Summer 2019

I swear with each year the time goes by faster and faster. Despite not having any big travel plans this Summer out of town, our eight weeks of time off of school went by super fast. Josh was quite busy on a few work trips out of town and he went with Aaron to a Cub Scout camp up north for a few days. Nathan had his first, solo camp away from us with Boy Scouts. He traveled to San Diego, CA for a week with no communication. He was busy each day, all day, with activities.He had a great time!

At home, a lot of days were spent swimming in our pool, in the city pools, doing crafts for my job, trips to ice cream, library for reading program, their Nana took them out for Summer movies, Aaron did a Lego camp for one week with a friend and they both did one camp together for a week at TopGolf. That was the only camp I could get both of them together to do. It's getting more difficult (ahem, Nathan is getting more difficult) to find things to do, things that he actually wants to do. It's even harder with the various age ranges. Preston began swim lessons which were not great at first, but once we switched facilities (or maybe it was also because he got used to them?) things went a lot better. He still continues to go once a week and has really excelled if I think back to Day 1. It helps I think that I allow each child to have "their day" of the week so each person feels like they have a say each week. 

The last day of school called for pool time and snow cones

National Donut Day is always a hit with Nate, though

At the end of Summer, I wanted to do something special to wrap up the time off. I rented 'camping equipment' to have an inside camping night. Following Meet The Teacher, we had a night of pizza, s'mores, "campfire stories", slept under the "stars". The boys got a huge kick out of it so I'm glad I did it. 

Mom-cation

Still working back to Summer posts is a post now about my getaway in May! Memorial Day weekend I got away with my sisters (something I don't think we've done since I was pregnant with either Nate or Aaron?) We traveled to Waco, TX for the long weekend. We thought a fun girls trip would consist of visiting Magnolia, the shop owned by Chip and Joanna Gaines from TV home popularity. It was a great and refreshing time away!

Besides the shopping and the eating (we LOVED one steakhouse in particular) we mostly just hung out at our adorable Air Bn B. Not much else to do in the town. It was an interesting town, run down in many parts (including houses right around us) but then others were nice, such as our adorable bungalow. Many houses are built with porches so a lot of times that's where you will find people - sitting out in their front yards.

With crazy and busy lives between the three of us,  we are grateful to get any time we can together.

Aaron's 8th Birthday

Now to go back a few months...welp...to May! We opted out of having a birthday party and had a split celebration with families. Aaron wanted to do an Escape Room and do go-kart racing. His birthday was on the same day as Mother's Day, so I had gone out the day before so he could do whatever he wanted on the day. Now some facts on this guy!

--Loves his art, loves his cars! He hasn't changed. 

--Loves learning! He'll complain about it sometimes, especially the school part, but then the next thing you know, he's rattling some facts off about Ancient Greece. I'm convinced he needs to be on Junior Jeopardy. He received a subscription service where he gets a box each month about a different country and he loves it. 

--Loves to be outside, playing soccer, riding bikes, in general just playing.

--I'm going to appreciate each year going forward that he likes to sporadically cuddle up to us :)

--Loves a good messy room. Definitely different than his siblings in that respect.

--He likes my Green Kid Crafts job :) He's a frequent model.

--Is still our emotional firecracker. Happy one minute, tears the next. He's our social butterfly.

It's always flabbergasting how fast these guys grow. 

More Work Updates...Part 2

Not so fast! How things change in a month. At the end of these long, Summer days of work and being with the kids...made me re-evaluate if everything going on in my life made me happy. At the end of a recent day, I decided something was not, despite all the money and effort I had put into it. 

I have now dropped my sleeping consultant job. Out of all my work, it was the least consistent in terms of making money. I have gone some months without a single client. If I'm going to take time away from my family, it has to be worth it. Of course while I don't have clients it means I'm not taking that time away, but after spending a lot of money on course work to get certified and insurance to cover me as a consultant, it made me disappointed it wasn't paying off the way I hoped it would once I became certified. I also have some personality differences with the owner of the company that made me feel inferior a lot of the time. Basically, there were just more non-fun parts than fun parts and I decided if it wasn't fulfilling, wasn't making me happy, it needed to go. Honestly, I hope in a way I was doing the owner a long term favor even though she is in the short term stress now of finding someone new. *deep breath* I've been pondering this decision for a while so while business has been slow, I'm glad I found the courage to do it. I wish them well but now I can put forth the effort into the things that are allowing me side income.

On that note, I'm increasing my ESL companies I work for. Lately I have not been fully booked as I would like with my original company, and if I am going to be up early anyway, I really would like to be. I've come to discover many teachers use multiple companies. I'm currently in the trial class period with my 3rd company. China is entering their Summer holiday, so I'm hoping to milk that up by teaching evening and morning classes for the duration of their break before it slows back down. This is one case where I am devoting more time, especially since it has been the greatest side income blessing, and one reason why it made it an easier decision to let go of one of my other jobs. For now I'm just trying to survive the busy season of really having to juggle when I'm able to work. 

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

2.5 Year Old Comparisons

Can you believe in a few weeks Preston will now be 2.5?! That in about six more months it's time for his birthday again? :( Me either. This is a huge year of changes. We just weaned him from his pacifier use. I think with each day it gets better. I was nervous at first with how he would settle, but he really didn't fuss much at all. He knows what it means when something is "broken", so we just cut his pacifier. He was beginning to bite into it and make holes so it was time for it to go. Next up: potty training! In one more week. I think I'm prepared. I've done a bit more reading and research so that it too is a smooth process...hopefully!

Anyway, onto the comparisons of the kiddos.

All in order! They definitely all have the same grins! 

New Year Traditions

As with other holidays, we've begun forming traditions for this day, too. On NYE we will have Noon Years Eve since we're the non fun parents who don't let our kids stay up that late (heck, Josh and I are lucky every now and then to stay up that late!)

I will usually buy hats and favors

...and sparkling cider! Preston loved it. We also do a Netflix countdown.

It has also become tradition that we visit this particular restaurant that has a nice NYE vibe - and is kid friendly. 

I'm thinking about making fondue something we do on New Year's Day this next time!

Birthday Getaway

For the first time in who knows how long, Josh and I got away around our birthdays this past year to celebrate. There had been a cute, little boutique hotel I had been admiring for a bit that I wanted to go to - so we went. It was such a refreshing time away. Something we haven't done in a long time is time spent straight up doing nothing - like lounging around in bed for a day. That was pretty much my birthday wish!

Lounge time

Good eats!

Leisurely breakfast

Literally, we read and binged Netflix. When do we get those opportunities? Never when we are at home! 

Holiday Happenings

Three months since I've made it back here - but always making the effort as I know I will appreciate all these memories I'm sure I'll forget later down the road.

December was a bit of a blur as we spent the month sick with colds, sinus infections - which for the first time turned into pinkeye for me and spread to the kids. But, we managed to have some holiday fun sprinkled in there!

After having skipped last year, we started with our tradition of going to Zoolights right before Thanksgiving. Preston was really into lights this year so that made it really fun. 

I took the older kids to see The Nutcracker, we had a few holiday parties. 

The last day of school for the quarter the boys had a Jingle Jog along with holiday sing-a-longs. 

Love the post run snacks

...and the school's holiday spirit! This is more limited nowadays.

So cute that each grade had a theme- Nate's teachers were elves

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Meeting Santa went ok this year...mostly.

We had a fun morning one day at our gym, where the kids had a snow day, made crafts and met Santa (above).

Minus Josh getting sick on my birthday getaway (more in another post), Christmas was nice with our families. Christmas Eve with Josh's and Christmas Day with mine. Seeing Preston being able to enjoy and appreciate the holiday even more this past year has been fun. 

We continued another year of Elf on the Shelf. Every year I think I'll get out of it, and every year the boys talk about Eddie our elf coming back! This year his friend, Norman, started to come. In times of not having much fun or magic, why not, right? Even if it means multiple nights of remembering during the night to do something with them. I surely thought this might be the year of having to talk about Santa, but not yet. The boys were excited to have had an Hot Wheels advent calendar to look forward to each day.