Family Pictures

We took some family pictures in July. It wasn't the best plan I have ever had. July is HOT even in the morning, so the crew quickly got drained and was ready to stop. Then there are us light sentive people who had a hard time dealing with the rising sun. Considering that and that there are NINE of us they turned out well. Here are some of our favs.

Kaitlyn Turns Ten!

It is so hard to believe but Miss Kaitlyn turned ten yesterday! Happy Birthday to a very sweet girl! Dad and I are so proud of you and love you very much!

Move over Rachel

Rachel has been our long standing fashion diva of the household. While she has gotten better about having meltdowns over which pair of shoes to wear, and I have learned to pick my battles. However, we now have another person in the family who is developing his own brand of "fashion".

After a visit with their Dad the boys came home with cowboy boots and jeans. I am not a big fan of that fashion but their Dad is and the boys were just so excited. However, Nathan is taking it to a whole other level. He refuses to pull his jeans out of this boots. He wears them with shorts. The other day he went out to play football in his PJ bottoms with a pair of shorts pulled over them and his PJ bottom stuck inside is boots. When we were getting ready to leave for the store I told him to go change and he looked at me seriously and said "Why can't I wear this?" I had hoped he was picked up the boots on the inside of the pants from a classmate but after talking with his teacher learned that it was just a Nathan thing. Momma is hoping its a phase.

Row Christmas Pictures

Cliff, Marcia, Ashley, Me, Mom, and Dad

Me, Cameron, and the boys

My Sweet Boys: Nathan, Jacob, and Justin

Another Sad Day

The day after we got out of school for Christmas break, I was out doing some shopping when I found out the four kids grandpa (their moms dad) had died. The kids were very close to him and I know its hard for them. He was a great grandpa and was so nice to me and my boys. The kids left the next day so they could be with the family and go to the services. I have talked to them a couple of times on the phone and they are doing as well as can be expected. I know he will be missed!

Football Pickings Emily Style

This year I decided to adopt a NFL team to help me get into the sport. Cameron is a football watching junkie so I figure if I have to watch it might as well make it interesting for me. So the journey to find the right team began.....I have little knowledge of the game, teams stats, etc....I know colors and mascots....and most of those I had to look up online. I guess I could have gone with the obvious home team, The Cowboys, but Jerry Jones gets on my nerve and Tony Romo just seems shifty to me.

I know this is such a "girl" thing to say/do....but since I only have knowledge of colors and mascots (I know I could have researched and learned more but who has the time and this is supposed to be fun NOT work)....I decided to pick a team using what knowledge I had. My final pick was the Philadelphia Eagles. First of all that eagle green looks good on me, and the eagle is our national bird....can't go wrong there right. I knew nothing about the team until after I made my selection. Turns out I picked a pretty good team. I have enjoyed watching this season and learning more about the game. I am sooooooooooo into it now. We (as in me and my team) have won our division and are going to the playoffs!

China People

Rachel is often in her own little world and will talk out loud but not necessarily to someone. One day I was in the kitchen and when I glanced over at Rachel at the table she was using her fingers to make her eyes slant. She did this for a few minutes looking around. Then she says "Wonder how China people see like this".

Ashley, Marcia, Cliff, and Me

Siblings

I remember my Grandmother telling me after fighting with my sister that one day I would be thankful to have siblings. I am sure my ten year old self really didn't believe her, but on the day we said our final goodbye's to her her point was made. We came together for a sad occasion but we kept each others spirits up. Me and my two sisters and brother road in a separate car for the over an hour drive to the service. We were silly, talked about good times, and laughed. I am so thankful for them and what they bring to my life.

Saying Goodbye

My Grandmother passed away in November after a long battle with Alzheimer's. As I watched this disease take away the person I knew as Grandma, I slowly said my goodbyes and found peace. I knew there would come a time when she no longer have any idea who I was and I wanted to say all I needed to before it got to that point. I am thankful I was able to do that. She quickly took a turn and kept going down hill for the past couple of years. She was placed in the nursing home just weeks prior to her death after having "mini" strokes. She passed away peacefully on November 12.

She was an amazing grandmother and I am so blessed to have had her in my life. I was the first grandbaby and for over ten years my sister Marcia and I were the only grandkids. We spent our summers with them, travelled over the united states on our many road trips. I joke with the younger grandkids that Marcia and I wore them out and got the best years out of them. She was always supportive and so much fun to be around. I have missed her for a couple years now, as she was no longer the person I knew. I know she has been restored and I will see my grandma again.

July-December

I know.....once again I have neglected the blog. I (once again) am going to try to get better.

We have settled back into life in Eustace. The kids are enjoying being back with old friends and meeting new ones. In some ways its like we never left, we just fell back into our life here. I am going to nutshell the past several months and hope to continue posting more regularly.

TOBY~ Started 7th grade this year. In September he turned 13. Yes, an "official" teenager....he is quick to point that out several times a week. He played football in the fall. He really enjoyed it. He was so good about getting up early to get to practice at 6:45 am everyday. In August, as I was at the school working on my classroom, he burst in and announced he had accepted Christ into his life! Very proud moment! He has been participating in the youth group at church.

JUSTIN~ Started 5th grade this year. He turned 12 in October. He has had a good start to the school year. He got glasses for the first time and apparently its difficult to remember to wear them. After speaking with his teachers that has improved some. He just started basketball and is looking forward to games starting next month.

AARON~ Started 6th grade this year. In June he turned 11. He is doing great in school. He started band this year, playing the trumpet. It was cool to hear what I thought was a hurt animal slowly turn into music. He recently had his first concert and I was amazed at how well they did for kids who have only been playing a few months. He just started basketball too.

KAITLYN~ She turned 10 TODAY! She started third grade this year. She was relieved to learn how many former friends were in her class. She has made a lot of friends in the neighborhood too. I have really seen her come out of her shell more and more this year.

JACOB~ He will turn 10 in a couple weeks. He is also in third grade this year. He is proud of the fact that he is the fastest kid in third grade :) Even when coach gives the others a headstart he catches up. He is really enjoying his teacher this year. He is also playing basketball this season.

NATHAN~ In August he turned 8. Started first grade (round 2) this year after much debated on what would be best for him. With the first semester of school behind us, I KNOW the right decision was made for him. He is READING!!!! His grades are amazing. The boost in his confidence is great to see.

RACHEL~ Started 2nd grade this year. She turned 7 in July. She loves school, her teacher, and all her friends. She become quite independent this year. She learned to ride a bike without training wheels!

CAMERON~ Recently started a new job that allows him to be home ALOT more. He works 8-5 Monday-Friday! Couldn't ask for anything more. He is able to see the kids off to school and is home in the evenings to help with basketball practices, dinner, homework, etc.

ME~ I am having a great time teaching Headstart. A room full of 4 year olds is just so much fun. I laugh a lot during the day. Its fast paced and can be tiring but I am having fun. I LOVE being back at Eustace Primary!

Sweet!

The kids have made friends in the neighborhood and have been playing with them a lot. Aaron went to spend the night with one of his friends. About 30 minutes later he and his friend came riding back up on their bikes. I figured he forgot something. He came up to the porch gave me a hug and said "just wanted to say goodnight" AWWWWWWWWWWWW!

Birthday Party Pics

Free Car Wash

I had to run to the store the other day, so I left the kids with Cameron. When I pulled into the driveway I noticed they were hand washing Cameron's truck. I thought he had somehow conned them into doing this. Turns out it was their idea and were begging me to let them do mine. So not gonna say no! They did a pretty good job and had a lot of fun!

Kaitlyn and Rachel

Rachel has been a little miss fashion diva for some time now. This past school year Kaitlyn got into the "I want to look COOOOOOOOL" stage. I don't know how many times I was asked "do I look cool?" or "help me find a cool outfit. I kept and continue to remind them both they are beautiful but reminding them that real beauty is within and being cool is as simple as being yourself not what others want from you. I have this song on my IPOD and as I listened to it today, it reminded me of the girls and that we are already in a stage of worrying about what others think.

Rachel and Kaitlyn - God made you just the way you are! There could never be a more beautiful you!

Jonny Diaz - More Beautiful You

Little girl flipping through a magazine
Says she wants to look that way
But her hair isn't straight her body isn't fake
And she's always felt overweight

Well little girl fourteen I wish that you could see
That beauty is within your heart
And you were made with such care your skin your body and your hair
Are perfect just the way they are

[Chorus]
There could never be a more beautiful you
Don't buy the lies disguises and hoops they make you jump through
You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do
So there could never be a more beautiful you

Little girl twenty-one the things that you've already done
Anything to get ahead
And you say you've got a man but he's got another plan
Only wants what you will do instead

Well little girl twenty-one you never thought that this would come
You starve yourself to play the part
But I can promise you there's a man whose love is true
And he'll treat you like the jewel you are

[chorus]

So turn around you're not too far
To back away be who you are
To change your path go another way
It's not too late you can be saved
If you feel depressed with past regrets
The shameful nights hope to forget
Can disappear they can all be washed away
By the one who's strong can right your wrongs
Can rid your fears dry all your tears
And change the way you look at this big world
He will take your dark distorted view
And with His light He will show you truth
And again you'll see through the eyes of a little girl

Birthday Party!!!

Since Aaron was still out of town for his birthday and his and Rachel's are so close together, we waited till this weekend and had one big party for the two of them.

The week prior to the party we had gotten a little rain here or there but had missed most of the major thunderstorms. We planned on allowing all the kids to swim during the party so of course 20 minutes till the party starts the thunderstorm rolls in. Luckily the storm was short and the kids were able to swim after all! They had so much fun! It was nice to have a houseful of friends and family to celebrate with.

After the party, Cameron's friend and his family of 6 ended up staying the night as well as my nephew Devin. All the kids were up late having a blast! We had bodies everywhere! I didn't get much cleaning done after the party because we still had so much company, so the next day my house looked like a frat house minus the beer and pizza boxes :)

Thank you to those who came to celebrate with us!

I will post pics later today.

Happy Birthdays!!

Aaron turned 11 on June 29th. Happy Birthday to a sweet boy who never ceases to wonder! Dad and I love you very much and are so proud of you!

Rachel turned 7 on July 7th. She said "its my golden birthday but I don't know what that means" :) Happy Birthday to our princess! Dad and I love you very much and are so proud of you!

What was I thinking????

I took the kids up to the schools bus loop last night. I figured I could walk the loop while they played on the playground in the center of the loop and I could always see them. I walked for awhile with Justin asking me if I would run with him. I haven't ran since.........well its been a long time. So I kept saying no. After about 45 minutes of walking my legs were nice and warmed up so when he asked again I said sure. This is where the "What was I thinking" part comes in. So we ran three loops around the bus loop. I felt like I was gonna die, but I was keeping up with him so I thought I was doing good. Then as we go to finish the last lap he just takes off and leaves me in the dust. I guess he was taking it easy on me. After that I walked for another 15 minutes AFTER I was able to breath again.

Lawnmower Needs Oil?????

Cameron has been working nights since he started his new job. It is supposed to be temporary and I will be glad when he is working days again! He gets home between 2-6 in the morning and sleeps until 12-1 and leaves at 4. So he is only home and awake during the hot part of the day. I thought since I have extra time being off of work I would help him out and mow the lawn. The first time I did it everything was fine. The next time we started it for the boys and it was sounding weird, but we kept mowing. Turns out lawnmowers need oil! I honestly didn't have a clue! I ran the mower without oil and locked up the motor. Oops! So it is now in the shop and I feel like at some point in my life I should have learned that they need oil. I think I will hand the mowing gig back over to Cameron!

Another sign I need to get back to work before my brain turns to mush.....the next day I was again trying to be helpful and made Cameron's coffee. Works so much better when you add water!!!!! DUH!

Wacky Wednesday

On Wednesday the church that the kids go to Awana's at has Wacky Wednesday. I hadn't taken the kids until this week because I wasn't sure they were still doing it. I found out that they are and asked the kids if they would like to go. They were so excited! They are ready to start seeing our Eustace friends again. So ALL day I was asked "how much longer", "do we get shoes on", "what if so-and-so is there" etc.... When the time came to go to church I walked them down there in time to eat the meal (which they HAD to do). I stayed to make sure everyone got their plates and sat down. As Rachel was in line she noticed they happened to be having cupcakes. Today was her birthday. She looked at me with all seriousness and says "How'd they know it was my birthday?" Not to bust her "the world revolves around me bubble" I said "They just did"!

When it was over I walked back to pick them up. We came home and the kids quickly got on their bikes to ride or in the pool. I normally allow the kids to ride to the church parking lot since we live close I can still see them from our porch and they think they have freedom :) So anyway, I was in the backyard getting a towel for one of the swimmers and didn't notice the boys on the bikes. They had rode back up to the church. People were still leaving the church and Justin went to ride around a car that was about to back up and ran into a parked truck!!! The bike landed on top of him. Aaron came to get me but by the time I got up the road Justin was on his way home. He didn't break anything but is having a hard time walking on his right foot. THANK GOODNESS he is ok! So we had the "when people are at the church we don't go in the parking lot" and the "let me know before you go ANYWHERE on the bikes" talk tonight.

Old Lady

We still did not have a curtain put up in the girls room when they got here. I had bought some material to make them since we never found any already made we liked. The plan was to hand sew them....but after spending a FULL afternoon hand sewing a small valance for my classroom, I decided that I would need a machine to do the girls curtain. I was going to send the material to Meaghan since she had a machine, but Cameron surprised me with a sewing machine. So Monday I start getting everything ready and the machine set up. Rachel sat with me watching every move I made. As I begin to sew she says "I thought only old grandma's do that". Gotta love Rachel's logic.

July 4th Fun

JULY 4th

Toby, Aaron, Kaitlyn, and Rachel came home from their Big Spring visit on July 3. It was strange to be without the family together for a full month. I am glad they are back! The night they came back we took everyone to see a late movie and was out late. Then since it was the first night the groups of kids had been reunited, it took forever to get them settled down and to sleep. The next day we spent at my Aunt Janice's house outside of Plano. I hadn't seen anyone from that side of my family in a few years so it was nice to get together. But again we were home late. The fourth we spent at my parents.....or should I say we spent it in my parents pool. They swam all day! They even had their lunch poolside so they wouldn't be too far away from the water. I tried several times to get them ready to leave so we could go see the fireworks. I finally get them loaded up in the car and drive to Canton to see the fireworks. As we approach the location I start seeing them. I parked the car....the excited kids all get out and pile onto the truck of the car to watch the fireworks. We missed most of them and they were over shortly after we got there. I read online that another town was doing theirs at 10:30, so I pile everyone back into the car and drive that way. When I get to the place they normally have them, it is empty!!!! Turns out they had theirs the night before! BAD MOM planning! So I took them to Mcdonald's to eat and play. They seemed to be satisfied by the few fireworks they got to see. Toby and Aaron had gone with my sister to the drag races, they had a blast. We all got home close to midnight. Then the kids were all hyper with excitement of their evenings, so ANOTHER late night. Here are some pictures

The kids watching the fireworks

My Grandparents

My Mom thinking she could get away from the camera!

Kaitlyn

Kaitlyn and Devin trying to tame Bob

Justin, Toby, and Jacob chillin in the raft!

Devin and Nathan

Pretty Girls....Kaitlyn and Rachel

Cameron

Miss Kaitlyn

This was the best I was getting out of Toby. Says it makes him look cool

Aaron

Jacob

Nathan stuffing his mouth :)

Justin

Miss Rachel.....hmmmm you think she was giving me attitude about taking a picture? :)

Summary

We recently moved back to Eustace after a year in Big Spring. Even with all I have gone through in the last year, I can't say I regret my time out there. I wish we had a better experience out there but that doesn't change the reality. Some times we go through things for a reason and I know that I have a stronger sense of myself and a stronger, happier family as a result of battling the hard times.

The decision to move back was very difficult. I hate to move the kids around. When we finally made a decision to move back east, we were not really sure where we would end up. I applied for teaching jobs all around the east Texas area. Eustace has been tight with their hiring because of budget issues so I really thought there was no way I would be able to come back. I interviewed at a couple of schools and was offered a position at a nearby district. Then Eustace called and offered me a position. I was SOOOOOOOOOO happy. So, Cameron and I called our previous landlord who happened to have a house available for us. So everything just lined up really well. The kids are happy to be going back to Eustace schools. Its harder for Cameron's kids because the move means distance from their Mom and her family. But in the end this is were we are supposed to be. This is what works for us.

I will be teaching Headstart 4 year olds next year. I am very excited about teaching something new. I love special ed and that is where my heart is, but its also A LOT of extra paperwork and emotionally draining. With having so much going on in my outside of school life, I was looking to get out of special ed for awhile. So this year will be a learning experience but will be a lot of fun. I have an amazing team of fellow teachers who have already proven to be a great support.

The kids are doing great. We have them all home now and are enjoying the summer.

Ok that is the best I can do summarizing. I will now keep up with the blog and start posting current things.

FOR PAUL

I failed to mention Paul, and he was quick to point it out. For those of you who don't know Paul is Meaghan's husband. Poor guy was in the background during all the time Meaghan was busy being there for me. He even said a few nice, supportive comments. I know being there for me meant Meaghan being even more occupied. I have known Paul since High School when he and Meaghan began dating. I am proud of the husband he has been for my friend. THANK YOU PAUL!

I'm Back!

Hi everyone! I know for the past year I have been horrible with the blog. I have had a year to remember, sadly not fondly. I have been through a lot and while I will not go into it here, I would like to say thank you to those who were there when I truly needed friends. I can say that I have learned a great deal about myself and have grown into the person I believe God wants me to be. All of the drama made me realize how far I had allowed my life to get away from what God wants for me and our family. I also feel like I have grown a lot as a person. It has taken a lot of God's love and grace to get me to where I am today and I am so thankful.

I am at a place where I am living life again. I am happy and enjoy my life. I will do my best to keep up with my now revived blog.

My dear friends that I feel I must thank personally for the HOURS of talks, emails, chats, visits, etc.........

Debra....I know it wasn't always easy to listen to some of what I had to say. I appreciate your support and kindness through it all.

Wendie....Your humor cracks me up! Thank you for adding that into a dark spot in my life! (Keep the Wallace Girl Attitude....you never know when I might need it :) )

Lori.....I am so blessed to have gotten to know you. I love you and your precious Maddie. I feel like I've know you forever and you were such a support! Thanks for being there and sharing Maddie with me.

My dear Meaghan......Honestly have no clue what I would do without you. You have always been there and I try not to take that for granted. I know your life is as hectic as mine, so for you to ALWAYS be there when I need you is such a gift. I am thankful that we still have a friendship that has so much history. I love you!

The Blog

I know it has been months since I have posted anything. I have even thought about not continuing it. However, I do enjoy it and it is a kind of therapy for me, so I am giving it another shot. Wish me luck :)

Summary

I have a lot of pictures and stories I would like to get on here. I am currently having trouble loading the pictures so I will try again tomorrow. I just wanted to kind of get everyone up to date on what has been going on in our world.

We started school at the end of August and it has been wild since. We have already completed the first six weeks of school. The kids have made friends and are enjoying their new school. Everyone seems to have adjusted well and like it here. Because the school is so small there are many grades that only have one class. Jacob and Kaitlyn are in a class together and so are Nathan and Rachel. So far it is working well.

I found out shortly before school started that I would have two students who are "life skills" kids. Meaning they have more severe disabilities and we focus on functional life skills instruction. I wish I would have known more about them before then so I could have prepared better. I also have 5 other students who come to me for certain subjects. Because of my two life skills kids and the fact that I am teaching much older children than before, and at a new district, I feel I have so much to learn. I have been so busy trying to learn is or that and drowning in my paperwork. For the most part I am enjoying it. It is interesting and I have already learned so much.

My adjustment to West Texas........still a work in progress. Things have gotten better since starting school and getting into a routine. I am getting around town much better :) But I am still rather lonely. It seems funny to say that a mother of seven who can't go to the restroom without someone at the door is lonely. But I don't have any friends here. Since my life and work is focused around children, I have found that I NEED adult interaction. When I don't have that time with other adults to laugh, vent, socialize, whatever....I'm just not the same. My new school is not like the last where I was instantly part of a family. I miss that a lot. I know with time this will no longer be an issue, but at the moment it is and its been hard for me.

We should close on our refinancing of the house this week (although they said that last week). Last week was the week of "we need one more thing". I will be glad when this is over and I can stop searching for one random document after the other.

Our van's transmission went out a few weekends ago. Of course I was alone with the seven kids, but luckily wasn't on the highway anymore. In fact if I had gone straight home from work I would have made it home, but there was a book sale at the library :) Luckily, I was able to pull into a parking lot rather easily and there was room for the kids to get out and play while waiting on help. So for the time being the kids and I are making the 30 mile commute to school in the poor Buick. The mornings are not that bad since the kids are still half asleep. The trip home however is getting longer every day.

Well, that's all I have in me tonight....I have to get to sleep. I will post more tomorrow.

Happy Meaghan????? :)

Nathan's 7th Birthday!

Nathan turned 7 in August! I can't believe how fast he has grown up. Ok....so I can't believe how fast any of them are growing up, but he is my baby. He loves telling me he is seven and watching me make a sad face.

WOW!

I can't believe I haven't posted anything for so long! What can I say....things have been crazy! I am gonna try to catch up tonight.

Cousin Maddie's Birthday Party

Rachel and the birthday girl Maddie
Nathan

Kaitlyn floating in the pool....Rachel trying really hard at not getting her picture taken!

How cool are these werido's? Justin, Aaron, and Toby