Surprise!

  I have been absent for so long, and only minimally here before that. I lost the urge to blog and I just didn't know why. It came to me recently....everything is good. Not just good but great. I have always used this blog as my outlet, my mental health caretaker, my way to seek out advice and help from others.

So now, this is going to be a pretty boring, plain old family blog. Pics of dirty kids, complaints about the amount of laundry that is piled up in my house, and the occasional rant about the car rider lane at school.

And so, here is where we are all right now:

  Kaytee is a junior at Texas A&M, majoring in psych and on the Dean's List. She is also working 20 hours a week. She voted for the first time in this election (they cheered for her and gave her a sucker LOL!) She is a ball of nerves most days, just like her Mama. We live on stress.

  Ashley is a senior in high school. She goes to a special school in Dallas that is for students wanting to go i not medicine. She has already earned her CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) and is working on her EMT and Pharmacy Technician certificates. She is the first person in the school's history to be able to earn all three before graduation. She will graduate with just over one semesters worth of college credits.

  Levi is still a straight A, GT (Gifted and Talented) student but he is also becoming a total social butterfly. I swear I am his social secretary. It is not unusual for me to be handling three play date requests for him each weekend. He has a wicked sense of humor and impeccable timing. (He is so much like his Dad that is is scary!)

  Seth is a different child than the one we brought home almost three years ago. He is calm, happy, funny, bright and charming. He almost never gets in trouble, especially at school. Something clicked inside him in the past 8 months and it is a miracle. He is now securely attached, understands when I tease him, loves us with abandon and feels totally safe. I was not sure we would ever reach this point and I am not sure how we got here, but I thank the Lord every day for this miracle child. Oh, and he is growing like a weed! He is in size 7 pants now and just a hair shorter than Ahren. He has gone from a 2T to a 7 in less than 3 years. It must be all the bacon. LOL!

  Ahren is holding his own. He has gained some balance and core strength from therapeutic horse back riding. His fine motor skills are still poor but he tries hard. For the first time ever we went to a bowling party and he made it through an entire game! He has always quit and given his turns to someone else before. He is the happiest kid and very bright. He and Seth are both ahead of the expected math and reading levels in school. Only his handwriting scores below level and that is to be expected.

  Chris, my amazing spousal unit is happy, healthy and just as sweet as ever. He is a super trooper when it comes to helping around the house. Whenever needed, he cooks, he cleans, he does laundry and he cares for the boys. He helps with homework and stands guard over shower time. (God Bless him for that!) He makes me laugh and he loves me even when I am cranky and unloveable. He is either insane or the best hubby ever. Ladies, all of you who passed him by, you lose!

  Me? I am fat and happy. The fatness is a total pitfall of being happy. Oh well, I guess I can deal with it.... Besides working nearly full time, raising all these kids, taking care of the house and hubby, I am also in graduate school. Yep, insane, that is me. I am getting a graduate degree in Clinical Research Administration. I am loving school. I feel challenged and energetic and refreshed mentally. Oh, and I managed to get my certification as a Vision Therapist last month. Nine long papers including re-writes, a written test and oral interview after three years of experience. I passed!!!!! What does that mean? I get a title, a raise and new business cards! And a huge sense of satisfaction. I did it!!!!!!

  Life is great here. A bit chaotic, full of laughter and pranks, not a quiet moment until the dead of night,  and just about the best thing I could have ever hoped for.