What is it like....?

Everyone has trials, times in their lives that they wish hadn't happened. Everyone's issues are unique and important. I understand that, but sometimes there are those days. This morning on my way to work someone spoke on the radio about how he was thankful for the difficult times because it revealed God. My first reaction was really???? I could do without all the trials. Then I started thinking how different I am because of what I have been through. I also thought about how close Rob and I are and how our faith has gotten stronger. There are times when I wish people in my life could walk in my shoes for one day and really understand my life and the trials I face. People say and do things that hurt my feeling even though they did not mean to or even know. People try to comfort me and say things without having any idea about what I am really thinking or feeling. I get it, I am high maintenance and it can not be easy to have me and my trials in your life. How do you deal with someone who ALWAYS seems to have some sort of drama happening? That I can not answer because I am just doing my best to stay afloat and do what is best for my children. I am far from perfect and have made many mistakes in my life. I do not pretend to have all the answers and have so much to learn. My feelings are mixed. I am grateful for the person I have become these last few years and a lot of it is from surviving what I deal with everyday. Yet sometimes I wish my trials were not so BIG! What is it like to have healthy kids that do not have to take boat loads of medication to stay alert? What is it like to get more that 5 hours sleep in a night? What is it like to go to the store or out to dinner with your family without a complete hysetrical, violent meltdown happening? What is it like..........?

What a Crazy, Amazing Day

It really is the thought that matters :)!

So yesterday, last night and this morning were rough! It was one of those days when most everything that could go wrong does, and the tears of frustration flowed freely. February 8th, 16 years ago, Robby asked me out on our first date and changed my life forever. We were supposed to celebrate, spend some time together. Then life happens, as it tends to do, and we got the call that Jake was sick and we needed to pick him up. Then something happened and the plumbing got screwed up and completely flooded the bathroom. With two high maintenance boys and Rob trying to battle the plumbing, I was frazzled. No clean clothes, flooded bathroom, two sick kids and a really whiny girl. Then I called my mom and to the rescue my parents came. How blessed am I to have people and can count on no matter what. My dad got one of his work plumbers out and our bathroom was rescued and we could breathe again. I started to wash the towels and the washing machine decided to go nuts and flooded the laundry room and hall. Really, this is really happening. 5 AM came and the tornado hot. Jake was extremely sick and Lu started seizing. Once again I called for help, my mom threw on clothes and came. Despite the rough day, I can not ignore the people God gives me for strength. I took Ry to school, Rob took Jake to the doctor and my mom picked up Lu from school and watched him all day, not to mention she took on our laundry.

Of course I was late to work and Liz took my class and covered me without even blinking an eye. I get to class and finally breathe. Who knew facing 24 first graders would be what allows me to breathe. Then a couple students come to my class with a homemade card. An amazing teacher and friend had sent me one of the most thoughtful and unselfish gifts. I am sitting here tonight amazed by all the incredible people that surround me. I have those rough days like everyone else, but these last few years God has given me clarity. It is amazing to be able to sit back and see how God gets you through "those days." And to be honest this was nothing. God just wanted to remind me of how lucky I am. Oh and all three kids are sleeping peacefully right now. Thank you mom, Liz and Davonne.

Father/Daughter Dance

Ry practicing her moves.She is ready to go.

Ry is definitely a daddy's girl.

She gets her moves from Rob.

Is there a more special relationship than Father/Daughter? I love the fact that Ry's school does a Father/Daughter dance each year. It is such an incredible opportunity for Ry to get dressed up and spend time with Rob. My mom took her shopping on Friday for her special dress and then we curled her hair and painted her nails today. She has been sooooooo excited. The fun part is that Rob has been extremely excited as well. I really love that something that is meant for just Rob and Ry gave the rest of us special moments as well. Ry loved shopping with Grammy and Hannah for her dress. She got to try on a ton and picked out the dress that SHE loved. Then I got to get her ready. I treasure those moments when we are just hanging out fixing her hair, even if she is complaining because it takes too long :). It is one of those times that I just feel so grateful. Sadly, J wasn't feeling great so he got to hang out with Grandma Grandia, while Lu and I hung out with Cristi. It really was a great night and I love my family sooooo much. Also, Rylee is stunning!!!!!!!!!!

Here We Go

So my goal was to try and get my blog caught up for last year, but I am just too far behind and this head cold is not giving me the energy. My blog is going to go back to the "usual" format of me just chatting about my crazy life. I will still have lots of pictures because I ALWAYS have pictures :), but mostly it will just be me chatting (with no daily entry commitment).

Okay, so today I don't have pictures because it was Lu's first day of preschool. I know you would think that I would have tons of pictures, but Lu had other ideas. He woke up at 2:30 this morning and decided to go back to sleep until 6. My fabulous 1st grade team covered my class this morning so I could take him. Had to wake him up to leave, he fell asleep as soon as we got in the car and had to wake him up when we got to Sunshine. As you can imagine there were not very many quality picture opportunities. Because of not feeling well, and Lu being TROUBLE I did okay leaving him. The sickness was probably a blessing in disguise because it distracted me from being upset about my boy starting preschool.

Lu starting school is hard for me for a couple of reasons. First he is my baby, second I feel like I have missed so much time. Between hospital and work, Lu has grown up before I was ready. This is one of the reasons I am so excited about my shared contract next year. Lu is amazing and I love him so much. Hope to have some pictures next time :). Night!!

Christmas Eve, December 24

Are we ready for Santa? Tonight was a great night just hanging out with the kids. We drove to look at lights and then Ry and I went to church with my parents. After church we just relaxed at home. What better way to celebrate the birth of Christ.

Grandia Christmas, December 23

Lu and cousin John
Ry and her cousin Jordyn

We always celebrate Christmas with the Grandias a few days before Christmas. It was a fun-filled evening filled with laughter. The kids LOVE being together.

Gingerbread House, December 22

Rob getting ready for the festivities. An attempt at a Gingerbread house that unfortunately did not remain standing.