Spring is here

So the family is doing well. The kids came back from their Spring Break visit in much better form then their Christmas visit. We are on life as usual, activities, school, church etc. Now my only concern is that darned Swine Flu. Of course Illinois has the most cases and I have four germy kids. So far, so good - knock on wood.

I am looking forward to summer. The pool, no alarm clocks, showers, lunches, homework.....

Does that sound selfish? It probably does, but that's ok. We all deserve a break sometimes!

Been a while

Well, sorry I haven't posted in months. The kids returned from New Years w/ their Mom. There was quite some adjustment needed. The good news is that things returned back to normal after two months. They visited her again for spring break and had a much smoother transition this time.

I have to say, I'm looking forward to my 6 weeks this summer when they go for their summer visit. It will give Adam and I more bonding time as well as with Derrick. I know I will miss them, but I'm ready for a break.

It is getting warmer and Adam and I are spending more time outside. Hopefully it will stay warm more often! I'll try to write more.

2009

Happy New Years! We made it through 2008. I have to say, I am very hopeful that this year will be much better then last. Not just the economy, but life overall.

We celebrated Christmas day with friends. It was so nice. The kids all played together. We had a great time. The kids left that afternoon for Texas for 9 days. Overall they had a nice trip. Their Mom and step dad got remarried. However, they had a few episodes due to Trent's behavior. It is sad when Mom has to call me for help. They came back this morning. Due to a lack of sleep and mixed emotions, today has been a rough day for them. I believe we have a therapy appointment this week, it will be needed. Sabrina is actually doing the worst, but I think that is because they were up half the night and had to get up early. I don't think that the lack of sleep has helped today.

Adam, Derrick and I spent New Years on the East Coast with my family. They were so glad to see Adam. I had a nice time and was the most relaxed that I have been in ages. It was nice to have extra help with Adam, 3 fewer kids, and some alone time with Derrick.

Well, we'll see how the week goes. Wishing you a happy new year.

Another Christmas come and gone

Well, today was a nice day. The kids enjoyed their presents. Adam was hysterical with some of his. He would play with a toy for 15 minutes before moving on to another one.

We went to a friends house for Christmas lunch. What a nice time. It was a shame we had to leave for the kids flight. We were there for 3 hours but the time just flew by. We are going to have them over after New Years though.

The kids got to their Mom's safely. We have already had two phone calls to "check in". I really hope they have a nice visit.

We're off to the East Coast tomorrow! I can't wait for my family to see how big Adam is getting. Happy Holidays!

Christmas Blessings

The past two years have had so many high's and low's. The Birth of my son, Adam. Meeting more friends, getting to stay at home from work to raise the kids, and finally getting custody of all three step children. I won't go into the lows, because with out them, the highs would not be possible.

We made some awesome friends this year. They invited us over for Christmas lunch prior to the kids departure to Texas. Such nice, wholesome, religious people. Ever since I met Carolina, I have felt that there was a reason we met. Call me crazy, call me religous, I don't care. God intended for us to be friends. Our kids are mostly the same age. I enjoy talking to Carolina about anything. Our relationship feels so natural.

So to anyone reading this, Merry Christmas. If you don't believe in Christ's birth, at least feel the joy and warmth of the season and reflect on all of your blessings. I wish you all the best and peace in your lives.

Christmas prep

So Christmas Break started early this year due to a series of snow storms. We had a good time out in the snow. Adam loved to eat it! It was quite cute. Darren got stranded on a business trip trying to come home. It took him about 12 hours for a 2 hour flight!

Everyone is getting excited. The kids will be going to see their Mom soon. I hope they have a really nice visit.

We have some awesome new friends that invited us over for Christmas lunch. They have 3 kids that are all close in age to our 3 older kids. So, that will be fun and hopefully take some of the edge off of the kids nervousness to fly.

I have to admit that I am excited for some quiet time the next week and a half. Darren, Adam, and I will be heading to the Northeast for New Years and Post Christmas with the family. So I am excited. We haven't seen them since August. Thank god for email and Facebook!

Well, happy holidays to anyone who may read this.

Seasons Greetings

So, most of my anger is now gone these days. Writing was therapeutic. So is going to Church on a regular basis and praying. So, I think we have all adjusted. The kids are finally going to see their Mom next week for Christmas (about 9 days). I have no idea what good or harm is coming towards them, but I truly hope that they have a nice visit. They need some one on one time with her and I hope that they get it.

The baby is getting big and running around like a mad man. The dogs do not find his ability to climb everything amusing. They are running out of hiding spots.

I've lost about 8 pounds. But I threw my back out and haven't gone to the gym in 2 weeks. I need to get back on the wagon pronto! Also, Adam loves the play room. It is more like a play land. It is good for both of us to get out every day.

We are supposed to get a winter storm tonight! Can't wait.