My NKOTB Girl

Finally downloaded a video from Paul's phone that we took a few months ago. Miley absolutely just LOVES to dance...to anything. I always crack up at the end of this particular video...just too funny not to share.  Enjoy.

Halfway There

Ok...so I have been out of work for 10 months now.  I have thoroughly enjoyed staying home with the kids this past year, but I also loved my job of over 10 years...so now is the time to find a happy/peaceful balance.

Over the past few months I have found myself thinking about new opportunities - especially since administrative jobs don't seem to be quite as plentiful as they once were.  I've thought about things that I do just 'for the fun of it' and have decided to become a Real Estate Agent -- studying/researching that market has always intrigued me and I could spend hours just 'shopping' for homes online.

So I have been going to the Idaho Real Estate School for the past two weeks and am proud to say that I have passed both of my pre-licensure exams.  The next steps will be to pass the state/federal exams and decide on a brokerage firm...then I will be officially back in the job market.  I know it may seem like a strange time to get into Real Estate; but I really do believe we are on an upswing and there are still plenty of first-time home-buyers getting great deals on homes.

I have not yet scheduled the state/federal exam but am planning on taking it around the 2nd week of July.  (I have family coming to my house in two days and thought I'd relax while they're visiting then refresh myself for a few days after they leave and before I take the exam.)

Wish me luck -- I can't wait until all the exams are over and hopefully in a few more weeks I will be able to share which agency I decide upon.

Changes

So Paul and I returned safely from Wisconsin earlier this month.  Originally, only Paul was going to help move his parents back to their hometown; but thanks to my dad offering to watch the kids, we were both able to help.  After three days of driving through some pretty heavy rains, we finally made it.  I was so glad to have been able to go and meet some of Paul's extended family--plus it was nice to have spent one more week with his parents.  Luckily, the weather cooperated while we were unloading the u-haul and we were able to get his parents' apartment looking like home.

 Paul and his Grandma Kohl...she is such an

awesome lady - and a heck of a dice player.

 My mother-in-law, Julaine, and Paul's aunt Marian having fun playing dice.

I love this picture of my father-in-law...rolling his

eyes cause his sister is about to beat him in dice I'm sure.

 The week we were there went by too quickly...we enjoyed our time with the family so much.  Unfortunately, when we left, we had to leave two of the most incredible people behind.  David and Julaine - we miss you so much and will be forever grateful for being able to learn so much from you.  We were truly spoiled by having you so close to us for the time that we did...and we plan to visit again as soon as possible.

While we were away, the boys had a full week with Poppi (my dad) and he did not disappoint.  Thankfully, there was a few nice days here in the valley and dad was able to play ball with them.  He took Ben to his t-ball games and Gavin to his track meets.  It was definitely a lot easier for Paul and I to leave when we knew the kids were in good care....however, I think after the week, Poppi was ready to give the job back to us.  :)

Gavin had Field-Day at school a few weeks ago and won 2 of the races.  Those wins moved him up in the 'bracket' to race against kids from other Nampa schools...during which he won in the 4x100 relay.  This moved him up to race in the All-City Elementary Track Meet against kids in not only Nampa, but Caldwell and Vallivue as well.  Paul and I were finally able to go to this meet.  (Unfortunately, he placed 2nd).  He had a blast, though, and is talking about joining track once he gets into Middle School.

 Proud Runner...and not even out of breath

Benjamin has been busy with t-ball this spring and if you have never watched, I highly recommend it.  Watching kids in their first year of any sport is very entertaining...and sometimes very frustrating.  I commend those that can coach such young children.  Ben is actually the oldest on his team, so this was both his first and last year in t-ball.  It has helped to teach some basics of the game though and he should have a better understanding for next year when he plays baseball.  He has been enjoying himself for the most part...although the weather this year has not been the most ideal for playing.

 Hitting hard and making it safely to 1st base

Jacob has been trying to enjoy the weather...when it actually cooperates.  He's been able to go to the zoo several times this spring and both we and Poppi have taken him and the rest of the clan to some playgrounds.  He recently found my stamps and has decided they are just the thing to let his creative juices flow.  Earlier this week, he came running into our room at 1am and we discovered that he was running a fever with 104* temp.  The following day, it would go down, only to spike up again.  Poor baby was stuck indoors for a few days until I was sure the high fever was gone for good.  Today, he finally had a decent temperature for the entire day...yea!  Sure hate to start off summer break with a sick kid. :(

 

Jacob feeding the goats during one of his trips to the Zoo.

Miley has also been trying to enjoy the weather lately.  It amazes me how much more independent she becomes everyday.  This time last year, we were still pretty much toting her everywhere...now she is able to play in the backyard with her brothers and away from mommy and daddy.  It's bittersweet to see all of my children grow so quickly.  Miley has been obsessed with her baby dolls lately.  She will rock them to sleep and protect them from dogs and big brothers.  It's very abnormal for me to watch since I was never really the baby doll girl growing up...I admit I like to tease her with them.  We make a game of it and then she'll give the doll to daddy so mommy can't get it.  Yesterday, she received her much needed 1st haircut.  Gina Miranda did a great job and I love that when Miley is asked who cut her hair she says, "Gina" very proudly.

 

Showing off her new do with her new friend, Gina.

We were able to have Paul's nieces over for dinner today...Paul grilled some amazing ribs while the kids were all playing in the yard.  I just had to take the opportunity for one more photo for the blog:

 

Patiently waiting for summer to truly arrive...

One more note: Welcome to the world, Miss Ellie!  My fabulous friend, Kay-Cee has joined the ranks of parenthood!  She is just so adorable and I can't wait to meet her (once I'm sure Jake is completely healthy).  Congrats to Kay-Cee & Eric!

Spring Break

Last week was Spring Break for Gavin and Ben.  Unfortunately, the weather was not as cooperative as one would have liked for the Spring.  It was however, a very eventful week.

Early in the week, we received news that Paul's parents will be moving back to Wisconsin at the end of the month.  We will miss them so much and will definately have to adjust to a new 'norm' without them so close to us.  We have already discussed the many pictures, phone calls and web cam conversations that will be taking place between both households.  Paul will be assisting his parents with the long journey back into 'Packer-Territory', it'll be nice for him to visit his extended family after such a long time.

The other big event of this past week: my Jacob had surgery.  The rest of the kiddos stayed with Granny and Grandpa so that Paul and I could cater to Mr. Jake.  The first day was tough on the little guy but we got through it and by day 2, he was keeping up quite well with his siblings (the prescription drugs probably didn't hurt, either).

Easter was spent at Paul's parents' with my parents coming over as well.  The kids had a blast and Gavin was able to beat Poppi (my dad) in boxing on the Wii.  My mother-in-law took some great pictures of everyone, but I left my camera in the truck so I have none to share until I get some from her.  :)

Goings-On

Well, we have been quite busy since my last post.  We were lucky enough to make it up to McCall for the Winter Carnival...albeit for just a day.  The kids had such a blast playing in the snow.  I, however, was a bit dissapointed--the ice sculptures I remember as a kid just seemed more grand than they did this last visit.  Maybe it just seems that way since it's been so long since I've been and everything seems larger and more impressive through the eyes of a child.  My children seemed to enjoy it just as much as I did as a child so all-in-all, a successful outing for the six of us.

They stopped playing in the snow long enough for a group picture.

Dad instigated a snowball fight...

The kids have each been keeping busy as well.  Gavin spent the last six weeks playing basketball through the Rec Center.  He enjoys playing so much and they had him play point-guard this year.  His being left-handed has seemed to work to his advantage on the court...he still needs to practice his jump-shots on the right side but does make the shots quite a bit.  Gavin was also recently chosen to represent his class in the Nampa/Vallivue School District Spelling Bee.  He was the winner in his class, thus gaining his spot in the District Bee.  I was so happy for him and we've been busy studying the list of words they supplied: 679 words to be exact.  The rules for the Bee may prove to be harder to remember than the actual spelling of the words, however.

Getting ready for defense (Gavin in green)

 Benjamin has been tremendously enjoying this semi-warmer weather.  He's been a little more motivated to get his homework done earlier so that he can play with his friends outside.  Here in the next couple of weeks, he will be starting T-Ball...something Paul and I are very excited to witness.  We signed him up for Basketball last year, but then-5-year-old-Ben seemed a bit more interested in dancing on the court than dribbling the ball.  I do think this sport will prove to be more successful...now that he's 6 and able to focus a bit more when given direction.

Ben being goofy while @ Planet Kid.

Jacob, Miley and I have been trying to keep ourselves busy at home.  The last couple of days have been absolutely beautiful and we can now move our play to outside a bit more often - a welcome change compared to the blustering winds of last week.

Jake has had a recent fear of McDonald's (or as he calls it: Mackendonal's)...I mentioned to the boys that too much of that kind of food is bad for you and my precious, innocent toddler decided it will make him "dead".  I have to be honest: I'm enjoying this time while I don't hear the insistant begging for burgers and fries.  :)  He has also been doing his 'homework' quite regularly and reminds me if we haven't gotten to it by the time his brothers come home from school.

Jake trying to see the pictures during bedtime reading.

Miley is growing a bit more rapidly than I would like...some days I still wish she was only crawling.  I love the fact that she is starting to show her personality more, but I desire my baby again.  It is certainly noticable that she has three older brothers: she very much holds her own in any situation.

She loves to pose after 'fixing' her hair...

We have also recently found a new church and the kids seem to just love it.  I'm so glad to have found one...we (I) haven't been able to go back since my sister passed away a year-and-a-half ago; we used to go with her and her kids.  But now finding this one has helped bring back some 'normalicy' to our lives and filled some sort of void I know I was missing.  The kids have been putting the pressure on us as well--out of the mouths of babes and all that jazz.

Paul has been very busy at work and I have been very busy looking for work; unfortunately not so much luck on my part so far.  I'm still enjoying my time at home as much as possible before I have to go back to work.  We will be celebrating our one-year anniversary this weekend.  I'm so glad for Paul's niece, Lisa; who volunteered to babysit for us so we can enjoy a rare date-night.  I voted to go to the Macaroni Grill, but am now debating on choosing somewhere new-to-us.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Smoke Alarms Work

Finally Friday!  Fridays, like most weekdays, usually start with me waking up around 6:45 or 7 to get Gavin and Benjamin off to school.  However, this was not a typical Friday.  I have been very blessed with a son (Gavin) who is an early-riser.  There are plenty of benefits with him waking up at exactly 5:47 every morning:  He's now old enough and very responsible to get in the shower himself, dress himself, and make his own breakfast.  He usually has his favorite Lego waffles and would have had them this morning as well if he hadn't eaten the last of them yesterday.  Unfortunately, mom did not make it to the store to replenish his waffles so he chose to make Pop-tarts this morning.  Yum, right?
Meanwhile, I was still dreaming away in my bed.  Paul had place our daughter, Miley, beside me before he left and I knew instinctively that I only had a few minutes left before I too would have to start the day.  All of a sudden I hear for the first time all of our smoke alarms going off.  I quickly grab my robe and Miley and rush to get the other kids out of the house.  I come to the turn in our stairs and see Gavin standing in the kitchen, continually swinging the back door open/shut.  What happened? I ask as I realize there truly is no harm, much less fire.  My poor hungry child just wanted to make a pop-tart at the same toaster level as a frozen waffle...lesson learned.  "Sorry, Mom" he says.
After the black pop-tart is tossed in the trash, a quick training at changing the level based on what you're toasting is performed and our Friday continues as usual.  Great start to the weekend.   :)
This weekend is a full schedule.  Gavin has a basketball game tomorrow morning and then Paul's niece will be taking all of our rambunctious children to Planet Kid.  We are also planning a quick trip to McCall on Sunday to see the Winter Carnival...we called to late and all hotels were booked so a one-day trip it is.
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Congratulations to Becky, Bill, and Audrey on their newest arrival, Natalie...she is beautiful!

Breathe Again

Finally...the busy holiday season is over.  I love Christmas but I think I like my daily routine a little bit more than the hectic rush that comes with the season.  I know it's been quite some time since my last post...so this one is going to be a bit longer.

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Miley turned 2 on December 8th.  This was way better than last year.  At 2, she understood what to do (even without us giving her instructions)...

We had family over to share in the celebration...Miley was so excited when Nana and Poppi arrived with some gifts...her favorite was probably her new step stool (not so much my favorite as it gives her access to new places...).

Miley greeting Poppi

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The kids were so happy when it finally snowed.  I was glad the weatherman was correct and that I was prepared with snowpants for the kids.  I did not, however, plan for Paul and I...so we were limited to letting the kids play at the house.  Oh well...better planning next time.  :(

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We were able to attend the Christmas programs for both Benjamin and Gavin. Ben is in 1st grade so his consisted of both 1st and 2nd graders. He is such a ham and immensly enjoys being a performer.

Performing "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands"

Gavin is 4th grade and chose to be involved in the 4th/5th grade school choir.  Basically it is an extra-caricular that also has evening programs much like middle school or high school would.

Gavin (bottom left) singing with his school choir.

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Paul's work, RedBuilt, had a Christmas party this year.  The kids had a great time and danced the night away on the dance floor...whoever thought to get that for the party: thank you so much!  The dj definately kept the kids entertained throughout the evening.  Santa even came to hand out gifts to the children...Miley was not very please when the man in red showed up.  Santa scared my baby!  With the music turned up again though, she quickly got over it.

    Miley, Ben and Jacob getting their groove on...

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Finally...CHRISTMAS!!!  We spent Christmas Eve with Paul's family...including his sister, Christine, who was visiting from Texas.  We had a great time, but I think the highlight was definately Lisa's poem to her sister Lauren (Paul's neices).  We all laughed so hard and I didn't think Lisa was going to make it completely through...Lauren loved it!

The kids at Granny & Grandpa's for Christmas Eve

(dressing up was Jacob's idea)

Loves her cousin, Lisa

Miley with Grandpa

Gavin just gave Granny his Handmade gift

I think they were opening up a game or something...

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New Year's was spent at home.  We did let the kids stay up with us (later naps for the Jake and Miley) and they enjoyed toasting with their sparkling cider.

Last group picture of 2009

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So that was pretty much the highlights of the last month...I'm so glad the craziness is over and I can somewhat breathe again.  Here is to a great and exciting 2010!