Goals for 2014

I always seem to come up with lofty goals for each new year. I have a few very specific goals, but some general ones too.

• Lose 15-20 pounds by June ( Once my thyroid is finally under control, I think this will be doable.)
• Earn my Master's + 30
• Spend more quality time with family ( no school work or screen time until after the boys are asleep)
• Get more rest
• Organize weekly chores to reduce stress
• Create a realistic plan to get out of this house. I love the porch and deck, but the house just doesn't work for our family anymore. The road is so dangerous that I don't even like to take the boys outside.  I want a house where all the bedrooms are on the same level and the boys can play outside safely. 
• Take some sort of vacation this summer (even if it's only for a few days)
• Read
• In general, be more intentional with my time.

Last Day of 2013

Jackson is feeling a little better and actually played with his toys today.  He is almost back to normal! Brooks still doesn't feel great.  His cough is horrible, and it is terrible trying to get that medicine in him! He is still eating his food but does not want to take his bottle.

Mom watched the boys for me today while I took down the tree, and Tim worked in the yard. Usually we wait until after the New Year to take down our tree, but we figured since we were stuck at home we should get it done.  I guess I should have asked Jackson's permission first.  He walked down the stairs, looked into the living room and said, "What happened? Oh my!  Oh my!"  Bless his heart, he was so confused.  He really misses the tree and wants it back. He does not want to wait until next year.

Brooks has been saying "Da Da" today.  He has been saying "hey," and I think he says "Ma Ma" sometimes when he is crying.

The boys being sick has really forced us to stay home and spend quality time together. I hate that they have been sick, but I have enjoyed the cuddles.  Jackson has been my buddy.  He is usually a Daddy's boy!

Goodbye 2013... Hello 2014

Wow! What a year it has been! We have definitely been very blessed this year! We welcomed Brooks in May, and he is the sweetest baby! He is growing up so fast! He has learned to sit up, roll over, and make lots of noises. He is definitely my cuddle bug. He loves Jackson!

Jackson turned 2 and had a big Mickey Mouse party. He also started 2 year-old preschool. I am amazed at how much his vocabulary has grown. Some of his favorite things to say right now: " I don't think so either." When you ask him to do something, he says, " I sure can." If you ask him to do something that he does not want to do, " I don't think so thank you." " I don't like that one." He can spell his name and knows my cell phone number. He can count, knows his colors, and knows his shapes. He likes to draw and play with stickers. He is obsessed with cars and trains!

Tim and I are both working a lot. We are trying to look for more part-time jobs to help pay the bills. Tim traveled a lot this summer. I finished my classes for my ESOL certification. I just have to find time to study and take the test.

We enjoyed a week at the beach and spending time with family. Tim's parents spent a week here, and Jackson loved every minute of it. Thankfully my mom has been able to keep the boys. Since my dad is "retiring," he will be able to help now. It will be an adjustment for him, but I think he will enjoy it.

We will ring in the New Year at home. All the boys will be asleep, and I will watch the ball drop and head to bed myself.

Happy New Year!

iPhone Dump

Still sick...

Both boys are still sick. Jackson is starting to feel better and actually played with some of his toys yesterday. Poor Brooks has gotten worse though. We took him back to the doctor yesterday afternoon. He was officially diagnosed with RSV and an ear infection. He does have some wheezing but we should be past the point of hospitalization. He is absolutely miserable right now.

We are definitely ready for the boys to be better and get out of the house! I don't know if I can watch Mater's Tall Tales again! I am also ready for everyone to start sleeping through the night again!

Sweet Boys

Both of my sweet boys are sick. I took Jackson to the doctor this morning, and he has RSV which means Brooks probably has it too. Brooks actually slept pretty well last night, but Jackson coughed all night. You know he is sick when he wants me to hold him and will actually cuddle with me on the couch. It looks like we will be spending the next week at home. I am hoping they are over the worst of it. It is no fun having sick little boys. They need to play with their new toys. Jackson hasn't even gotten to play with his clubhouse yet.

When I put Jackson to bed last night, he was so sweet. We sang our usual " You Are My Sunshine" and " Jesus Loves the Little Children." Then he requested the songs from his program. Even though getting him to sleep can take forever, I cherish every second of it.

The Day After Christmas

The house is still a disaster, the laundry is piling up, and I spent most of the day holding sweet Brooks. He has been battling a cold for a few days, and now Jackson has it. Brooks and I slept on the couch for the third or fourth night in a row ( I have lost track.) He sleeps better sitting up. This is the first time he has ever been sick!

We spent the day in our jammies playing with our new toys. The boys were very spoiled this year! Our house is full of new books, cars, blocks, trains, and toys that make lots of noise. Of course, Jackson wants to play with Brooks' toys, and Brooks wants to play with Jackson's toys. We enjoyed afternoon naps and lots of fun time together. Pictures coming soon!