Christmas

(Just found this in my drafts)

Wow has it been a while since I have posted and I claimed that I would stay updated. Sorry about that.



Christmas was wonderful. Jacob was a Three King in the Catholic Children's Service on base. I made his and 4 other costumes. Will try and post photos later. Alex had to work Christmas morning, so we had to wait til 1 for him to get home. I was so busy finishing things up and Jacob was being an awesome big brother with Patrick, that it flew by. The boys had a blast opening gifts, well Jacob got to open for both of them. Even when we wanted Patrick to try he just looked at Jacob like well, open it for me :)



After that we had dinner at my parent's and then my brother, his wife, her parents, and my brother's best friend's parent's and his grandparents came over for pie. Sean, Toni, and I then played pass the phone with Sean and My older siblings. We all webt home very tired but very happy.



today we have been cleaning and playing with all our new toys :)



Hope to post more to keep you all updated on us.

Some more catching up for the week.

Well, am putting off doing laundry so figured I would try to finish updating on the week :)

Wed we stayed home until gymnastics, which Jake is doing awesome at, even the events he used to be fearful on!! I am hoping LA offers to pay a portion of the class like CO and WA do for homeschool kids. We pay full here, but anyway thing that can help would be appreciated :)

Thurs I worked on Patrick's room, got his bumper pad and crib skirt done, working on the valance next. Will take pictures when it is all done :) Jacob also memorized the Cub Scout Promise, we are working on the law now :) He is so enthusiastic about Scouts, which I am happy about. We are also working on the Catholic religous medal for Tigers and Wolves. Not sure if I will have Alex work on the Protestant one with him, that is more up to him.

Yesterday I just cleaned up the garage to be able to fit one of the vehicles in there and cleaned up down here. REally need to get laundry done so we can pack :)

Today was a kind of busy day. Jacob has his last game, and we thought that I had to work. Alex and Jake forgot his glove so I rushed it to them on my way to work and when I got there, in the time I called to say I would be a few minutes late and 7 minutes later, our 9 was a no show, and then by time I got back from getting my icee and pop corn our 10 called to reschedule for 11, so I wasn't needed, I was there a total of 10 minutes :) But got paid for 30 to cover gas. Kind of bummed to not get the extra income, but am happy to have the extra family time. After Jake's game we just hung around the house and cleaned out the car, getting ready to do that laundry :) Maybe ;-)

Well, I guess I should. leave comments I want to hear from you all :)

Way too early

So I didn't get much sleep last night, must be anticipating the trip, never sleep well the night before one, maybe it is a good thing we are leaving in the evening. Back to updating on my week.

Mon we had a nice day at home, which doesn't happen very often for us. I did work that night, and took another good sitting I am proud to say :)

Tuesday Jacob had his weekly therapy, he is doing really well. I talked to his OT about the interacticve mentronome some more, we are looking into starting it when we come back from vacation. Not sure if tricare will cover it, if not, my job will be to pay for that rather than debt. Which was why I took the job, but oh well, seeing my grandparents and taking care of my boy are much more important. The cards will get paid down eventually!! The metronome should be just 15 sessions and since it will be 3 - 4 a week we should be done into the first week of Sept, so then maybe my income can pay for some cc's. Don't plan on working when we move to LA only because it prob won't be as easy with Alex's schedule, and homeschooling Jake (schools are so bad we will be doing that when we move). The boys and I then went to my parent's house just to hang out. After that we met Alex here and the house and he and Jake went to baseball practice. Patrick and I stayed home because it was way too hot!! I hate heat, did I mention that already ;-)

Well breakfast is ready, so Wed and Thurs will be in a post when I get home. Will upload some more photos eventually too :)

Way too hot

Wow is it hot out here!! I hate heat, and we are going where it is even hotter, but at least we will have AC!!

First an update on the past week. Alex and Jacob went to a Cub Scout fishing event in Limon. Jacob almost caught a blue gill, but it came off the hook just before they reeled it in. He used live bate. They also got to shoot bbs and arrows and did some crafts, which Alex did not enjoy at all, plus it was in the middle of a field in practically KS, I can only imagine. Guess the craft part is for me, but not the heat!!

I coached our baseball team, we had 6 kiddos there. I was way too hot if you ask me!! Two of the boy's parents helped out a lot too.

After the game I just hung out at home with Patrick until it was time for me to go to work. Alex and Jake (asleep) met me at Target so he could take Patrick while I worked.
After work we took the boys to my parent's house and then Alex and I went to Jack Quins, a cool Irish Pub in down town Colorado Springs. Some of Alex's co-workers and their Girl Friends met us there. After a bit we headed down to Cowboys, which was a lot of fun!! Brandi and I did a lot of line dancing. Alex and B even tried to two step with us, didn't work out so well, but at least they tried!! After cowboys we headed back up to my parents to get our two sleepy boys and bring them home.

On Sun I went to work again, and took a good sitting, even did a good sale, getting proud of my photos!! After that we tried to go bowling, but the bowling ally on base is barely open, so we went and just hung out in the play area at the mall. We then went to BW3s and then met B, Brandi and their 5 boys at putt putt, 7 boys and one needing to be heald is a large group. They had to leave early, but we finished out our games, which was fun, and by then it was a very nice evening.

Well I need to clean, so will continue in my next blog on my next break :) Will also add photos.

We know where we are going!!

Let me update on the past few days this week first.

Wed the boys and I went to dinner with a friend for her b-day and we also had cake back at her house. Jacob also had gymnastics and he did the entire boys level 4 routine on the rings with Coach Russ' help. Jacob has had issues going upside down and he did everything, the holds and all without complaining or freaking!! I was so proud of him that I had to go give him a big hug I just couldn't contain myself.

Thurs I almost finished working on Patrick's room. Just need to hang his shelf and sew the items in there. Just about all that was done yesterday :)

Today I went to JoAnns to get the fabric I needed for Patrick's room. I did also clean up my half of the garage and work on some crafty things yesterday so I could find the pattern for Patrick's room. I started working on a special scrapbook of Patrick to take to my Grandparents. I gave them one of Jake so now want to do that same with Patrick. While in the middle of that Alex's LtC called and told him we got our assignment. Not quite what we had hoped for, but it was on our list, and looks like it may be decent. Not too fond of the schools and no free charter school, not sure if we will look into Catholic or Home Schooling, may suplement with homeschooling. But the housing is gourgous!! Ok, I guess you want to know where, we are going to Barksdale, LA right by Shreveport. There is some real neat stuff there and it is just over 3 hours away from my Aunt and Uncle. We do not have to report until 30 Jan, will prob arrive either just after Christmas or by the 13th when their second semester starts. If anyone reading this lives there or has please leave me comments I want to know as much as I can. I have 6 months :) We are going to take a smooth move course that will give us a lot more information.

Tomorrow is back to our busy days. I will be coaching the baseball team, with some very helpful parents. I then work from 12 - 7. My parents will have Patrick for a portion of that because Alex and Jake will be fishing :) I am sending Alex with the camera again :) Still waiting on those photos from camp last week. Am going to work on that scrapbook again so I had to run to the base to see what info I could get :)

What to do?

(Patrick eatting Jake's foot, very gross I know!!)

Sunday was a mainly quiet day at home. Watched some baseball (Cubbies lost ;( ) and really that was about it, nice to have some clam days.

On Mon I went to Bingo with some friends on base. Didn't win anything, though I don't expect to, just something fun to do with my friends, one of them is moving to VA tomorrow :( Life of the military I guess. Please pray for another, she and her husband need our prayers right now too :)

tues was a busy day. Jacob had his therapy again, and his ocupational therapist said that the reason he makes up letter when sounding out a word, like word and guesses wolf, is because his eyes can't stay focused. She sent home an article for us to read and we will start something here at home to work with him on. I also put him on the after school wait list for when school starts.

We then went and hung out at my parent's for a while, since we were at that end of town. Was nice, when my mom got home she bought me a smoothie from Kieva juice.

After that we went to baseball practice, it actually wasn't cancelled!! July in CO around five is usually thunder storm time. I found out that flag football and indoor soccer will be at the same time, along with cheerleading, had four girls ask me if I was coaching again. I really want to, but it all depends on the AF. Even Jacob playing, not even sure if he will get to play. Alex was told that we could move between Oct and JAn if we do move and the season goes to just before Thanksgiving. No point in paying for it or starting to coach and then leave in the middle of the season. We are to find out his assignment at the same time that registration ends. Hopefully AFPC will be on top of that and let us know before we head out on vacation.

After practice I tried to get my work schedule rearranged since I goofed and double booked my husband and son this weekend. I scheduled them for a fishing thing, which they both want to do, but none of us remembered that since it was a Sat that there was a baseball game. Jake wanted to for sure do the fishing since he gets to play baseball a lot, Alex was concerened, but I don't think he realized that I would still go to the game to coach even though they weren't there. So we decided to go with that. I do still need to do some rescheduling though, found out I am on call one night when Alex works and scheduled to work the next when he works and it was agreed that I would not work when he does and we have a new girl too. So have to get that one straightened out. I really want this job to help pay off debt, right now it is all going to our trip, which is 100% fine, because we would not be able to go if I hadn't been working. But I may not stick with it only because it is a much bigger sacrifice for my family than I thought. (Order lots of AVON and Pampered Chef!!) WE are just so busy as it is already, as I am sure you have noticed. Oh well, we will see how my boss handles rescheduling and I just may decide it is too much. I do enjoy the job and like everyone, but I have to do what is best for us, I thought the income was, but maybe it isn't. Pray for us on this one please.

Also, please pray for my Grandfather, he was admitted to the hopsital again yesterday, he seems to be doing ok and wants to go home. I can't wait to see them and let them see Jake and Patrick!!

After figuring out and actually during part of it we began to watch and very long but good All Star game. I think Steinbrenner paid the 2nd base ump, but oh well. A lot of great plays were made ecspecially on the NL side and Jake's favorite player hit a homerun. my Cubbies did good too when they were in. In the end the AL won, but the Cubs can still win it all even without homefield advantage :)

Well I need to submit my Avon order and since this is such a long post I think I will go ahead and post it tonight rather than waiting until this weekend :) Leave comments I want to know what you think :)

What a week

(My Boys hanging out together, Hanging out at the National Park, The Rockie Mountains, Jake and Alex and the top of the trail, The National Park we stopped at, Helping Daddy Drive, Patrick enjoying his prune juice, Jacob being silly at craft time, going on a carriage ride, snowcone time, with all his new tiger friends, cotton candy boy, up the slide, and wee, going down the slide, "wild thing", My sleepy boy waiting to get back into the stadium, Horrible picture of me with baggy eyes, though Jake did a good job on the focusing, Sleepy baby waiting to go in, Jacob taking it all in, Sky Sox tent city, Jake and Patrick in the tent, Patrick and I in the tent, my sleepy boys, and hanging out before the tent goes down.)

Wow, has it been a busy week. Last Sunday the 6th, Patrick turned 4 months old. Jake and I took him in for photos, the little bugger was not the most cooperative, but we did get some very cute photos anyway :)

The next morning he went to the DR for his 4 month check up. He now weighs 12 lbs 13 oz, is 23 inches long, and has a 17 inch head. His weight and height are about 15% and his head 90%, that one is not a shocker in our family, actually runs a little small ;-) He also got shots too, did much better that night than he did after his 2 month ones.

On Tues Jacob went to his therapy. He is in both speech and occupational, really for things that most would not notice, but due to his injury almost 4 years ago we are able to be on top of it. The main things his specialist suggested them for was his speech and handwriting. We actually may start him on some computerized program that could actually help with a lot of things that helps to reconnect some of the circuits, the program is called, Interactive Metronome, if you are interested in understanding it more, go to, http://www.interactivemetronome.com/.

Jacob is also playing baseball, but due to our typical July thunderstorms in the afternoon practice was cancelled, Alex and I are coaching his team. I was unable to go to practice anyway due to work.

Work has been fun, I think I am getting much better at it, which is why I am doing it, mainly to just learn and get paid at the same time. Also to help with our vacation at the end of the month and eventually pay down debt so I don't have to work at all!!

Very early Wednesday morning Patrick was having a fit and would not stop crying for what turned into about 4 hours. I took him to the ER and it turned out he was very constipated. He was given a supositiry that by the time we left had not done it's job yet. I went back to bed and I guess while I was sleeping Alex got to change the diaper where it worked. After I woke up we had a family day, including buying him prune juice. We stopped by the now old boyscout office and bought two tickets to the Fri night scout night Sky Sox baseball game and I also got a pass for us to camp out on the field after (more on that later). We then drove down 115 and all around parts of the south eastern Rockies, including going through a blasting zone, unbeknownst to us until we saw the sign saying we were leaving it. We never quite got where we wanted to go, but it was still a nice drive to somewhat get lost/turned around on. We did stop at a spot for a national park, and were very thankful for our just under $4/gallon gas. In a couple of the small towns we drove through it was up to almost $4.40 a gallon!!

Thursday Alex and I celebrated our 8th anniversary. we didn't do much, just stayed together as a family. We did get a new laptop as our gift to each other and then Alex made some good ribs. After we put the boys to bed we just enjoyed a quite evening together.

Fri was one of the bussiest days. Alex and Jake we to Tigers at Day Camp, JAcob's first Cub Scout activity. They seemed to have a real good time, though Alex could have done without the crafty parts, guess that is more my area :) Jacob got to shoot bbs and arrows and played games. He got a lot of his requirements done for some of his badges and even got a patch. BRought home lots of fun stuff. One of the mom's that went did get some pictures that are supposed to be emailed to me, Alex did take a few too. Once I figure out how to upload photos on here I will.

I enjoyed a mostly quite day that day, when Patrick was sleeping. When the guys got home I found out that was a fire not far from our house, had no clue, was too hot to go outside and notice and wasn't close enough to be warned I guess. You can see the chared grounds from our house though, maybe I will take a pic of that one too.

After they got home we packed and the boys and I headed up to Grandma and Grandpas to pick up the tent and headed to the Sky Sox's game. Jake spent most of it in the paly zone but would catch bits of the game, was actually nicer for me cause then I could keep Patrick in his stroller and not have to hold him the entire time. We were supposed to see fireworks after the game, but it was too windy so they canceled them for safety. We ran back to our car and got our camping stuff. When we got on the field Jake chose a spot for us in short left center and we set up our tent, but this time it was near, if not past midnight. Once they turned off the lights Jake fell right to sleep. Patrick fell asleep for a little, but decided he wanted to nurse and did not want to go back in his sleep so he slept in my sleeping bag with me, which I had to keep slightly open to make sure it didn't go over his face.

It took me a while to go to sleep due to the wind, it also would blow the tent a little since we weren't allowed to use stakes, don't want to damage the field, which is was the most comfortable grounds I have ever slept on, no rocks ;-) Then I finally fell asleep and Jake decided to yell at his dad in his sleep, who was not there and was at home getting ready to go to work. I finally fell asleep again and then it was time to pack up to go. We had a loud airplane fly over and the people all around us packing up and those two slept right through it. Patrick didn't wake til I put him in his car seat and Jake not tell I pretty much told him he had to get up.

We ran home so I could take a shower and then headed to our own baseball game that I got to coach due to Alex working, one of the dad's helped out a lot, which I really appreciated. After that we came home and I took a little nap before heading to work for 6.5 hours. Due to me not being home much Tink wanted her time, Alex and a telemarketer called while I dried to nap and she would be all up cuddling on me when I would answer the phone. When I got home from work Alex made a nice dinner and then we all pretty much crashed and went to bed.

I will try to get this updated with photos and will also try to post weekly on our happenings :)