The Thomas Train

Fall 2

2010-11-04T12:03:00.000-07:00

Well here it is November already. That happened fast. The last month has been busy and fun filled for us. It started with Kaitlyn getting a HUGE black eye. She and another girl ran into each other at a Parent's Night Out. She refused to let us put ice on it, and she still has a little spot on her cheek 4 weeks later. She was really good about it though. She just didn't think it was very pretty.

The kids were Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and Woody for Halloween this year. We attended the fall festival at Bryndan's school, a trunk or treat at a nearby church and went trick or treating in Nanna's neighborhood. They had a lot of fun, and we got WAY TOO MUCH candy. Especially since Bryndan only eats Reese's peanut butter cups.

Braxtyn is toddling all over the place and I have to make sure things are really picked up and put away. He even looks in the trash for things so I have to be careful that the lid is securely shut. He also puts things INTO the clothes hamper so I have to sort them out before they get in the wash. :)

I like this time of year because I like the cooler weather. It has been nice not to need the AC. Very nice on our budget. :)

Fall

2010-09-27T06:45:00.000-07:00

Wow school and PDO have started, and it is finally cooling off. Things here at the Thomas house have been busy, busy, busy.

Bryndan is loving kindergarten. Everyday has been a "super" day. He likes his teachers, has made new friends and seems to be having an overall good time. I meet with his teacher and helpers for his ARD on the 13th and I am looking forward to hearing about his schedule, goals and plans for the next year. He seems so big now, and it just amazes me how far he has come in the last year or two.

Kaitlyn is a busy little bee and is also doing well. She likes to help with the shopping and enjoys playing outside in her kitchen. She is learning her letters and small words. We are dealing with the typical 3 year old obstinance, but other than that we are doing well with her. She has finally allowed me to start putting her hair up in a ponytail. It is getting so long now and it gets into everything. She most definitely does NOT want it cut.

Braxtyn is still not walking, but I think it is just because he doesn't want to, not because he can't. He started PDO on Thursdays and seems to be adjusting well to some time away from Mommy. He is generally a very happy and easygoing little guy.

I am still recovering from my back surgery. I am doing much better really, but still get quite tired and sore at times. I have started back in to the pool on Thursdays and hopefully will get to add more soon.

Shane is no longer with Coke, and right now is looking for a new job. This has been quite a stressful time for him and us. He had been with them since before we were married, and it is strange not to have the security we thought we had. Hopefully, he will find something quickly that fits our financial and family needs. We and others have been praying and we just have to believe that something will come to us soon.

It is crazy that it is almost October. The kids are looking forward to Halloween and fall festivals. I am looking forward to the cooler weather.

Braxtyn is ONE

2010-08-07T09:12:00.001-07:00

My sweet baby boy BRAXTYN JOEL THOMAS turned one year old on the 4th. It all seems to have gone by so quickly. He is getting so big and is nearly walking. I keep thinking he will any day now. He has 4 teeth, and is eating mostly table food. He really doesn't like to be spoon fed anymore, but will condescend if it is applesauce or yogurt. We had cake and ice cream at my brother's house on the 3rd so that my Mom could be there. She fell off of our porch on the 31st of July and broke one ankle and sprained the other. She had surgery and they put in two plates and 9 screws to fix it. She will be staying at my sister's in Amarillo for a while and then will come back here for her follow-up appointment. The cake was made by my niece Pari, and she did a fabulous job!!! So cute. I told her we were going to have a Noah's ark theme, and she came up with the design for the cake all by herself. So proud of her and her talent!! Then on Braxtyn's actual birthday we had dinner with Shane's mom and then went to her house for cake and ice cream. We used the same cake, but we still didn't even get through half of it. My sister Carin and her husband John joined us for dessert and watched Braxtyn open his gifts. He got a Tigger movie, two new pairs of jammies, a gift card and a big boy carseat. Fun was had by all. Now we are just getting ready for school to start. 16 days and counting. :)

Summer Fun - Catching up

2010-07-15T14:42:00.000-07:00

So after telling a few people we had a family blog, I remembered I hadn't really posted anything in a really LONG time. So much has been happening with our family, I have gotten behind in many projects.

Here we go...

Both Bryndan and Kaitlyn celebrated another birthday. I now have a big 5 year old boy, and a very vivacious 3 year old girl. They have been so much fun this year, learning new things, playing together better and big helpers with the baby. Braxtyn is growing like a weed, has a total of 4 teeth, and is almost walking. It is all going by so fast. Bryndan finished Pre-K in May, and is looking forward to kindergarten in the fall. We have already met his teacher, and believe this is going to be a great school year. Kaitlyn and Braxtyn will both be going to PDO on Thursdays this time and I am looking forward to a small amount of time each week for myself. Both Bryndan and Kaitlyn took swimming lessons for the 1st time in June.

In February I hurt my back, and after months of therapy, spinal shots for pain and such, I lost the feeling and mobility in my left foot. So on the 1st of June I had back surgery. I have had to really rely on the love and care of my family these last few months. To not be able to lift your own baby causes a lot a problems for a stay at home mom. My sister and her 5 daughters have been taking "shifts" with me and I am so very thankful for them and their work. I have now regained the feeling and movement in my foot, but the healing process for the nerve is a very long and painful road. My back itself is still somewhat painful, but it is funny how at this point my foot hurts worse.

We were very blessed to just attend New Life Ranch family camp in Oklahoma . It was wonderful to spend the time with each other and with other families in a fun, safe and christian environment. Shane and I learned SO MUCH, and since we had been praying for help in this area of our lives, it was amazing to say the least. The speaker was great and we will be working on "Winning, coaching and releasing the hearts of our children into a world that stands in need of their leadership." We want to raise our little ones into men of blessing and a woman of honor. I am so thankful to Shane for the father he is and the father he wants to become. I am truly blessed. The kids had a blast canoeing, swimming, riding ponies, playing games and watching fireworks. I have promised myself that next year I will tackle the zip line and archery. We had a counselor assigned to our family named Carole and she was a blessing to us as she helped us with whatever we needed. Since I had a rough time even walking around so much, she was especially a help to me and the baby as she took him to the nursery and back several times a day.

One the way home, we were able to eat and visit with some friends of mine from back in Utah days. It was so neat to see Steve and Shannon and their precious little Wrigley.

Now that we are home again, we are just resting up and trying to keep cool for the rest of the summer. Shane is back to work in full swing, and I am doing all of the camp laundry bit by bit. Should be done by next year.... ;)

Post Thanksgiving - Pre Christmas

2009-11-27T14:05:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I have made my traditional template change for the holidays.

Thanksgiving was good this year. We went to Shane's Mom's and waited for him to get there after work. We ate really good food. The Cowboys and the Jazz won. The kids played and played and played.

We are going to my sister's (Diane in Amarillo) for Christmas, and all of my family is scheduled to be there. It will be one full house. I am looking forward to showing off the baby and seeing how much all of my nieces and nephews have grown. I am not going to panic about Christmas this year, but I am trying to do something memorable for the kids, since they are getting old enough to know what is going on. If anyone has any fun ideas, please comment and let me know.

Thanks!!! :)

Trunk or Treat

2009-10-27T08:36:00.000-07:00

Our kids are now old enough to attend Kid's Club on Sunday nights at our church. This is a time for them to make friends and fellowship with kids their own age in a safe and fun place. This last Sunday they held a Trunk or Treat in the parking lot. They had to say their memory verse to get candy. They had so much fun, even though it got really cold all of a sudden. What a fun and happy time!!

2 months = Really Fast

2009-10-08T16:54:00.000-07:00

Today I took Braxtyn to his 2 month checkup. It went really well and he checked out a-ok. He is now 12 lbs 2 oz and 22 inches long. So I am not imagining it, he really is growing like a weed. A really cute weed. Two months have really gone by too quickly. I have already had to "retire" 3 outfits and that part did make me tear up. He is such a good and easy going baby. He really puts up with being smothered by his siblings and hardly complains about anything at all. The last four nights, he slept for a block longer than 6 hours. That is a really wonderful thing. He has brought us all so much happiness and fun. I am so blessed to have a wonderful family who gets along and loves each other so much.

Not to make Bryndan and Kaitlyn feel left out, I will say that they are doing well right now too. Bryndan is excelling in school and has made many new friends. You can hardly tell he was delayed at all. Kaitlyn is also thriving and has made new friends at PDO and with some kids from the Mom's Group I meet with. She is becoming quite the social butterfly, and still maintains her own sense of girl style.

Braxtyn Update

2009-10-06T07:54:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that Braxtyn is already 2 months old. It seems like just yesterday we brought him home. The big kids love him so much and he has fit right in. This is a video I recorded for my parents so that they could see how big Braxtyn is getting. He smiles and giggles regularly now, and is a pretty happy boy!!

Family of Five

2009-08-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

Ok...so I am really behind, but it has taken a while to get things back together here at the house.

On August 4th at 10:04 pm, we were blessed to meet Braxtyn Joel Thomas. He weighed in at 7 pounds 9 ounces and he was 20 inches long. We had been at the hospital since 6:30 am, but with delays breaking the water, (Dr. was at another hospital) and the fact that he was "sunny-side" up, it took a while for him to get here. After a long labor, he finally rolled over at about 9:45, and arrived at 10:04. He is so beautiful. He was alert and hungry right away, and just brought so much joy. Shane was with me, of course, but this time both of my sisters were in the room as well. It made for a fun, yet interesting time. It was neat to share this experience with them. Since we have been home, I have taken some pictures but not as many as I would like. I just don't seem to have the time to get to the camera before the next thing happens. It is kind of like a non stop crazy party over here. Many friends and family have helped out tremendously with food and support. It has been wonderful to have people stopping by and for my Mom to be here. Sadly, she leaves this Friday :(

Bryndan started Pre-K on Monday and seems to be doing well. He likes his new teachers and friends and has made the transition well. We had a rough time yesterday morning getting him on the bus for some reason but he had no problems today. Kaitlyn will start PDO again next Thursday, and we went up to meet her new teachers on Tuesday. She likes her new room, and is looking forward to playing with new friends.

Both of the kids really LOVE Braxtyn. They like to help and bring things for him and they let me know when he is crying. Kaitlyn especially likes to hold him and give him hugs and kisses.

I am doing well, and except for the lack of sleep I am feeling relatively good. My back had been hurting so bad that I couldn't sit or move without agony, but since I've been home and have made it past the first week, it has really been doing better. It is nice being able to move around again. Braxtyn has had no trouble learning to breastfeed and except for a few times, it has really been no problem. He just gets the hiccups a lot!!!

Well...that is it for now...the children are calling!!

Promise to blog

2009-08-08T13:59:00.001-07:00

Ok...so I promise to do a full "new baby" blog soon. I am just too tired right now. But I will do it and post new pictures and spill all the "gory" details...

Later...

I promise!!!

:)

First swims of the summer! - And small family updates

2009-05-20T14:10:00.001-07:00

Last night we cleaned out the kids' pool. They insisted on swimming immediately. Bryndan had a good time until he turned blue and couldn't stop shivering. Kaitlyn decided it was too cold and never sat down. Then today we tried again. Kaitlyn played a little longer and did splash around before she got out to slide and swing. Bryndan stayed in the whole time and fun was had by all.

Bryndan has one more week of school. We had a meeting with them yesterday, and they have decided to move him to the regular 4 year old head start next year. No more PPCD. This is both happy and sad news. We are so blessed that he has progressed and mostly caught up with his age group, but we are sad we are losing his teacher Ms. Wheat. She has worked so hard with him for the last year and a half and he really loves her. Next year he will have a new teacher but will still have someone to help him throughout the day if he needs it. He will also still have some speech therapy and some OT throughout the week.

Kaitlyn has her last day of spring PDO tomorrow. She had a really good time, and made several friends. She has really grown and it is amazing how much she can do. She talks very well and can count to 10. We are working on letters, and the more that Bryndan reads, she picks up. It is really wonderful to see how they interact together and how she looks to him for help.

The new little one is still on schedule for Aug 4th. We had a little scare at the end of April. I had a UTI go bad and ended up with a kidney infection. I spent 4 days in the hospital trying to rehydrate and get antibiotics flowing. I was down for another week after that, but am feeling much better now. Just the normal Mom of 2 and pregnant tired...

I was also able to go to the neurologist last week. I got a new medication for migraines that I can take while pregnant, and a steroid shot in the nerve at the base of my skull. So far so good...we will see how much this helps with the headaches and dizziness.

We are looking forward to a busy and fun filled summer!!! I think with the pool and playset we will be spending many hours out of doors. Hopefully we won't have too many sunburns. :)

Belated Easter and Such....

2009-04-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

So we did have easter at our house...I just didn't blog about it. The kids helped put stickers on the eggs, (I dyed them after the first cup of dye hit the floor), and the bunny came in the night and left them baskets and hid the eggs. They really had fun hunting eggs, when they figured out what to do. Bryndan insisted that they were still in the fridge so we had to show him that they were gone. After a breakfast of cinnamon rolls, they got to put on their new easter clothes. Kaitlyn LOVED her dress and kept saying "pretty, pretty dress!!". Bryndan liked his shirt but really liked his matching socks. That was really the first time we got him "church" socks. He thought it was so cool that his feet and his shirt matched.

Other news.... we found out we are having a BOY! So exciting. I have gone through Bryndan's baby clothes and I am remembering some sweet times. Sometimes you forget how little they really were. Both Bryndan and Kaitlyn are so excited about the new baby brother coming in August. They talk about him and the blankets I am making him and that they want to hold him and give him kisses. Bryndan tells me that he will be very careful and not hurt him. I just think it is so sweet. I can't wait until they can see him face to face. (August 4th)

Ok, so now I can claim I am caught up on my blogging. I am going to go take a nap since today is PDO day and I am actually here at the house by myself. (For a few hours more.)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHANE

2009-03-17T08:46:00.000-07:00

This blog is dedicated to my wonderful husband Shane. Today is his birthday. The above picture is a couple years old, but is one of my favorites. Although I could write a novel on what a good husband, provider and friend he is, one of the things I love the most about him is what a good Dad he is. He might not know what physical thing one of our kids needs at the time, but he always loves them. He tries to make them feel better any way he can. Even if it means just being with them on the couch when they are sick. Both Bryndan and Kaitlyn love their Daddy and love playing, being with, tackling, chasing and talking to him. He is the best. I can't wait until this new little one joins us and I will get to see them together.

I love Shane will all of my heart and I am so thankful and blessed he is in my life. I hope to share many more wonderful years with him and the kids.

Happy Birthday Shane

Kaitlyn's 2nd Birthday

2009-02-28T07:42:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Kaitlyn's 2nd Birthday. I can't believe how fast the time has gone and how big she is getting. We started the day off having her well-check at the Dr. Good news, she is well. She has grown 3 inches since her last well-check and is now 35 1/2 inches tall. She weighs 31 pounds. Very healthy. She talks up a storm and loves to play with her big brother.

We met with some family last night at Beef O'Brady's. The kids like the grilled cheese there, and Nanna likes the burgers. That makes it a win-win situation. After that we went to Nanna's house and had cake, ice cream, and presents. Kaitlyn is really into Tinker Bell right now, so that was the theme of the night. She had a Tinker Bell cake and napkins and plates, and cups. She thought that was great. She got some fairy wings and pretty new clothes from Nanna and a purple piggy bank. From Bryndan she got the Tinker Bell movie, and a Tinker Bell magnet story book. From Shane and me, she got some Tinker Bell dolls, a book, a wand, and she will be getting a new Tinker Bell and friends blanket. (When I finish it.) Overall it was a great birthday.

Update

2009-01-16T08:25:00.000-08:00

Ok, so for those of you who didn't receive frantic phone calls, here is the update you have been waiting for. (As if you really were)

After our low key Christmas, we celebrated Bryndan's 4th Birthday. We went to IHOP for breakfast because he really likes their pancakes. Then after church and naps, we went to eat with Nanna. He chose One the Border. He likes to share chicken and cheese quesadillas with her. Then we went to her house and opened presents. He got some Thomas the Train engines, and a little house/carrier for them and some Thomas the Train movies. He is really into that right now. He still loves his CARS, but Thomas is a close second.

The next day was A DAY. Due to circumstances beyond my control, the oven and the kitchen caught on fire. Yes, FIRE. We were able to get it out with the exstingwisher before the firemen showed up, but the smoke and soot were everywhere. We moved in with Shane's mom for 5 1/2 days while the entire house was being cleaned, deodorized, and painted in some areas. The insurance covered most of it, but what a pain. I don't know if I was getting sick before, but I had a upper respiratory infection by the end of the week. Not fun. It was cold so everyday I had to take the kids to a different fast food place with a playland just so they could run around a little. Boy did I get tired of that. Some friends took some pity on me and invited us to the science spectrum on that Friday. The kids had a blast. If we end up with a little money after the taxes, I may invest in a year pass for that. We only went to one room and they were occupied for 2 hours. That is wonderful if you ask me. We made it through the week with minimal trouble, but were very happy to move back to our own house. The kids got to play with their Christmas toys again, and I got to sleep in MY bed. I am still trying to find things they cleaned and moved, but at least they are clean.

I guess we really could have lost the house, so I am very thankful we didn't. It just seemed like such a big deal. I am not so good when I am not in my comfort zone. With Bryndan out of school that whole week, I felt like I was at my wit's end. It might have something to do with my other news......

Yes, we are expecting BABY #3 !!!!!

I am excited of course, but not feeling my best. My progesterone was low, so I am taking supplements daily. (they make me queasy on top of queasy). Only until week 12, then I can stop. Shane is excited too and we are looking forward to seeing who this new little person will be.

So now you are caught up with the Thomas'. Hope you all had good and safe holidays!!!

Christmas

2008-12-26T15:11:00.000-08:00

This will be short, I promise. Our Christmas went really well. We opened our family presents on Christmas Eve, opened Santa presents Christmas morning, and went to Shane's Mom's (Nanna) for Christmas day. The kids had a wonderful time and were really happy with their presents. Bryndan especially liked his "Pirate Ship" and his Leapster Game. Kaitlyn really enjoys her new baby, cradle and stroller. We really had a low key time and basically ate all day. I hope everyone had a blessed time as we did.

New Room Pics

2008-12-17T08:36:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pics of the kids' new rooms. They both have adjusted well and seem to be quite happy.

Big Boy Bed

2008-12-11T07:57:00.000-08:00

Well after a few days of struggle and pain, I now have Bryndan and Kaitlyn in separate rooms. Bryndan has moved up to a twin bed instead of the toddler bed. He was so excited. He liked his new sheets, (Cars of course) and was happy to see where his dresser and racetrack were. He has done really well all three nights in there alone. He goes to bed really happy and wakes up and says "I slept in my big boy bed!"
Kaitlyn had a little trouble the first night. She wanted Bryndan. We told her he was in his new room and that it was ok. She finally settled down but you could tell she wasn't happy about it. She is still sleeping in the crib. We put new butterfly sheets for her on the toddler bed. She will sit on it and say "butterfly, butterfly", but she does not want to sleep there yet. We won't push her but tell her each night she can sleep there if she wants to. Other than this change this has been a relatively calm week. (so far)
Bryndan's class is going to the mall to see Santa Claus today. I can't wait to hear how it went. He talked about it yesterday and showed me the story they wrote about it so they would know the schedule. It should be really fun.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-29T13:28:00.000-08:00

Well, the last few days have been very busy to say the least. The week started with a leak under our kitchen sink. This continued on for a few days until the "flood". We were finally able to get it fixed late Wed. afternoon and are continuing to dry out the kitchen floor as I type. I was very blessed by the prayers and help from some friends at church. It was wonderful to know that someone was praying for my situation besides me. It was also wonderful to receive a few groceries and some milk, since I couldn't leave the house. (I had to empty buckets every 13 minutes at the end).

We celebrated Thanksgiving at Shane's Mom's house. We ate all day, watched football, and played with the kids. It was pretty low key, but after the kitchen fiasco, I was ready for a break. Bryndan and Kaitlyn helped their Nanna put up her tree and lights after dinner. Bryndan is really excited for Christmas this year. He helped me decorate our house yesterday and keeps saying "Merry Christmas". He knows there are presents, and he is really looking forward to opening them. This will be the first time he really understands what's going on. Kaitlyn is just excited because he is. She keeps taking ornaments off the tree and bringing them to me and saying "pretty". The next few weeks should be very interesting.

Halloween - kids - life

2008-11-06T13:56:00.000-08:00

This is a hodgepodge type blog. A little bit of everything.

Halloween came and went with little trouble at our house. Bryndan could have dressed up for his school party, but he chose not to. He did wear a generic "Incredibles" t-shirt at school though, instead of his usual plain stripes. He went trick or treating with his class to the high school and then to a special lunch at Long John Silver's. According to his teacher, he did very well and made new friends. He was also the only kid in his class big enough to get his own drink at the fountain. Being the son of a coke man, he was able to correctly identify all of the choices. He helped everyone get what they wanted. We have not really celebrated Halloween in the past because Bryndan just doesn't do well going places he doesn't know and he really doesn't like candy (the one exception is reese's peanut butter cups). This year we decided that he could give out candy at OUR door. To our dismay, we had NO trick or treaters. We had the lights on, door open, blinds up, you name it...no takers. Oh well, now Shane has all the candy he could want to put in his lunches.

My mom has been here off and on for a few weeks and the kids have got to spend some time with her. Bryndan is getting over his lack of communication and engages with her much more than he used to. Kaitlyn is just the social girl that she is and has had fun with Grandmom too.

We have just been enjoying the fall weather and getting ready for the next big holidays. It seems like this year has just flown by. I don't know yet what we are doing for Thanksgiving, but I know that this year we will definitely have to decorate for Christmas. Bryndan is already watching his VeggieTales Christmas movies and is talking about a Christmas tree and presents. I think he will really enjoy helping me put on the ornaments.

All for now...

Fall Allergies - Cont'd

2008-10-21T07:45:00.000-07:00

Ok...so the allergies that wouldn't stop have now turned into sinus infections...both kids...yup. I feel so bad for them. I know how much their heads have to hurt. I don't like not being able to breathe either. It seems so much worse at night too. Of course, that means neither of them are getting restfull and healing sleep. I took them to the Dr. yesterday and he started them on some pretty strong antibiotics. Hopefully, this will clear them up fast. Bryndan missed yesterday and today at school. He doesn't do so well emotionally when he isn't keeping his schedule. Tomorrow he should be well enough to return. (He can't have had a fever within 24 hours.)

We are just hanging in there and praying this ickyness ends soon. On a lighter note, the spots on Bryndan were just more mosquito bites and NOT chicken pox. Praise the Lord!!!

Fall Allergies

2008-10-13T17:28:00.000-07:00

Well it seems like fall is finally here. If my kids noses are any indication, this fall is full of every allergen in the book. Now both of them have coughs because of all the drainage...poor babies. To top it all off, the allergy medicine that works for their noses and throats give them upset tummies. You can't win.

Other than that here, not much happening. Cowboys lost...dorks. Jazz won...yippee. Shane is doing well and I guess I am ok. My mom comes to visit next week. Don't know what we'll be doing while she is here, but I am sure some yardwork will be expected.

Veggie Tales Live

2008-09-24T06:17:00.000-07:00

Last night we went to the Veggie Tales Live Concert. It was an amazing event for the kids. I tried to explain to Bryndan ahead of time that it was not a DVD or movie but a live play. He kind of never got it, but he kept saying that real people and friends would be there and I told him yes. He wanted to see the Pirates who don't do anything very badly and waited the whole show for them but they didn't show up. Oh well, he really had a great time and understood the plot. He was participating correctly and loved the bubbles during the carwash song. He told me on the way home that he had fun and that he liked the songs and the dancing. He also said thank you for his Larry Boy hat. He had asked so nicely for one and waited until after the show to go get it. I thought he did so well for a 3 year old.

Kaitlyn liked the part when they sang and danced to songs she knew, but did not really like all of the dialogue and in between parts. Her biggest problem is that she wanted me to let her down so she could go up on stage and touch the veggies. She was very frustrated in my lap at times. But overall, I think she had a good time too. When I went to go get Bryndan his hat, she pointed at the Bob hat and told me she wanted it, so that is the souvenir that she got. The show lasted until 9 pm so it was a little after their bedtime. We were all tired when we got home but we had a really good time!!!!

Hmmmmm

2008-09-18T13:16:00.000-07:00

Ok so nothing really new is going on, I just feel the need to blog...

Bryndan is continuing to do well in school. Yesterday was his teacher home visit, so his teacher and aides came by the house to talk about his progress/goals. I thought it went well. He is communicating so much better that a lot of the discipline problems are gone. Now he just has the typical male 3yr old attitude. Oh well, that I think I can handle most of the time. He is growing and his new pants that I bought for school are already too tight. I can't believe that.

Kaitlyn has been dealing with allergies, but we haven't had a breathing (or lack thereof) scare like we did in March. I have her meds and the nebulizer ready if she needs them. I don't want to be panicky, but I so don't want another hospital stay. She seems to be enjoying PDO again and gets really excited about going.

Shane switched routes at work so now he leaves earlier in the morning. This of course is supposed to lead to him coming home earlier...he is still working on that. He now drives to the warehouse, gets in a company truck and drives to Lamesa and Post stores. Then he drives back to the warehouse, turns in the truck of the day and brings his car home. This saves some wear and tear on his car, but the gas compensation in his paycheck no longer exists. We will see if we come up even.

Other than that not much happening here. I am dealing with allergies too I guess, but I hate meds so I am fighting it with sheer will power...so far I think I am winning.

Yea Bryndan!

2008-09-03T09:35:00.000-07:00

So I have to brag about my boy. I talked to his teacher on the phone yesterday and she said he is amazing. They are going to integrate him into the regular Head Start for TWO subjects!!! He is just doing so well! I am so proud of him. He is starting to read and is really just going through the roof with his communication skills. He helped another boy yesterday find his cubby by taking him by the hand and spelling out his name for him. All without the prompting of a teacher. It is just so amazing how far he has come in less than a year. I remember how nervous I was about school and here he is just changing so much. I am so happy for him. He is so excited about all that he knows, because now he can show that to us. The Lord has blessed us so much!!!

Yea Bryndan!!

Back to School

2008-08-26T16:15:00.000-07:00

So, yesterday was Bryndan's 1st day back to school. When I went into his room to wake him up, he popped right up and said, "get up, get dressed, ride the bus, go to school, see Ms. Wheat, play with friends!!". He was so Happy!!! His teacher called after school and let me know he had a wonderful day. She said he really hated his lunch(spaghetti), but kept eating it so that the kids would clap for him. He would take a bite and kind of gag and then swallow it and say "I did it. I ate spaghetti." He tried the pears too, but wouldn't eat them. She said he remembered all of the rules, was very helpful to others and was talking up a storm. After all the worries I had about putting him in school so early, I am so glad I did. The rewards have been tremendous and I am so PROUD of his progress.

Kaitlyn and I went up to the church to meet her PDO teachers today. She will have one new one and one old one so I think she will be fine. She didn't want to leave and I had to carry her out. So, I think when the time comes next week she will be really happy to be there. I have also come to a decision when it comes to her clothes. I went through her drawers yesterday and saw several cute outfits that are now too small and that she never or rarely wore. I have a habit of saving the cutest or best clothes for a "special" occasion or a time when I know she won't get dirty. This of course is ridiculous because then she never wears them. I have decided she will wear the cute clothes on any day regardless of the activity, because of course they are meant to be WORN. (Hopefully I can stick to this)

Hopefully Bryndan will continue to have a great week at school. This new schedule should be great for everyone. Kaitlyn has a Dr.'s appt tomorrow and so we will be going for that but other than that I think I have an easy rest of the week.

Yea School!

Here's to the end of summer!!

2008-08-21T14:30:00.000-07:00

Ok so here I am trying the blog thing again...last time it got deleted before it saved so this time i am writing it elsewhere and pasting it in...anyway, here goes.
The summer has gone by really quickly, which in my opinion was a good thing. The 1st week in June, all of us went up to see my folks in Utah. It was a good trip considering the drive and the weather was wonderful, since back in TX they had a week of 100 or more. The kids got to do some new things and had a great time with their grandparents. Sadly, on the way home we got the news that our house had been broken into. We really got off easy...just the back door to replace and about 25 DVD's stolen. The police think it was kids. I hope so since the thought of a creepy man in my house freaks me out. Bryndan had three weeks of half-day summer school when we got back and he really enjoyed that. After that, I was on my own....
Bryndan started gymnastics once a week, which he LOVES! He already is doing front and back rolls, and has no fear on the trampoline. He will continue lessons as the year goes on because he really is doing well. Since he is so big for his age it is good for him to really start learning to control his body.
Kaitlyn continued PDO once a week and she really had fun. It gives her a chance to interact with kids her own age, and gives me a little time off. She will continue that for the rest of the year. So, on Thursday mornings, I hope to be able to get back in the pool. Kaitlyn is really growing too and isn't showing any of the delay signs that Bryndan did. She already says quite a few words and also uses some sign language. She loves playing with her brother and pretty much well thinks he hung the moon. But I think that's the way it should be at this point. :)
I am doing well, I guess. I have been looking forward to school starting again so I can take a little time for myself. I need to get in the pool and I really just need some down time. It seems like I hardly ever get a chance to sit and relax anymore. I know that is usual with young kids, but it seems to be getting to me lately. Shane has been working extra days and hours all summer and it seems like he only comes home to eat and sleep. I think we just need a weekend away, but I don't know when that will ever happen...anyway we are still doing well and that is a good thing.
So, with summer ending and school starting, I am looking forward to a good next couple of months. Hopefully, I will take some time for myself and will be a better mother and wife for it.