Mommy/Daughter Date Night

Yesterday, I got a text from Nic saying that He wanted to take Colt to the basketball and that I should take Hayden (and Easton) out for a little date. Over the year, Nic has enjoyed taking Hayden and Colt (at separate times) to a game to have one on one time with them. They have ALWAYS loved this. They call it a date. Those of you with multiple children know that you don't always get one on one time with each child all that often. You have to make that time. It is important for them. They look forward to it.
So, last night Hayden and I went to Hacienda and then shopping. When I told her yesterday that we were going to go on a date, her face lit up and she asked about every 30 minutes when we would be leaving. She would ask, "Just me and you, Mommy?" She would tell me she couldn't wait. We ended up meeting up with Tara and Hannah for a mommy/daughter date. Hayden was in heaven. The girls had a great time, and it was a success. Needless to say, Hayden didn't want the night to end. Either did I:)

On the way home, it was HORRIBLE out...I think I went about 10 mph the entire time:) I gotta be honest, the huge snowflakes flying right at the window got me a little sick. If you know me, you know I am not a fan of driving, let alone driving in a snow storm. So...Hayden and I sang Jesus Loves Me and Jesus Loves the Little Children of the World the ENTIRE ride home, and praying and praying for safety. When we got home, Hayden said to me, "He got us home ok." Bless her heart. I love her...like A LOT.

Playing Catch Up

I must admit...I have thought about blogging every day these past couple of weeks...I just haven't wanted to actually sit down and do it. Call it lazy, call it whatever. Our lives have been changing so much it is just hard to sit down and process it all.
Nic has finished his first full week at his new job. He is tired. But so far he says it hasn't been too bad. It has been an adjustment though going to bed so early. Everyone in the house (except me) was asleep by 8 every night last week. Now, when this would happen, I didn't know what to do! That hasn't happened since before the baby was born. No joke. Yes, I could have blogged then...but I took a bath, by myself, in quiet, or I watched something on Netflix. It was nice. Last Sunday I came down with something nasty...not the flu, but something bad none the less. I was down and out the entire day. Easton slept a total of 45 minutes Saturday night because he was sick and then as soon as morning came, I thought I was truly dying. I thought for sure my head was going to explode and my joints were falling apart. It took everything in me to get up to use the restroom. I was very thankful for my husband and Starla for taking over with the kids and for my dad for bringing chips and salsa and meds.
We took Easton in Monday to the doctor because he was still sick as well and he ended up with Croup and an ear infection. He had to get a steroid shot and antibiotics. He has slept like a baby all week long:)
For the last 4 weeks I have been subbing in the Functional Skills classroom at Northridge HS. My first day there it was very overwhelming. There are 11 students and 5 adults in one room all day long. I was nervous to be with these kids...not because of their disabilities, but because I have never been around people with seizures, let alone be in charge of multiple children with seizure disorders. I was also nervous because I wasn't sure how to respond to different behaviors. But over this time I have grown to absolutely love these children. I was able to learn what makes them upset, what makes them laugh, what makes them respond. I grew to learn what each of them need. They have filled the spot permanently so I will no longer be there and it breaks my heart.
Hayden and Colt have been adjusting to Kingdom Kids pretty well. Cotl cries when he first gets there, but only because I take his favorite cup away. They love him in there, which makes me happy. He talks about how he plays with his friends and how he eats lunch there. He thinks that is cool. Hayden still cries in the morning but doesn't throw those awful fits like she was doing. She talks about Miss Susie all the time and how much she likes her. What a major answer to prayer. She even told me the other day that she didn't cry at all and she didn't have to carry her blankie the entire time. So proud of her!
I think that catches us up. Have a great week, friends!

Changes

I know it has been awhile since I have blogged. The truth is, life has been just plain busy. We are trying to adjust to all the changes happening, which is quite overwhelming if you ask me. Absolutely overwhelming.
We have started Hayden and Colton at a new school this week. They will only be going 3 days a week and only for about 4 hours. Yesterday was their first day. Of course Colt loved it...tells me all about how he played with his new friends and how he gets to eat lunch there. He thinks that is awesome. The teachers love him and tell me how great he is. Hayden did better than I expected yesterday...cried, but not that overwhelming scream. Her teacher told me she did just fine...had her moments of crying but still participated. Today was a different story. This morning was a complete nightmare...couldn't get her out of the car and she SCREAMED. Man oh man. THe teacher had to peel her off of me. BUT my mom had to pick her up since I had to work and she told me she had 4 teachers tell her how AWESOME Hayden did once she settled down. I was SOOOO relieved. She told me when I got home about how nice her teacher is and how she really likes her new school. She did, however, have a meltdown tonight...crying and saying she didn't want to go back...so we will see. Baby steps.
Another huge change is Nic has changed jobs. This Friday will be his last day at the department. He is going to be working at Forrest River starting Monday. I can't tell you how weird this is. The police world is all we know as a family. Many people have asked why is changing jobs. Nic's passion is coaching. It always has been. If he would have stayed on the department, he wouldn't have the chance to go back to school to get his teaching degree and coach. So, this opportunity came and we prayed and he took it. It also offers more money:) That never hurts. I am so proud of him and I will always be proud of him.
So...that is where we are at right now.
Oh yeah...real quick...we have been doing memory verses each week. The first week was "Do not be anxious about anything." The next week it was "Be kind to one another." Hayden kinda got them mixed up and told me her verse was "Do not be kind to anyone." We had to talk about that one:) This week is "He is my Rock and my Salvation." She says, "He is my Rock and my elevation." I love her:)

Easton is 6 months

Dear My Precious Easton,
Today you are 6 months. That is half a year old. Where has the time go?? You are growing and changing every second of every day. I cannot even begin to explain in words the joy that you bring to my life.

You are one precious baby, I hope you know. I have seen God use you to bring joy to not only me, but to everyone that comes in contact with you. That is truth. Your smile fills your whole face and reaches to your eyes. You are happy. Your personality has shown a lot this month. You are very sensitive and very laid back. You smile often.
You have learned so much this month. You have been rolling over like crazy and love your little Bumbo seat and your little jumper/saucer thing:) But what you love most is watching your brother and sister! You started eating cereal and you are quite the pro at attacking the spoon! You also love to talk and to hear your voice. It is quite precious if you ask me! You are also constantly moving and grabbing. You love your toys and love to chew on them. You can hold onto different things and are starting to hold your own bottle. You still nurse and are a great eater.

Your big achievement for the month has been sleeping in a different room and sleeping at least 6 hours in a row. That is HUGE! We came to the conclusion that you weren't sleeping well because every time we would move or get up, that would wake you up. So, since Hayden isn't sleeping in her room, we put the play yard up and use the noise machine. You absolutely love it. And you sleep so WELL! You are also doing great at a routine of taking 2 naps during the day.

I seriously cannot get enough of you. I love you so much. I love to just hold you and just cherish every moment. I miss you terribly when I have to go sub, and I look forward to the second I get in the car to come home to you and your siblings.

I love you little boy and can't wait to see what you learn this next month!
Your Mommy