More Work Updates!

Even more work updates for myself since February.

Still with the magazine and with my promotion role. Hectic at times but going okay.

I did not become a certified sleep consultant until the end of April. In May, I did my first "in home" visit - meaning I went to a client's home where I sat and went over their assessment and then hands on helped them implement it - for twins none the less! It went well. Things generally slow for Summer but come Fall I may have some speaking engagements.

My newest work news is that I have started as an ESL teacher in February - meaning an English as a second language teacher. I teach kids in China. It works kind of like Skype in that we connect via a camera in a "classroom" through the company. I would say the most difficult part has been just getting used to the times I teach - peak time in China is EARLY AM my time (as in 3am, or earlier some days until 7am). Some nights (my time) are also available, particularly during China's Summer months when kids are home. Getting used to being up (and showing and having energy!) has been the the biggest adjustment. I began with a 2nd ESL company not long ago as backup. My hope is the 2nd company will eventually take over the first one, as it has a friendlier teacher policy. I do enjoy the job itself (99% of the kids so far are great and its neat to teach a variety of ages and class types). It has been great in terms of another job I can do around the kids at home (and practically in pajamas!) and its the most money I have made from home yet. I would say the fact that Preston no longer naps has made this a bit harder - I can't exactly lay down for a quick catnap much anymore!

Virtual classroom

Due to sleepy brain I can't remember if this has been mentioned, but I also have another little blogging job with Green Kid Crafts, a subscription mail service of crafts and projects for kids. They pick what crafts they want me to do, the kids and I do them (I take note of instructions and take pictures), I send the company those and they get posted on their social media. Here are some of past projects...

Candle making with crayons

Rock crystal candy making

Painting using yarn

Working electrical circuits - using batteries and LED lights

I enjoy this job too as it allows the kids to partake in it, we do some neat things.

So, life is very busy over here, especially during the now Summer months with everyone home.

Preston Update

Last I wrote, we were beginning potty training. It did not go well. I tried for a few days, but he was scared of sitting on the potty. He ran from it. When it became noticeable that it was just going to be mommy cleaning up messes on the floor continuously, we were done. In March, Preston began not taking his nap so that has gone out the window too (somehow my boys have always been on the younger end of the spectrum when it comes to ending nap!) That has been a struggle, as I always used the time to work/do house work/self care. More of a balancing act for me but that will be discussed in another post!

At the end of March, Preston started a preschool program. Talk about a saving grace. Two days a week, Preston goes to a program at our gym for two hours. I do have to remain on site and it's not as long or as many days as I would like, but it does give him time with kids his own age and the social time I think he needs. And time for me to workout/do some work! There was an adjustment period as it's also his first time being with people he doesn't know, but now he looks forward to his friends and the things they do. He has even tried using their little potty! It was not until our other boys were 3-3.5 before they were trained so maybe I'll check in at the end of Summer. For now I'm thankful he has a place to go where he can be 2 and NOT potty trained! Being potty trained is a big deal at most places.I'm excited that when the boys start school the end of July that Preston's program, too, will start back up. 

Other Preston facts :

--He loves eating! haha. It's great to have an adventurous eater.

--He still sleeps in his crib. I'm not feeling anxious to move him into a toddler bed at all. Preston hasn't even tried to get out of his crib so unless he grows out of it, he's staying there. Half joking. Half not. That was also another adjustment period for my older boys, it took what seemed like weeks or months for them to stay in bed and not try to get out of their room. He is a pretty good sleeper; going down now at 6:30-7 on his own.

--Talking up a storm now. It's nice to start eliminating the frustration of communication. I can tell he's absorbing what he does in school too - numbers, letters, colors. 

--Continues to be on the high end of the growing curve! A lot of people think he looks older with his height. 

--His favorite place and person ever is his Nana and her house. Every-day we listen about going to "Nana's house". 

--He loves his balance bike. And being outside. He begins swim lessons tomorrow! 

Nathan's 11th Birthday

We're back! For a quick minute to update life's passings in the last few months. Much to discuss!

First off, I last wrote right around Nathan's 11th birthday! In lieu of birthday parties for the older two this year, we had family gatherings where we let the kids choose outings. Nathan did indoor skydiving with my family and went to a local theme park with Josh's. He enjoyed both!

Now some 11 year old stats!

---This year he has really begun those tween changes- he has grown and all that entails (deodorant! smelly room!)

---On the flip side it also means he has really matured, Josh and I can have a date night now when Preston is down for sleep that we know he will get Aaron to bed. That has been really nice for Josh and I not having to arrange babysitting for each thing. He has always been responsible.

---Very goal oriented. He wants to be a pilot when he grows up so everything is starting to come into consideration for that (will that look good on my resume?)

---This last school year he has played percussion in band. He seemed to enjoy it and has decided to continue in his 6th grade year.

----His 6th grade year! Where we live, this is the last year of elementary school. I can't believe we are already at this point. He has adjusted well to our new school this past year.

---Also has continued on into Boy Scouts (see above-does it look good on my resume?) It is even more active than Cub Scouts so he stays pretty busy. He has his first, all by himself, trip with scouts to San Diego the end of June.

---Just starting over the Summer he is taking a diving class. This boy plans to live in the pool all Summer long