quickly kids can figure it all out. Just tonight, I decided to get them kid's meals for dinner. This is a RARE occasion in our house, so it was met with loads of excitement. Logan said he wanted McDonald's, and Peyton replied quite indignantly "Logan (pronounced Wogan) - McDonald's fries have casein in them. We're NOT going there."
Well, I should hit the hay I suppose. Jason's working late again and it's always hard for me to get to sleep. I'm such a pansy. Good night!
Our family has been having such a great summer. Jason has been super busy with work - mainly constructing an addition on our local dance academy. It looks awesome. If you live around these parts, you need to get your booty up there - it's called Jenks Dance Academy. You can thank me later.
The kids and I have been having a blast. The routine of the school year is good and all, but I so enjoy having them home. We all hang out in the morning while watching either Boomerang cartoons, Thomas, or Barney - depending on who got lucky enough to grab the remote first. Then it's a leisurely breakfast (a definite change from the school year!) and usually a day filled with swimming, swinging, playing in the sandbox, hosting playdates, or taking trips to the library. It's all flying by much too quickly.
On another note, thank you for the numerous e-mails about Peyton. We are so blessed to have many amazing people in our life that care so much about him. He is doing very well - I cannot even describe the difference. I am learning so much, too. Just a quick tidbit: Did you know that food allergies can even cause nighttime problems? Peyton was having nightmares (almost a night terror-type) and pains in his legs quite regularly. Taking him to the chiropractor helped, but as soon as the casein was gone, it all stopped. CRAZY. He's becoming quite educated as well, and it's incredible how quickly kids can figure it all out. Just tonight, I decided to get them kid's meals for dinner. This is a RARE occasion in our house, so it was met with loads of excitement. Logan said he wanted McDonald's, and Peyton replied quite indignantly "Logan (pronounced Wogan) - McDonald's fries have casein in them. We're NOT going there."
Well, I should hit the hay I suppose. Jason's working late again and it's always hard for me to get to sleep. I'm such a pansy. Good night!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Peyton's Final (hopefully!) Update
I know I haven't posted in a month - I guess I've just not taken the time! Peyton and I went to the specialist today, so I have great news to share!!
First of all, the appointment got moved up by 2 months, which was a complete blessing. I'm telling you what - you have to get just a little bit psycho (well, politely psycho) to get your voice heard! My friend's dad is a doctor, and he really gave me some excellent advice. Thanks Lloyd!
Second of all, there are two of these specialists in the state of Oklahoma, and I was so thrilled to be 15 minutes away from one of them. I love how God works - even in the small things!
Over the past few weeks, we have done an intensive/extensive elimination diet. No soy, gluten, eggs, casein (protein from dairy), or nuts. Let me tell you that I thought we might not have much to eat! Basically, if it came in a box or bag, we didn't eat it. After several days, we began to add in 1 possible allergen at a time. We were to watch for reaction(s) and then re-eliminate the food for 2-3 days, followed by another re-introduction.
I won't bore you with every single detail, but when we got to the casein, things went downhill BIG TIME. Since you probably don't care to know the consistency, color, smell, etc. of my child's poop, I'll spare you the nitty-gritty. I will say that he had a large amount of blood though, and that's definitely a problem.
We pulled casein back out and he did great. We felt like we probably had our answer, but we had to go to the specialist anyway. There was still a chance he had other problems (disease, disorder, etc.) . Jason and I firmly believe that this is where our prayers and the prayers of all our friends and family were answered. Peyton was supposed to have a scope done to find the rest of the problem.
Well, as of today, there is no need for a scope. After much discussion (and the fact that Peyton gained 2 whole pounds!), the doctor diagnosed Peyton with casein allergy. That's it!!! In fact, if he has another flare-up, he'll undergo more extensive allergy testing - nothing very invasive. We are SO thankful. Yes, having a child with a food allergy will involve more diligence and proactive care on our part, but who cares? In the grand scheme of life, it's just so minor.
One more thing - our nutritionist is the BEST. I love her so much. We really hit it off from the beginning, and she is incredibly knowledgeable. If you're in the Tulsa area and need a good one, her name is Amy Puls.
Again, thank you for praying for Peyton. Those prayers were answered today.
First of all, the appointment got moved up by 2 months, which was a complete blessing. I'm telling you what - you have to get just a little bit psycho (well, politely psycho) to get your voice heard! My friend's dad is a doctor, and he really gave me some excellent advice. Thanks Lloyd!
Second of all, there are two of these specialists in the state of Oklahoma, and I was so thrilled to be 15 minutes away from one of them. I love how God works - even in the small things!
Over the past few weeks, we have done an intensive/extensive elimination diet. No soy, gluten, eggs, casein (protein from dairy), or nuts. Let me tell you that I thought we might not have much to eat! Basically, if it came in a box or bag, we didn't eat it. After several days, we began to add in 1 possible allergen at a time. We were to watch for reaction(s) and then re-eliminate the food for 2-3 days, followed by another re-introduction.
I won't bore you with every single detail, but when we got to the casein, things went downhill BIG TIME. Since you probably don't care to know the consistency, color, smell, etc. of my child's poop, I'll spare you the nitty-gritty. I will say that he had a large amount of blood though, and that's definitely a problem.
We pulled casein back out and he did great. We felt like we probably had our answer, but we had to go to the specialist anyway. There was still a chance he had other problems (disease, disorder, etc.) . Jason and I firmly believe that this is where our prayers and the prayers of all our friends and family were answered. Peyton was supposed to have a scope done to find the rest of the problem.
Well, as of today, there is no need for a scope. After much discussion (and the fact that Peyton gained 2 whole pounds!), the doctor diagnosed Peyton with casein allergy. That's it!!! In fact, if he has another flare-up, he'll undergo more extensive allergy testing - nothing very invasive. We are SO thankful. Yes, having a child with a food allergy will involve more diligence and proactive care on our part, but who cares? In the grand scheme of life, it's just so minor.
One more thing - our nutritionist is the BEST. I love her so much. We really hit it off from the beginning, and she is incredibly knowledgeable. If you're in the Tulsa area and need a good one, her name is Amy Puls.
Again, thank you for praying for Peyton. Those prayers were answered today.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Sunday, May 31, 2009
The Latest
My, have we been busy. I'm going to attempt to give all of the updates person by person here, so bear with me!
As far as the entire family goes, we're all doing great. Life as a family of 6 is definitely getting easier - and personally, I'm very relieved. I wasn't sure about all of that "large family" business. A little scary - seriously. Our only current "challenge" is deciding what the best solution is for our living arrangements. We're in the process of buying this house, and we didn't know I was pregnant when we moved in. Jason and I have taken it as a sign, though, that this is the house for us. We just need to get creative! Austin is still in our room, which is perfectly fine, but the time is fast approaching that we will no longer care to be roomies. No offense to the little butterball, but that's just how it is.
Also, in case you didn't know, my grandmother passed away at the end of April. We were completely expecting it, but it was obviously still very hard on all of us. Mindi and I were the only grandkids, and she totally adopted Ben and Jason. Jason had the opportunity to spend alot of time with her. He would go to her house frequently and just hang out. Those two had a very special bond. Jason and I were very blessed to spend her last moments with her.
In other news, my parents are definitely moving here next summer. We knew it would happen eventually, but no one knew for sure when. Aside from our little clan being here, my dad's brother also lives here. Oh, and I'm holding out hope that my sister (who is in NY) will move back, too. Hey - a girl can wish, right? Jason and I are really excited about the whole thing. It was really great, because they had a serious chat with us about it all. They did NOT want to move here if Jason wasn't totally up for it. How many in-laws will do that?! Anyway, because we are so fortunate to all have a very close relationship, they're headed this way. Yeah!!
Jason continues to do AWESOME at his job. He does the majority of his work through Handyman Connection, but he is also building his own customer base. Right now, he's working on an addition for the local dance academy. I'm not kidding you - that guy can do just about anything. Yes, he would probably be embarrassed by all my bragging, but it's so true. He's incredible. He gets up with me in the morning, cooks breakfast, takes Logan to school, works hard all day, comes home to help out with supper if I need it, and then just totally throws himself into our family. I'm so lucky.
I'm cruising along with my usual gig. I feel as though I have finally been able to get back in the swing of things lately. It's been so nice! I've had quite a bit of catching up to do, but the list is getting shorter every day. I started running a couple of months ago, so that's my current "project". I'm hoping to do the Tulsa Run in October, but we'll see. It's LONG. Yikes. Also, in the fall I'll be teaching 2 days each week at the preschool. It's a great deal. Peyton, Addison, and Austin will all go (for free!) while I float around the classrooms. On Fridays, I'll be trading babysitting duties with a girlfriend so that we can each have a whole day to ourselves every other week. It's a perfect situation, and I'm super excited about it.
Logan just finished 1st grade and is really looking forward to the summer break. We always have a blast when school is out, so I'm looking forward to it, too. Logan did very well at school this year, and he says his favorite class is P.E. His favorite subjects are math and writing. He also LOVES to read. Jason and Logan (and occasionally, Peyton) were very involved in Cub Scouts this year. It was quite fun for both of them. Also, on Passover Sunday, Logan became a Christian. Jason and I were so thrilled. I don't think we realized what a special feeling we would have as his parents. He will be baptized this week, and Jason does a special Bible Study book with him each day. Logan also became involved at Awanas this spring at church and already finished his first book. He's really come out of his shell - he's doing so great!
Peyton had a GREAT year at preschool. We absolutely love, love, love his school. I had quite a time finding him a good place to go, so it's been a huge relief. He was so devastated when the school year ended! We're continuing to do some work with Peyton's nutritional issues, but he's definitely getting better. He is eating like a horse and he's finally ADDING some weight, which is a huge relief. He'll be going to a specialist in the next month or so, just to check for any kind of problem with the structure of his digestive system. We are so thrilled that 1 of the 2 specialists in the state is about 15 minutes away. He has had many tests ran, so we know he's not allergic to anything at this point. Currently, we're doing an elimination process with certain foods (dairy for now) to find the ingredients that he's intolerant to. There's a big difference between allergy and intolerance. To be honest, it's taken some time to get used to the process, but it's totally worth it. Jason and I were in agreement that we would take the time to "get to the bottom of it", even if that meant loading up with vitamins/supplements and spending many hours researching. It's been completely worth it, and we're glad we didn't just medicate him.
Peyton also got to start Cubbies this spring, which is the younger Awanas group at church. He loves it, and Jason teaches in there each week. It's worked out so well, because now the boys each have an activity that they do with their Dad.
Let's see - who's next? Oh yes, that would be Addison. Oh my. There's just so much I can say about this girl. She is absolutely a hoot. She has grown up so much in the last six months. Even though she is not quite 2, she is always helping to cook, clean up (including putting her own dishes in the sink), check on Austin, and anything else that the older boys do. We are constantly amazed at what a big girl she is. Of course, because she's not quite 2, she also has random moments of needing to still be the baby. We have to remind ourselves of that from time to time! Addison loves playing with her babies, playing outside, going for walks, and watching Barney. She also loves to sing and dance (she's beginning Baby Ballet in the fall), and now, she also enjoys imitating the boys when they play boxing on the Wii. It's quite a sight. It truly is a blast having a little girl running around - even if she is onerier than the boys!
My little Austin is 6 months old now! It has gone by so fast - it's shocking. Like most 4th (or more!) children, he has gotten the shaft - at least a little bit. I just got his portraits taken for the first time (Logan had about 8 by now), he almost always wears onesies (Logan and Peyton were always completely decked out in jeans, etc.), and he eats in a pink highchair (we're not convinced it's worth it to pay for a new cover - he doesn't seem to mind). I just have to say that he is the happiest baby I think I've ever known. That kid is always smiling and squealing. He just goes with the flow of our crazy lives, and as long as he's not away from his mommy for too long, he's set. He's also a chunk, and we LOVE it. We're always squeezing him - he's just so much fun. Oh, and in case you're wondering (I don't know WHY you would wonder), HE IS IT. THE LAST. THE YOUNGEST. EVER. I'm serious. If something crazy happens, I'm sueing. Mark my words.
Last, but certainly not least......Max. Maximus. Maximillion. Maxipad. (Hey - you call your dog what you want, I'll call my dog what I want) He's one cool dog. And he completes our little group. Oh, and he sleeps right between Jason's and my feet. (Is that gramatically correct? Mom? Jen?) And he follows me around everywhere. Yes, he fits right in. And he's great.
Well, that's about it. Good grief. I think I covered all the important parts. Are you still there? Are you still awake? Hello? Have a good night!
As far as the entire family goes, we're all doing great. Life as a family of 6 is definitely getting easier - and personally, I'm very relieved. I wasn't sure about all of that "large family" business. A little scary - seriously. Our only current "challenge" is deciding what the best solution is for our living arrangements. We're in the process of buying this house, and we didn't know I was pregnant when we moved in. Jason and I have taken it as a sign, though, that this is the house for us. We just need to get creative! Austin is still in our room, which is perfectly fine, but the time is fast approaching that we will no longer care to be roomies. No offense to the little butterball, but that's just how it is.
Also, in case you didn't know, my grandmother passed away at the end of April. We were completely expecting it, but it was obviously still very hard on all of us. Mindi and I were the only grandkids, and she totally adopted Ben and Jason. Jason had the opportunity to spend alot of time with her. He would go to her house frequently and just hang out. Those two had a very special bond. Jason and I were very blessed to spend her last moments with her.
In other news, my parents are definitely moving here next summer. We knew it would happen eventually, but no one knew for sure when. Aside from our little clan being here, my dad's brother also lives here. Oh, and I'm holding out hope that my sister (who is in NY) will move back, too. Hey - a girl can wish, right? Jason and I are really excited about the whole thing. It was really great, because they had a serious chat with us about it all. They did NOT want to move here if Jason wasn't totally up for it. How many in-laws will do that?! Anyway, because we are so fortunate to all have a very close relationship, they're headed this way. Yeah!!
Jason continues to do AWESOME at his job. He does the majority of his work through Handyman Connection, but he is also building his own customer base. Right now, he's working on an addition for the local dance academy. I'm not kidding you - that guy can do just about anything. Yes, he would probably be embarrassed by all my bragging, but it's so true. He's incredible. He gets up with me in the morning, cooks breakfast, takes Logan to school, works hard all day, comes home to help out with supper if I need it, and then just totally throws himself into our family. I'm so lucky.
I'm cruising along with my usual gig. I feel as though I have finally been able to get back in the swing of things lately. It's been so nice! I've had quite a bit of catching up to do, but the list is getting shorter every day. I started running a couple of months ago, so that's my current "project". I'm hoping to do the Tulsa Run in October, but we'll see. It's LONG. Yikes. Also, in the fall I'll be teaching 2 days each week at the preschool. It's a great deal. Peyton, Addison, and Austin will all go (for free!) while I float around the classrooms. On Fridays, I'll be trading babysitting duties with a girlfriend so that we can each have a whole day to ourselves every other week. It's a perfect situation, and I'm super excited about it.
Logan just finished 1st grade and is really looking forward to the summer break. We always have a blast when school is out, so I'm looking forward to it, too. Logan did very well at school this year, and he says his favorite class is P.E. His favorite subjects are math and writing. He also LOVES to read. Jason and Logan (and occasionally, Peyton) were very involved in Cub Scouts this year. It was quite fun for both of them. Also, on Passover Sunday, Logan became a Christian. Jason and I were so thrilled. I don't think we realized what a special feeling we would have as his parents. He will be baptized this week, and Jason does a special Bible Study book with him each day. Logan also became involved at Awanas this spring at church and already finished his first book. He's really come out of his shell - he's doing so great!
Peyton had a GREAT year at preschool. We absolutely love, love, love his school. I had quite a time finding him a good place to go, so it's been a huge relief. He was so devastated when the school year ended! We're continuing to do some work with Peyton's nutritional issues, but he's definitely getting better. He is eating like a horse and he's finally ADDING some weight, which is a huge relief. He'll be going to a specialist in the next month or so, just to check for any kind of problem with the structure of his digestive system. We are so thrilled that 1 of the 2 specialists in the state is about 15 minutes away. He has had many tests ran, so we know he's not allergic to anything at this point. Currently, we're doing an elimination process with certain foods (dairy for now) to find the ingredients that he's intolerant to. There's a big difference between allergy and intolerance. To be honest, it's taken some time to get used to the process, but it's totally worth it. Jason and I were in agreement that we would take the time to "get to the bottom of it", even if that meant loading up with vitamins/supplements and spending many hours researching. It's been completely worth it, and we're glad we didn't just medicate him.
Peyton also got to start Cubbies this spring, which is the younger Awanas group at church. He loves it, and Jason teaches in there each week. It's worked out so well, because now the boys each have an activity that they do with their Dad.
Let's see - who's next? Oh yes, that would be Addison. Oh my. There's just so much I can say about this girl. She is absolutely a hoot. She has grown up so much in the last six months. Even though she is not quite 2, she is always helping to cook, clean up (including putting her own dishes in the sink), check on Austin, and anything else that the older boys do. We are constantly amazed at what a big girl she is. Of course, because she's not quite 2, she also has random moments of needing to still be the baby. We have to remind ourselves of that from time to time! Addison loves playing with her babies, playing outside, going for walks, and watching Barney. She also loves to sing and dance (she's beginning Baby Ballet in the fall), and now, she also enjoys imitating the boys when they play boxing on the Wii. It's quite a sight. It truly is a blast having a little girl running around - even if she is onerier than the boys!
My little Austin is 6 months old now! It has gone by so fast - it's shocking. Like most 4th (or more!) children, he has gotten the shaft - at least a little bit. I just got his portraits taken for the first time (Logan had about 8 by now), he almost always wears onesies (Logan and Peyton were always completely decked out in jeans, etc.), and he eats in a pink highchair (we're not convinced it's worth it to pay for a new cover - he doesn't seem to mind). I just have to say that he is the happiest baby I think I've ever known. That kid is always smiling and squealing. He just goes with the flow of our crazy lives, and as long as he's not away from his mommy for too long, he's set. He's also a chunk, and we LOVE it. We're always squeezing him - he's just so much fun. Oh, and in case you're wondering (I don't know WHY you would wonder), HE IS IT. THE LAST. THE YOUNGEST. EVER. I'm serious. If something crazy happens, I'm sueing. Mark my words.
Last, but certainly not least......Max. Maximus. Maximillion. Maxipad. (Hey - you call your dog what you want, I'll call my dog what I want) He's one cool dog. And he completes our little group. Oh, and he sleeps right between Jason's and my feet. (Is that gramatically correct? Mom? Jen?) And he follows me around everywhere. Yes, he fits right in. And he's great.
Well, that's about it. Good grief. I think I covered all the important parts. Are you still there? Are you still awake? Hello? Have a good night!
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