Updates

Since my family has started a blog I suppose I better keep this one more current seeing as how now others may actually look at this.  This year has been full of ups and downs for us. I think we will focus on the ups and forget about the downs. :)

Back in August, Hannah our youngest, was baptized. We were sure proud of her. She was very nervous and excited all at the same time. The baptizism was very nice, it was a very proud day for our family.

Of course we are into another school year now. Vanessa a sophmore, Derrick an 8th grader, and Hannah a 3rd grader. Hannah has a wonderful teacher, she was also Derrick's 3rd grade teacher so I already know exactly what to expect. So far Hannah seems to be doing very well. Derrick just finished up his football season and did awesome. His postition was center tackle (something like that anyway). His coach told me Derrick was the hardest hitter on the team this year. We are so proud of him. Jeff can't wait to see him in a lions jersey. Derrick is such a health fanatic. He works out with the wieghts and treadmile on a daily basis and refuses any junk food. We are still trying to figure out were he gets that from. Vanessa is driving now. She bought herself a beat up little car and is very proud of it. If only I could get her to keep her room as clean as she keeps that car. The thought of her driving was a bit scary but it has sure been convienent having a 3rd driver in the family. She is all to happy to run my errands and I am all to happy to let her. She is an offical Jr Firefighter now and loves responding to calls with her Dad. Nothing much has changed for Jeff and I at all. We are both still very busy. Work at the prison for Jeff doesn't change much. I'm not working at the Headstart quite as much this school year as last year. I am still working with the vet that comes to town once a month. I love that job so much. And of course working at the motel with my mom also keeps me busy, but I love working with my mom. Oh we did get an addition to the family this year, a chinchilia named Squeeks. He is the softest cutest thing ever. He rolls around the house in a ball and loves hanging out in our laps.

The year is almost over, and honestly I am not ready for the holidays. I was hoping for some down time before the holidays but I don't think that is going to happen. But ready or not here they come. I am looking forward to spending time with family though.

update

It's time for an update. (well past actually) Things have slowed down just a bit but not too much. I am not at the headstart every day now but starting on the 14th I will be there twice a week while one of the ladies is out for surgery. I have gotten so much done since I cut back on work. I was able to make a quilt for jeff with, of course, fire fighter print. It came out very good and Jeff loves it. During spring break I was able to get my spring cleaning done, which made me very happy but I think my kids and jeff were not so happy to be put to work. Vanessa started working in Feb at the Santa Fe Grille as a waitress. She liked working at first but is not so sure now. Derrick is keeping busy with track. He runs and throws the discus. Also he is looking forward to getting his braces off soon. It has been about 2 1/2 years. I will sure be glad to stop making the 2 hour trip to the orthodontist. Hannah is counting the days down until school is out. (and so am i) Only 35 to go. I am really looking forward to summer. Although work at the motel is always much more hectic. Vanessa will be playing slow-pitch softball with the women's league this summer. She is so excited. She lives for softball. The high school here doesn't have softball for the girls so summer time is the only time that she gets to play. Oh and Vanessa also just got her drivers learners permit. I cant wait until she can drive without me. It will be so nice to have a 3rd driver in the family.

Jeff and I will be celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary on the 30th of this month. It's hard to believe that it has been that long. It really doesn't feel like it. I guess that is a good thing. I have really been blessed with a wonderful husband.

Talk about being pooped! I have been working very hard lately. The Headstart here in Santa Rosa asked me to substitute teach for them and a job that was only supposed to be occasional turned into an every day job. I really enjoy working with the kids but I kind of got railroaded into it and now that I want to get out of it, I'm not sure how. They really need the help and I would really miss the kids (and the extra money is nice) but I feel I am neglecting my home and family. I am also still working at the motel. Jeff does a wonderful job of helping me with the household chores but it's just not the same as when I do it. (ladies, you know what I mean) And working 2 jobs plus running kids around is no fun. It's time to cut back and get things back to the way the were. After Christmas break I will be breaking the news to the Headstart that I can no longer be there every day. It's just to much.
This Monday I will be getting my gallbladder removed so I will be taking next week off. It will be nice to no longer have a pain in my side from my gallbladder. It's just a day surgery so barring any complications I will be home in the afternoon. Piece of cake right. :)
The kids are doing great. Next week starting tues. we have piano recital, wed. elementary christmas program, and then finishing with high/middle school band concert. So it will be a busy week. We are all anxiously awaiting christmas break. I really like having my kids at home. (call me crazy, but I do.) By the time the kids get a break from school I need it just as bad as they do.
We are all ready for Christmas. All the decorations are up, and the shopping is done. For a family project we are going to make nativity scenes to give as presents to family and friends. I'm really excited about doing them. My awesome cousin Cassy turned me on to the idea. I can't wait to make them. I will try to post pictures when they are done.