A Year Already

I sit here reflecting back on the last year.  Today marks 1 year of being a working mom.  (this was drafted on Feb 13)

Here are some things that I have noted.
1- I have such an amazing network.
   My in-laws (Hub and Aunt Joan in particular) and my parents have gone out of their way to make me feel good about going to work.  My dad watch Bennett all 2nd semester last school year.  My mom took the boys to school every day last school year.  Hub and Aunt Joan take turns picking up the younger 3 boys this school year and let them hang out until I can get them.

2- I really like my job.
   Last February I talked a little bit about taking this job.  I was pretty unsure as to what my job would entail.   365 days later, I can give you many more details.
   I have 3 schools- 1 high school and the 2 feeder middle schools. I do career lessons with 6th- 12th students to help prepare them for work and to help them figure out what they want to do.  We do inventories and take field trips.  I also work very closely with our Career Center and Tri- County Technical College.  The CDFs are responsible for IGPs (Individual Graduation Plans), STEM Premier, Job Shadowing, WBL (work based learning) as well as doing one on one career counseling.
   I have had the opportunity to take many fun field trips with the students.  From visiting Charleston and the Ports Authority twice to touring FN (manufacturing machine guns for the military) to touring many other local businesses, I am becoming well-versed in the upstate industry.  I have attended conferences and plan to go to Kentucky next school and maybe even Florida.

Pictures from Charleston trip.  This was a trip to the Ports Authority, military base, and the Citadel (and maybe the beach :)

Toured Air Force Base

Inside the plane

Touring the Citadel

A shot from the ports authority dock in Charleston

Beach selfie

Pictures from trip to Columbia- FN Manufacturing

Crazy collection!

3 of the 4 CDFs in our district

  The surprising thing about my job is how much I work with middle school students.  Middle school guidance departments are severely understaffed so I was put right to work to fill in the career gaps.

3- My work people
   I love all 3 guidance departments that I work with.  They are all different but I have enjoyed them.  The high school department is amazing and they have made me feel right at home with them.

Went to a counselor conference in Myrtle Beach last month.  We stayed on the 27th floor, ocean front.  Next school year, I already have 3 conferences scheduled.  I hate leaving my kids but as I mentioned above, my network of people makes it easier for me

So, there is the work summary.  This job is funded for 2 more years after this year.  After that, I dont know... it could be funded again or I might be looking for something else.  For now, I will try to enjoy the set up that I have.  :)

Mosie is 4

My sweet sweet sweet hound boy is 4- the Valentine's Day birthday

Love him

This dog is seriously my best buddy.  He loves me fiercely and has made it his life goal to defend against hugs from Chad... which I think it is perfect!

He LUV me!

If he sees me walking around inside and he is outside, he jumps up to watch me.

He has a good year.  He loves his house and yard.  I trust him to walk without a leash (As long as I am outside with him).  He wants to please me above all else.

Photo session with Moses

He still loves to play fetch and has ruined countless pillows from bringing them outside. When we get home, he will run inside and bring us a "gift" from his toy basket (or a pillow).

Love this picture- Isla is the lickinest dog ever.
Exhibit A

Exhibit B

Exhibit C

Exhibit D- the dog loves to lick!

When I am not home, it is not uncommon for his to just stay outside and wait on me (even if other people are home.)  I fall asleep on the couch with him every night.

Isla (and Eddie) just happened to be at our house on Moses' and Isla's birthday--- mom and dad were at the beach.

So we celebrated.

The birthday buddies

I mean, dont Skye and and Marshall kind of look like Isla and Moses?!?!?  Makes me laugh.

 Happy Birthday puppies!!!

Basketball Season

Basketball season was another success.

Hunter decided he didnt want to play.  I didnt give Bennett the option because U6 basketball is perhaps the most painful thing to watch- EVER.

Ashton played U10 and Shepherd U8 for our church league.

Ashton was, well, amazing.  The kid can play.  For example, one game, his team won 44- 36.  He scored all 44 points.  He does have moments of holding on to the ball too long, however, he does also pass a good bit. 

Ashton getting some instruction from his coach. 

Ashton (in white) going after the ball.  

And he steals it

And, an easy lay-up

Not my actual kid, but love him... Connor drives to the lane

Shepherd and another player on his team were the top scorers, if one scored then normally the other one assisted and vice versa.  He towered over all these kids but he did a great job.

Shepherd reaches up for the ball

He saves it from going out

Soccer overlapped with the back end of basketball for A and S.  I love their soccer teams.  I help coach both teams and it is really a good bunch of kids.  Hunter is playing soccer this spring.  He has said over and over again how happy he is to be playing soccer again.  He hadnt played since fall 2016.  Bennett is also playing on his first organized sports team this spring.  He is on a little rec team.  His first game is this week.

So, we did not have even a week off but it is fun!

An Update/ Boys Stats.

Man, I have so many good ideas for posts to write but absolutely zero time to write them.  Believe it or not, I have drafts of posts sitting on my blog record but just havent finished them.

So, this post is to show that I am, in fact, still alive and to record the boy's recent stats.  Annual doctor's appt did not happen as punctually as normal.... again, speaks to our schedule.  But, they happened and boys are growing and healthy and pretty amazing!

Boys and dogs... doesnt get much better than this ... except for prettier cabinets and less mess in the background.  haha

I included doctor's stats and shoe sizes since I like to document trivial things. :)

Hunter- 12 years
Weight- 106 lb - 78%
Height- 5'4" - 97%
Shoe size- 10 mens

Ashton- 10 years
Weight- 61 lb - 17%
Height - 4'7" - 51%
Shoe size- 6

Shepherd- 8 years
Weight- 76 lb - 93%
Height - 4'7 1/2" - 98%
Shoe size- 6.5

Bennett- 5 years
Weight- 38 lb - 30%
Height- 3'6 1/2" - 42%
Shoes size- 13

Thankfully, Ashton and Shepherd were much better behaved than last year's doctor's appt... However, Bennett did embaress me by asking me why the doctor "does not have any hair up there (Bennett patted his head indicating top of head.)  If the doc heard him, he didnt say anything but I quickly shook my head and tried to start a different conversation with Bennett.

I have a post started to celebrate Moses' birthday that I hope to finish up soon, a post on my one year work anniversary that I am almost finished with, a post about basketball season, and one with some house updates.  And though I will not devote a whole post to it, we finally bit the bullet and bought a car. :)  So, life is good and full... very very full!

Hopefully my half posts saved in drafts will become full posts in the next couple weeks.

The B is 5!

I refuse to say that I dont have a baby anymore though my "baby" turned 5 today. 

Google Photos made this delightful video of Bennett from videos over his 5 years.  It made me cry...
Bennett's Five Years   *** If you have nursed a baby, did you lose the hair around your face?... obviously, I had side burns during my nursing days as is shown by the first clip.  Just count it as comic relief!

I told a couple friends the other night that the last 5 years have literally been a blur.  I know I have said time is flying, but, I seriously dont know how this baby turned 5.  I remember when Hunter turned 5... it seemed like such a big milestone.  And now, my baby is hitting that milestone.

Officially 5!!!!

I cant say he was excited about his birthday.  He has told me over the past few weeks that he didnt want his birthday to come- he liked being 4.  Last night as I was putting him to bed, I lean over and tell him, "I need my last 4 year old kiss."  He pokes out his lower lip, trying not cry.  He shakes his head no and then quickly kisses me.  I tell him "I need my last 4 year old hug."  His lower lip shakes, still trying not to cry.  He lunges to me, latches on and buries his little face into my neck.  He pulls away and a tear is running down his face... and mine.  I was fine until he cried.  He is my first kid who wasn't excited about his birthday.  His life must be pretty great! (I should add, he woke up this morning excited about his birthday and turning 5.  He is just an emotional kid.  He is the one who will cry during a movie...)

Bennett, you fit the youngest child stereotype pretty well.  I still help you get dressed in the morning and put your shoes on you though I know you can do it by yourself.  I baby you in a way that I never got the chance to do with your brothers.  You are not overly independent and really enjoy being served.  Our goal this spring is to get me to back off!  haha

Being silly at soccer practice

Your speech is getting a little better. But, I anticipate at least 3 years of speech in your future.  We have started doing the Reading Lesson together at night.  We only do one page a night but I am really proud of how well you are doing. I love the way you are starting to connect the letters into words.  I can see little lightbulbs going off!

You love dinosaurs, Bayblades, the Nintendo Switch, your Kindle, snuggling on my lap, playing with your brothers, riding your bike, Pokemon cards, coloring, writing letters, and asking a million questions. 

Your Preschool Christmas program... you were like a deer in the headlights.  So shy all of a sudden.

You are the most affectionate child.  Whether it is full on hugs or just wrestling with your brothers, you love to be loved on.  You fight a good bit with your brothers and we have to constantly remind you not to hit or just pat butts.

Oh, those boys!  

You are going to play your first season of soccer this spring and are quite excited.  I convinced you not to play last season but you really want to complicate my life... j/k... play like your brothers.

He loves me and I him!

You are a bright spot in my day and I love you so very much!

Happy birthday my little completer.  You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
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Birthday celebrations.

So, it is ridiculously cheap if I count Owen and Caelum's birthday time as Bennett's birthday time as well?  My 2 nephews both have January birthdays as well and we got to go up to their house and we do laser tag and putt putt.  So, thanks Uncle Zach and Aunt Anna for funding Bennett's party as well... haha!

Air Hockey with Esme

All taking turns on the motorcycle

Playing the Jurassic Park with Caelum

We also had book club at Jodi's house last night and sang and celebrated Bennett. 

A slew of boys... and Karson! These are our people!

He woke up this morning and at the prompting of 2 of the 3 brothers, tore into this birthday presents.

Bennett is into dinosaurs right now... so, dinosaur cake made sense along with some cupcakes.

 

His birthday loot- Beyblades, legos, and a new soccer ball.  

Our Christmas Break

Christmas break was simply amazing and productive and energizing.  I think I was feeling a bit run down with working and getting the boys where they need to be and keeping the house running and even "vacation."  This seasonal break came at the perfect time. We hung out with friends, saw tons of family, had no practices and hung out together- It was delightful.

Didnt post any pictures of my slightly decorated house but here is my 12 year old tree!!!

With the New Year on us and school starting back up, I at least feel refreshed.

The first week of the break was, as usual, packed with family get togethers.  I honestly did not take many pictures just enough to document.  

Pre Christmas get togethers with Chad's family.

Christmas Eve Eve meet up at Sandee' house

Grandma opening her gift from us.  I found, thanks to mom, these beautiful wind chimes that have the most calming sound.  Each set is handtuned to a different key- these are to E.

Selfie with 3 of the 4.

Papa Hub's newest addition- I call her Jamie- it seems everyone has there own name for her though.

At our house Christmas morning...

Present time- Moses loved his stocking!

Diggin in .

Post Christmas activities at my parent's house.

This was a bit rushed as 3 of Zach's 4 kids had fevers, coughs... they quickly opened presents and then headed home.  Thankfully, they were able to come back to down on the 29th so the kids could all hang out

Queenie looking overwhelmed!  :)

For Christmas, I focused on getting the upstairs den looking good and being a fun space for the boys.  We got a new loveseat and left the rocker up there.  As a gift, we gave the boys a big TV that we will mount in the closet.  I painted the closet the dark iron ore color to make is feel a bit more seamless.  My mom and dad got the boys a Nintendo Switch- to say they love it would be a gross understatement.  Hub and Patsy got them a bunch of the accessories and games.  Finally after 6 months, they are using the upstairs den as I had imagined! 

Closet before

Closet after paint... boys playing on new TV with the Switch.

We also revamped the workout room.  Had to move some things around but love this space now... you know it is good when Shepherd decides it is worth working out!  A mounted smart TV makes running much more appealing.

We have also been quite busy reading some really good boys- that, though, is for another post.  It has been awhile since I have done a book post, so hopefully soon....

They also got walkie talkies, books, clothes, money, and a few toys.  Thankfully, they are moving out of the toy stage.  The only toys I bought this year were 3 mid-size lego boxes!  

The second half of break was so productive.  Mom, Nolan, and I went car shopping.  No, I havent bought anything yet but maybe getting close.  I hate car shopping!  Mom and I also went furniture shopping where we nabbed a couple good deals from a furniture place that is closing.  The inside of my house is really started to feel complete.  Of course I still have many wants (new kitchen and bathroom countertops, kitchen island, but I am really content with the progress we are making.

This was in the furniture store.  Mom bought the couch and I bought the loveseat! 

The oversize chair in the back corner was one of my finds!  We all love and fight over it.  It has made this room so usable!  I actually spilled coffee on it after having it for maybe 18 hours.  Thankfully I went with this color and not the cream so it did not stain!

Moses has deemed it as his dog bed!

My dad came over and gave me 2 full days of helping me do things around the house.  We hung 3 ceiling fans, mounted TVs, medicine cabinet/ mirror, hung shelves and heavier stuff that I wasnt confident to hang.  I bought a new mattress for Hunter's room and moved his old one to Ashtons since Ash decided we didnt want to sleep on the twin top bunk.  So, we moved thing around but everyone is happy with the changes. I was able to put our old queen headboard to use again- in Hunt's room and Shepherd took Hunt's old headboard.  I will post more pics of the boys rooms soon.  I am still hunting for bedding for Ashton's room and Hunter's room.  

Chad and his dad picked up said furniture and cut down 9 trees in the yard.  So, they were also busy.  We hunkered down in the house the last couple days due to the frigid temperature! brrrr.

It is now back to the grindstone.  The boys are just doing sooo good in school.  Like they are seriously all going to be smarter than me.  This is always the hardest stretch--- it feels like the 3rd lap in a mile.  We just need to pace ourselves.  

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and Happy  New Year and sorry that i didnt get Christmas cards out this year.  It is the first time that I missed that deadline.  I still think I may do a New Year's card... maybe!