Busy again

So far, our year has been pretty good. Although, I always promise I will blog more often and I obviously haven't lived up to that quite yet; things are going well for our family. We are busy as always. It seems we have something going on every weekend, even when we don't make plans, something usually comes up.

Chris has been working tons of overtime. He is always at work early in the morning, usually goes back in after dinner, and works weekends. He had knee surgery in December and that set us back a little financially since he couldn't bartend for a few months. He is recovered for the most part, and is working his butt off to get ahead a little before summer gets here. Now that football season is over, he manages to find time to watch a little basketball, and is getting ready for softball/baseball season. He is still unsure about playing softball this summer after his knee surgery, but I think if I keep on him to get out and start running on it...he can do it.

Miss Holly is almost a teenager. Just another month and we will officially have a teen in the house. She made the A honor roll for the 1st and 2nd quarter at school, and strives to make sure her grades are the best she can make them. She spends alot of time on her cell phone and I-pod, but is still a lot of help around the house. She babysits Paige sometimes, and is always looking for ways to make money (she can spend it faster than she can earn it).  For her Birthday, we are repainting her room, along with all new bedding and decor.

Alyssa is now 10 and has been busy with Volleyball, Girlscouts, and Sunday School. It seems like we are always running with her somewhere. She was struggling in reading in school a few months back, and was put into special reading help class; which was in turn taking time away from her math time and causing her to struggle in math; but she has now caught up with her reading, and has turned her math skills around as well. Conferences are just around the corner, and we have high hopes for her. We repainted her room for her last Birthday and gave her all new bedding and furniture. She has more things in her room, than time to play with the stuff...but what kid doesn't I guess.We don't get to see her as much as we would like to, but we cherish the time we do get with her.  We have a lot of fun things planned to do with her on the weekends we have with her, let's hope we don't wear her out! 
Little Miss Paige is growing up SO darn fast. She practically runs all over now. She is starting to talk, and babble, but tells us what she wants even though she can't say many words yet. She is now 14 months old.  After many months of struggling with this baby, and thinking that the future would hold a very difficult baby; she has turned into quite an easy child. She has so much character already. She definitely knows what she wants. She also tends to be a fast learner. She loves to take a bath, and if we say the word "bath", she heads to the bathroom and waits for you to start the bath water, and then grabs her towel and jammies, and heads to our room to get naked. She has learned so much in the last few months, I am just amazed at her every day. She loves to be tickled, and will tickle you back. If we mention that it's time to eat, she heads straight to the high-chair and waits for you to put her in it and give her her food. If we say that we are going bye-bye, she will head to the kitchen to get her coat and shoes on. And after many months of struggling to get her to nap or sleep at night, she now will grab her blankie and lay down if she is tired; and when put to bed, she sleeps all through the night. So, maybe all my complaining paid off, or maybe I just wasn't patient enough for the easy time to come, but it is here now; and I am trying to enjoy every second of it. She is definitely a blessing sent to us!

I think I have self diagnosed myself with ADD. Lately, I have work ADD, laundry ADD, diet ADD, and ADD about many other things. I just can't concentrate lately. I will blame it on the winter weather I guess. We had a little taste of spring, and that was quickly turned around; and I think that is what my problem is. I can't wait for warmer weather, and more sunshine. I just don't seem to have the energy as I did a few years ago. I could blame that on many thing too, like perhaps the recent Birthday I had. I have many projects I would like to get to before spring gets here, so I really need to get off my behind and get started on them. Instead I tend to watch some TV, read a book or magazine, or spend countless hours on the computer wasting time. This is totally not like me and my OCD ways, but admitting it is the first step, right?

Wishing for a better year

As you can see, we have been horrible about blogging. Our lives just don't allow much down time anymore, and I never seem to remember to post on here. It has been a crazy year, and for those of you who know us, it really isn't one we would like to relive anytime soon. We had so much go awry for us, some people still cannot believe our misfortune. One good thing is, we are all happy and healthy. That is what matters most.

Our summer turned out to be quite disastrous at times, but we managed to live through it with a few interesting  stories to tell. Chris's truck wasn't quite able to handle the new camper very long , so we ended up replacing it with something bigger and better, not without a few headaches along the way.. I ended up in the hospital during one camping trip, and then some bad weather during others;  and by the time it came to storing the camper for the season, I was ready to bid farewell for the season and hope for better luck next spring.

Our fall was busy, but fairly uneventful compared to our summer. Paige learned to crawl in October, and we haven't been able to sit down since. She has kept all of us on our toes, but it is so delightful watching her go. We spent Thanksgiving with family and friends, and enjoyed all of the fall festivities togther.
Winter hit us sooner than we had hoped for, but was to be expected being MinneSNOWtans. Luckily we managed to get most everything packed away for winter before it hit us.

Our kids are wonderful. Paige is determined, smart, funny, beautiful....etc. I could go on  and on. She is such a quick learner, I am afraid we will have our hands full with this girl. She started walking just a few steps at a time, and within 2 weeks, she had it mastered. She already has an attitude, and I anticipate it only getting worse. Oh my.
Alyssa is growing up so fast. She amazes us each day. Responsibilities are lining up for her, and she is taking them on quite well. She kept busy all fall with volleyball, Girls on the Run, and Girl scouts. We didn't get to see much of her, but I think she thoroughly enjoyed being so busy.
Holly, Holly. Where do I begin with this girl? She is becoming such a young lady. She is an incredible kid. Her maturity is amazing. I am a little terrified of the years to come with this one, but I can only hope she makes it as easy on me as the last 12 years. She opted not to play any sports this year, but works hard on keeping her grades up. She made the A honor roll for the first quarter, and I am beyond proud of her.
Chris has been busy at work as usual. The wedding season came to an abrupt stop, but he has taken on working some overtime at his full time job. Between work, running our kids, fantasy football, and his honey-do list....he doesn't have much down time. He just opted to have knee surgery to repair some damage from years of catching in softball and baseball. He is non-weight bearing (CRUTCHES...yuck) for 6 weeks. I can't wait for him to be back to himself! I never realized how much I need just a little bit of help getting things done around here.
 I manage to keep busy being a full time Mom and wife.  The housework is never done, and just when I think it is....some little girl undoes just about everything I did. This job is exhausting at times, but I wouldn't trade it for the world!! I had a big time scare with my mom, who was diagnosed with early stage lung cancer in December. She had surgery to remove a tumor on her lung, and is recuperating well at home,  hopefully cancer free for a long long time. I am beyond grateful for the promising outcome. This ordeal really scared the crap out of me, and made me sit back and look at life a whole new way.  I am more thankful than ever to get to spend many more years with her, as I cannot fathom life without her.


We just celebrated Christmas, along with Paige's 1st Birthday. I was more than wiped out afterwards, especially after taking on all the tasks myself (due to my incapacitated hubby), but everything turned out incredibly. We managed to see all of our families, some of our friends, and had some great quality times together. We are all so thankful for everything we have been blessed with.

Our kids are growing up SO fast, my head keeps spinning. I cannot believe we are the proud parents of  a 12 year old, a 10 year old, and a 1 year old. (sigh).

We are hoping 2011 is less stressful, and happy for everyone. For us, it only has to get better.  Let's hope our bad luck streak ends with 2010, and we ring in a Happy, Healthy New Year!!!

Summer

Our summer is almost over, and it feels like it hasn't even started yet. We have been so busy. Working, camping, family events, roofing disasters, and more working; just doesn't allow much time to relax. Little Miss Paige is almost 7 months, and growing up so fast. She is starting to get around slowly. She doesn't crawl yet, but I think it could happen soon. She gets up on her hands and knees and rocks back and forth, but just hasn't learned to move yet. She still rolls and scoots around, and can move around in her walker. Sleeping is something we are still working on. She goes to bed really well, and sleeps through the night most nights, but doesn't like to take a nap. She fights it so bad that sometimes she fights sleep longer than she actually sleeps. I hope she soon outgrows this, but we will manage for now. All I can think of is she is going to sleep her teenage years away since she hardly slept as a baby. She has started eating solid foods, and LOVES them. She eats almost anything we give her, fruits or vegetables, and now has started on cheerios and little puffers. She is starting to get quite the personality, and usually is pretty happy. She did have a touch of "I only like mommy or daddy" last weekend, but it may have been due to teething.

Chris and I have learned the hard way, that you shouldn't try to re-roof your own house. After a few weekend disasters, we have half of the roof done. And after all of the water mess, the result of trying to roof yourself and storms; we will be hiring someone to finish the other half of the roof. Our insurance is paying us have it done, as well as fix the water damage inside our house. Fun times. Bottom line: Hire someone to do the big jobs!

Our older girls are awesome! They too, are growing up way too fast. Holly had her 7th grade physical this week. She is healthy as a horse, and I am so proud of her!

Alyssa will be entering 4th grade this year, and is also doing quite well. She is teetering on the edge of being a kid and being a tween. (sigh)  Both girls are very busy, that we don't get much time to hang with them anymore, but they are getting to that age where....it's just not COOL to hang with mom and dad anymore. The teenage years are right around the corner, and I think we may be in big trouble with 2 beautiful girls on our hands!

Time? What's that?

So, I really haven't been very good about updating, but honestly....I just don't have the time anymore.

Everyone is doing very well. Our kids are getting so big. Paige is now 4 months. She still has her fussy moments and lets us all know who the boss is. She loves any attention she can get, and often throws a tantrum if she doesn't have somebody's undivided attention. We have resorted to the cry it out method a few times, which tears at my heart strings, but is sometimes the only way we can keep our sanity. A few weeks ago, Chris was up north for a week, and my patience was stretched to the limit. In perfect timely fashion, she was going through some serious teething pain that week while I was flying solo, and was just not feeling well. After getting up 3 and 4 times each night with her, I couldn't wait until Chris arrived back home. And just how my life goes, by the time he came home, she was feeling better. She did make up for all the gray hair she caused that week by sleeping through the night this last Saturday. I couldn't have asked for a better Mother's Day present from her. I was in dire need of a good nights sleep My big girls thought up another perfect gift for me for Mother's day, a picture of all 3 girls together. And I had no idea that they took a picture and had it developed.  They are pretty good to me! I enjoyed the day by having breakfast with my family, and staying home and just spending time around the house getting things done.

Chris and I are also doing  well. He has been working a ton of hours, and  is also busy with softball on one of his nights off.  I am usually running around hauling kids somewhere, or heading to the grocery store with a few kids in tow. In our spare time (ha ha ha) we hope to do some camping this summer in our new camper. We picked up the new toy last week, and are slowly getting everything put in it so we will be ready to camp as soon as the weather cooperates. The girls were very excited for it to arrive, and are even more excited to get to use it in a few weeks. Only having our big girls every other weekend will limit the time they get to camp with us, but we hope to make some really good memories this summer! 

Soon school will be out, and we will be approaching graduation time, and wedding season. Busy Busy! I especially cannot wait for it to warm up so we can get outside with Paige more often. 

Well, I am going to head to bed, so I can hopefully enjoy another full nights sleep, if Paige allows.

Good night all!

Changes Changes Changes

Welcome Spring!! It has been so nice these past few days. Paige got to take her very first stroll outside today in the 60 degree weather. She just happily rode in the stroller, only squinting a few times as the sun shined in her eyes. She has become such a different baby lately. We no longer have a fussy baby!! Yippeeee! She is all full of smiles, all the time. She especially loves when people talk to her. She will give you tons of grins and giggles. She has apparently grown out of her tummy issues we had for the first 2 months or so, and hasn't had a fussy spell for a few weeks. It makes life for Mom and Dad so much easier.  But it seems everything is happening so fast. Our little baby has already rolled over a few times this week. She works so hard at it, but gets frustrated after a while. I think we are going to have our hands full when she becomes mobile;  she may be a wild one! It is hard to believe that she is almost 3 months old. Not sure where the time has gone, or how it got away so fast. 

We are all getting anxious for spring to officially get here.  We just purchased our very first camper, and can't wait to get to use it. A few trips have already been booked, and I am sure there are many more to add to the calendar. The last few years we have crashed in my mom and my sisters campers, but with our little addition to our family, we decided it was time to get our own space. Our girls are really proud to have their own camper, and cannot wait it's arrival.  There are many great memories waiting to be made!

 

Chris has been really busy at work, which is good. I have been trying to get out to do some walking, when the weather allows. I have been battling a cold for a few weeks,  and will be thankful to kick it to the curb any day now.  Holly is quickly becoming a teenager (way TOO fast), but is a pretty good kid, even despite the attitude. Alyssa too can show attitude at times, but is maturing right along. They get along like any sisters do, best friends one minute, and at each others throats the next. I guess that's what you get when you have all girls in the house. Chris is a lucky man.

Quick update

Where has the time gone? Every day time goes by faster and faster. Our baby is 10 weeks old already. She is currently up to 11lbs, and is 22" long. They grow so fast! Our nights are MUCH better. I finally get 4-5 hours of continuous sleep, which is soooo nice.

I  started back to work a week ago, so the little extra sleep is very welcome. Paige was baptized a few weeks ago, and we had a wonderful little party for her. All of her grandparents gathered at our house on Saturday night. We grilled steaks and had a great time visiting with each other.  Sunday was a big day for the little Miss, she was baptized at our church, while many relatives were present to witness such a blessed event. We then had everyone at our house for lunch to celebrate. 

Her first week at daycare was successful. She seems to love her daycare lady, and soaks up all the attention the other little kids give her. It was a little rough for Mom the first few days, but leaving her at daycare with a big smile on her face made it much  easier. 

As for our big girls, both have recently participated in their schools' science fairs. Holly earned a Garfield School First Place ribbon (voted best by her classmates)! We are very proud of her!  This was the first year of science fair for Alyssa, and she also did very well.  We continue to be busy with Girlscouts, (It's COOKIE season). Soon it will be spring break. Speaking of spring....we all can't wait for nicer weather. !! Let's hope its right around the corner.

7 weeks old

Our little munchkin is now 7 weeks old! She is such an angel. The brutal days of continuous crying and late night episodes have mostly disappeared, and she is becoming more and more independent every day. She still loves to be held when she can, but she is spending more time each day in her bouncy seat or swing. She is growing SO fast! Everyone comments on how big she is getting. She is already starting to outgrow some of her newborn clothes, but she still  has a closet full of bigger sizes!! Good thing she has her own room!

Last weekend all of the girls and I ventured to St. Paul for the last of our baby showers. I was a little nervous  about taking all the girls on such a long road trip by myself, Paige's longest car ride yet; but she was an absolute angel. I actually had to have the girls check on her a few times in the back of the van since we didn't hear a peep out of her the whole way. We got many nice things at the shower, and were able to spend some time with  Grandma and Great-Grandma. It was great to see all the great aunts and cousins again, since we missed out on Christmas (for some reason..)

I have one more week at home with my little girl, and then have to go back to work. :(  I am ready to go back and get back into an everyday routine, but I am not ready to give up my baby all day long. It will be a hard day for me, but I will just have to keep reminding myself that she will be OK.

 Holly and Alyssa are growing up way too fast too!  They have both decided to participate in Science Fair this year, and still keep us busy every day driving them to some sort of activity. Holly is currently playing Volleyball and active in Girl Scouts, and Alyssa just started Girls on the Run. We hardly get much time at home with them, but they don't seem to mind the hectic schedules. Although, us parents could use a nap  every now and then. :)