The photo life of the Dostart's...

It's that time of year...balloon fiesta!!!

2010-10-06T08:10:00.000-07:00

We love this time of year...the weather is cooling off and you just want to get out and spend time with the kiddos! We are planning on going on a couple special trips this week since Larry is off. When the weather is cooler it makes it alot nicer to go sightseeing which New Mexico has lots to offer.

Here in New Mexico it is also Balloon Fiesta time. For a few more days we have over 400 hot air balloons taking off every morning for such a beautiful show. Fortunately where we live we can see some of them from our home which absolutely excites Madison. Tomorrow we will be going to the mass ascension for the special shapes...it will be an early morning but so worth it. The kids love it as do the adults. At Madison's preschool they had a couple hot air balloons for the kiddos to see. All three kiddos enjoyed seeing one of the balloons take off and the other they could closely examine. We are blessed that every year we get great hot air balloon pilots who want to share their love of ballooning with kids and adults alike. Many prayers going out to the families of the balloonists that are still missing....such a tragic and sad story.

With halloween just around the corner we have started panicking on what the kids will be this year and Maddie is very distressed that we have not decorated yet! She is on her Dad daily to put up decorations so she can show off her house. She is so proud of what we do. Maddie wants to be Jessie from Toy Story but I have not been able to find a costume for her. I wanted to do the Alice in Wonderland theme since I have the Queen of Hearts costume but she shot that down. Emily has not yet decided if it is cool to still go out...teens are such drama!

Speaking of Emily she has been officially diagnosed with severe ADHD and ODD oppositional defiance disorder. We are still working on finding just the right meds for her and she is still going to therapy. She is doing better in school but is still giving us grief at home. We are making progress but very slowly. Zach is growing in laps and bounds and is walking and climbing all over the place and is always talking, much to my dismay! He has just as much to say as his two sisters which is ALOT!! Maddie is enjoying preschool so much and is doing very well. She is just such a sweet loving girl who just loves her family.

School is not going great for me. Algebra and chemistry are two very hard subjects, much harder than I realized. I am doing ok just wish I could understand it better! Only 9 more weeks to go!

Sharing some pics of the family...may God bless you and yours....

Don't you love the curve balls life throws at ya?

2010-08-20T12:53:00.000-07:00

God won’t give you more than you can bear …

It does not imply that God won’t let you be stressed beyond what you can bear.

Or challenged beyond your ability.

Or pushed beyond your threshold.

In reality, God gives you more than you can bear all the time. On purpose.

...It’s only when you can’t bear the load that the strength of Christ kicks in…

and He becomes everything you need and more.

When things happen in life that just throw you for a loop, I always remembered my Mom telling me that God never gives you more than you can handle. I always just prayed hard and hoped God heard me. I never really questioned my faith and what God had planned for me but what has happened to my family I can't just think this. I have asked so many times why me, why her, why us? I am so mad and hurt that this could happen to us and God allowed it.

I know God is here with me and is carrying us through this ordeal but it doesn't make the hurt I feel go away or feel lessened. I am hoping as things play out and fall into place, I start feeling better and our family can heal. We still are going to church and have not lost our faith...it is just being tested and I can assure you the devil is testing us in a very evil way.

On a happier note, both girls have started school and are absolutely having a great time. Emily is on the volleyball team and is just thrilled. I am hoping this will be a great school year for her. Maddie is loving going to preschool and riding the bus. It brings tears to my eyes to watch how my two girls have grown into the loving people they are. Zachary is enjoying being the only one home and getting all the attention. He is growing into such a little man. I can say God has blessed me with three remarkable children that we love to pieces.

I am now done with school for this term and will be starting again in a week or so. I know I passed both classes but have not seen my grades yet...I am curious what they are!!! I am transferring to a new school and have a new career in sight. I am also getting more involved with a charity that helps kids and also wanting to get more involved with children's charities in our area. You have to give to receive and I plan on living that way and showing my kids how great it makes you feel.

Please keep my family in your prayers....we need all that we can get at this time. Hope everyone has a blessed weekend....

My continuing journey

2010-07-17T22:38:00.000-07:00

It has been an eventful week but has been very liberating for me. I am starting to come out of my "Mommy" shell and back to my old self which to me, makes me a much better and happier Mommy!

Monday started with appts for both Zachary and myself. Mine was just a quick checkup and getting blood drawn to check my sugars, cholesterol, etc. Zach's on the other hand was a bit tricky. He broke out in what looked like a rash but no bumps just under the skin and had it since friday when we got back from the zoo. Of course it was nothing and was told to give benadryl and it went away the next day. Always when I break down and take him to the doc he is miraculously better that same day or the next.  The PA had never seen anything this bad (he was red and blotchy all over) so she called in just about everybody to see him. My kid the freak...lol!!

Emily is seeing a therapist weekly and we have now decided she needs to see a  psychiatrist and try her out on new meds since she is starting to show signs of depression. Why must teenagers be so miserable? I was always happy...well most of my hormonal time I was! She is showing signs of improvement and we know it will take time to make the changes necessary to make our family life better. After she is doing better I will start seeing a therapist to figure out my issues as to why I can't get this weight off (I just know it is something in my head!).

Wednesday night (I think) Emily and I went out to dinner with her friend Emmery and her mom Dawn who I am good friends with. It was so nice to get out and not have the stress of 3 kiddos and enjoy some time with Dawn. The girls sat at a seperate table and thought that was just so cool but secretly we were happy we could have adult conversations! And to make it better, they lost the kids order and took over an hour to bring them their food so it was free. Friday night hubby came home and decided he wanted to eat out so off we went. The girls did not fight and the food was good so all in all a great night! I love eating out but man is it expensive so next week I am cooking all week...boo!

Today I went to a consignment sale and scored some great buys, a Melissa and Doug easel, a bike helmet for the little guy for when we finally start riding our bikes and a bunch of trucks and cars since Zach just loves his cars! Also found a dress for Emily and a romper for myself at Goodwill. I also found some pretty wine glasses but decided I didn't have any room for them, darn it! I love scoring bargains!!! May have to hit some yard sales tomorrow before church.

I am still trying to get all my financial paperwork in order to transfer over to CNM in the Fall. It is not as easy as I envisioned but I am slowly chipping away at it. I can't register till the end of the month so I have time, thank goodness! I am still in classes at NAU and can't wait for them to be OVER!!! They are kicking my butt!

I have been following the couch to 5k and have been doing pretty good. Still working on running all the "required" times...boy I am so out of shape but you got to start somewhere! I am starting to get more energy which makes me want to continue and make changes to my eating habits. We'll see where this leads me....hopefully on the skinny road!

Hubby and I have decided to become a bigger part of our community (our HOA) and will join a couple of committees to make our community better and to find out just what they do with our dues and all the other money they get! Hubby is also considering running for office with the HOA. I think he is still mad about not being able to keep the lattice on our gate....if that is what it takes to make some changes I say go for it! I see my lattice coming back on...just kidding! LOL!!!

The past couple nights we have been getting our camper ready for our 1st camping trip next weekend. Maddie is so excited and I am to. I have NEVER been camping so this should be fun! All 5 of us and the dog....luckily we won't be too far from home for this first time out! I am looking forward to some fresh air and hopefully cooler temps up in the mountains! It is way too hot here...

Wow this looks like a novel but I did warn it has been an eventful week and I am sure next week will be more of the same! Now to share my pic of the family...just excuse the writing in the pic as I am too lazy to scan it in!

Now off to bed since I am helping out in church tomorrow...night all!

Here I go....

2010-07-10T21:35:00.000-07:00

Me and my Zachy man

Do you ever feel like you aren't who you are suppose to be? I am really feeling that way. I do love my husband and kiddos but this is not the way I thought my life would be. When I was graduating high school I dreamed of being a nurse, having my career and getting married much later in life. But here I am almost 41, still trying to get that nursing degree and begin my journey in my chosen path, mom to 3 kiddos when I never thought I would have any kids and a stay at home mom to top it all off. I am ready to rediscover myself and find my inner happiness again.

So today I decided I want to lose all this blubber and started the Couch to 5K running plan. It was tough, especially with a 4 yr old that did NOT want to run tagging along, but I made it through and not feeling like I would die! I am DETERMINED to stick with it and start feeling better about myself and maybe get some energy too!

I am transferring schools and hoping to get into a nursing program next year to finally get started on my dream. I had started at NAU to get into their nursing program that was "suppose" to start this summer but now it is all up in the air. Time is passing me by so I am jumping ship and going somewhere that has a program and is quite a bit cheaper as well!

I guess as I approach the age my Mom passed away at (46) it has made me realize I am the only one that can make ME happy and I need to start doing it! We are also still plugging away at our debt with the Dave Ramsey plan (even though we blew it with a new truck a couple months ago) which is taking much stress off of us seeing our debt get smaller and smaller and trasferring to the new school will help my student loan be MUCH smaller. My hubby also put on his next rank, Senior Master Sergeant, and is very happy and we are VERY proud of him. His Mom came to see him "tack" on his rank and it meant the world to him that she was here.

Emily and Madison "tacking on" Larry's stripes

All in all we are taking things one day at a time and letting God lead us. That is the best way to go....

Long time no blogging....

2010-06-24T16:34:00.000-07:00

Whew have I been busy! Since January I have had 2 surgeries (hernia repair and gallbladder taken out), started my oldest daughter in therapy for her anger issues and such, stayed very busy with school and just enjoying my kiddos! I have missed blogging and I never thought I would!

So be looking for more posts from me in between studying and doing homework tracking the everyday life of us! Off to cook dinner and take some pics!

And the winner is..........

2010-05-07T15:44:00.000-07:00

Ok since this is my 1st giveaway I picked the winner the old fashioned way...I wrote all the names down, put them in a hat and had my oldest pull a name. I know not that fancy but hey it works! Now on to the winner....

Monique from Surferwife! Congrats!!!! I will be emailing you to let you know you won so if you don't email me back in 48 hours I move on to the next one!

My next giveaway is for a 3 month subscription to Zoodles which let me tell you my 4 year old LOVES!!!!

Happy Mother's Day to you all and have a great weekend!!!

Mother's Day coupon book

2010-05-06T13:48:00.000-07:00

I wanted to pass along this adorable coupon book. What a great way to show you love Mom! I know my kids never know what to get me and this would just touch my heart and maybe get them to appreciate me more!

Enjoy your coupon book!

Winner announced Friday!

2010-05-05T14:55:00.002-07:00

I can't wait to announce the winner of the Coupon Organizer! Good luck to everyone who entered!

I love free stuff!!!!

2010-04-30T09:32:00.000-07:00

I am trying to get my ducks in a row for summer this year. Emily will not be going to camp (too expensive) so I am trying to find free and low cost things to do. So far we have bought a membership for the zoo/aquarium/botanical gardens and will be buying a pool pass. The great thing about the pool is that it is indoors so we can use all year which for $600 we better be able to use it all year!!!!! And that it wears kids out! So hopefully some good sleep!!!!

So far I found this great deal for 2 free games of bowling every day for kids all summer (heck it is valid NOW) and free movies at our local theater on tuesdays and wednesdays. I am so stoked to find these things as all I ever here is "I am bored"! The bowling deal let's you buy a family pass for those that aren't free for $25 for 2 free games for up to 4 adults daily. That is a great deal!

Now to start writing all these dates down so we don't forget them! So much to do I hope the summer just flies by! Emily will be in the 7th grade and hopefully (fingers crossed) Madison gets into the preschool (it is a lottery drawing) she has been wanting to go to. Won't it be nice to be down to ony one child! Woo Hoo!!!!
I am already signed up for my summer classes and we are waiting to see if Emily gets into the summer academy to help her with math. Hopefully summer is fun and flies by!

Giveaway reminder!!!!

2010-04-29T11:33:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to enter for the Coupon Magic organizer giveaway! It is my first review and giveaway and would love to make it a great one! Please share with your friends!!! I love this organizer! I went to Albertson's today and saw that they were doubling coupons so pulled out my binder and away I went! Much better than pulling out my envelope full of coupons and missing great deals. Love it!

http://dostart4plus1.blogspot.com/2010/04/my-first-review-and-giveaway.html

Wordless wednesday...

2010-04-28T21:15:00.002-07:00

What to do....

2010-04-27T13:08:00.000-07:00

I am so frustrated and need some input. At Emily's school, the asst principal was arrested for drunk driving this past Sunday, over 2 x's the legal limit. I am tired of this school to begin with and this just put the nail in the coffin for me. I wish I had the patience to homeschool her but I don't so I am looking to transfer her to another middle school. If I do that I have to take her to and from school daily. Not a big deal especially if Maddie gets into the preschool down the road from the school.

Am I overreacting? There have so many problems with this school, with administrtors and teachers, that I am just tired of it. Kids are jumped every day, bathrooms locked so kids can't use them and on and on. I guess I just need to hear from others that I am not just an overprotectve Mom! I have been praying about it just nothing really making sense yet. Thanks guys for listening! Now off to finish laundry.....

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-21T08:59:00.000-07:00

My little man eating his birthday cupcake!!!!

What a day....

2010-04-19T21:08:00.000-07:00

Explain to me why children will sleep all weekend long but as soon as the week starts (and when you have classes) they wake up and want to stay up for hours? Ugh...I love ya Zach but there are days....

Wednesday was Zachary's 1st birthday and sunday was his party. Nothing fancy just some friends over eating and watching Zach rub cupcake all over himself and then eat it all! I can not believe he is one...it just flew by! Pictures will floow as soon as I get my laptop to download them. Things are running so slow....

Hope you all sign up for my giveaway....it is a great one! I am also working on a couple more to share.

My first review and giveaway!!!!!!!!!

2010-04-19T10:31:00.001-07:00

I am so excited to share this with you all. It has been a long time coming but here it is!

Review of Coupon Magic Organizer and Giveaway!!!!!!

I am newish to couponing and got really excited when I saw the Coupon Magic Organizer system. My old system consisted of one envelope with coupons I knew I was going to use and one with all the other coupons. Not very efficient when shopping with 2 kiddos and not alot of time! The Coupon Magic Organizer makes it so easy to keep all your coupons at your fingertips while shopping and not miss using any cause you couldn't find them, as was my problem always!

When I saw this sytem I contacted Tania Mings, the brainchild behind this system, and asked her if I could review the Coupon Magic Organizer and she said yes! I was sent the Gold edition and jumped right in to reading all the tips she gives and stuffing my coupons in! I will admit in the beginning it did take some time to get it all organized and took me a little bit getting used to carrying it with me but it has been well worth it! If I can do this with a teenager asking for everything, a 4yr old tugging on me and a 1 yr old trying to play with the binder, anyone can!

The Coupon Magic System consists of (in my words):

Color-Coded Dividers- these I use with my store pockets

20 pages of 9-slot coupon pages (will hold 180 coupons)- love these cause I can see my coupons!

3 Store Pockets- I use these to keep my coupons organized for the stores I go to

3 pages of 3-slot coupon pages- I put my coupons that I know I am using and will expire soon in here

Price Book (5 pages)- this helps me to keep up with prices so I know when I am getting a good deal

Coupon Magic Organizer Meal Planner (12 pages)- as anyone who knows me knows I am terrible at this but I am working on it!

Coupon Magic Organizer Shopping List (12 pages)- Love it!

Fourteen Page Instructional and Savings Guide- there are so many helpful tips in here that I would have never thought of!

2010 Coupon Insert schedule- a must have!

As I said earlier there are 2 editions the Silver (with everything included above) for $26.99 and the Gold (which comes with a binder) for $38.99 and that binder is a nice heavy duty one. if you don't want all the bells and whistles but would like all her tips to making the most of your couponing, you can purchase the instructional manual download for $10. In my opinion, all of the systems are worth every penny!

All in all I love the system. I may move it to a smaller binder so I can carry it with me all the time (even though it is in the van for all my shopping trips). Other than that I LOVE it and it has saved me quite a bit of time and money which is what we all want!

Now on to the good stuff!  Tania has graciously allowed me to give away a Silver edition organizer to one of my followers (just like Gold but without binder)! Trust me you won't know how you kept up with your shopping and coupons before this! The contest will run from April 19th to May 4th. Good luck!!!

To enter you can do one or all of these for extra entries!

1. Become a fan of my page

2. Follow Coupon Magic Organizer on facebook

3. Tell me about your current way of coupon organizing

4. Blog about my giveaway

5. Follow me on facebook

Disclosure: I was not compensated by Coupon Magic Organizer in any way, but I was given a Coupon Magic Organizer for review and 1 Coupon Magic Systems for The Photo Life of the Dostart's readers. All opinions expressed are my own and should not be substituted for your opinion.

Happy Birthday!

2010-04-15T05:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my little man's 1st birthday. I can not believe he is one! Where did this year go?? We will have his party on Sunday (weather permitting) with a few friends as family is not living close by. Now I can officially say I no longer have any babies even though my kiddos will always be my babies!

I am hoping to have my 1st giveaway posted tomorrow and it is a great one! Stay tuned!

What ya doin'?

2010-03-27T16:47:00.000-07:00

That is what Madison asks me all the time when I am reading or doing my schoolwork. She wants to go to school so badly that I am thinking of homeschooling her until she can go to school. I bought her a couple Mellisa and Doug wipe away placemats with letters and addition and subtraction and she loves them and uses them all the time! If only she could read some of my medical stuff and help me with my homework! LOL!!

Tomorrow we are going to the Pork and Brew here in Rio Rancho and have some good barbque! We were suppose to go last night but it was cancelled due to high winds and rain/sleet. So instead we looked at trucks. Larry is looking for a new truck to pull the camper. There are sooooo many trucks and so many choices. We have to make sure he can fit (he is 6'5) and that Emily can also (she is 5'6 and only 13). We also have 2 car sets so gots to have room in the back! Hopefully we find something soon so we aren't truck shopping every weekend!

Tomorrow is church also which we haven't been to in a couple weeks. I feel badly but when Larry is gone I have to fit in my schoolwok in the mornings since the kids sleep later so really throws the timing off. No more excuses...I know I miss it and need to get back!

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and God Bless!

16 yrs....

2010-03-25T11:28:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my Mom has been gone that long. When I talked to my sister Bridget yesterday, she reminded me that Mom has been gone longer than she had been with them. I treasure all the time I had with my Mom...she was a great Mom and my best friend. I miss her terribly....

Wordless Wednesday....

2010-03-24T15:12:00.000-07:00

My Zachy man standing up...why do they grow up so fast?

Getting into a groove....

2010-03-23T14:07:00.000-07:00

Well it is week #3 into this term and surprisingly I am doing pretty well! I don't think I will be taking 3 classes next term but this hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be. None of my classes have midterms or finals (yeah!!) but do have papers at the end which really isn't too bad. Hubby is taking off from his schooling for a month or so since it is just so hard with both of us in school. He has plenty to do around the house to keep him busy and we are trying to get the camper ready for the camping season. Next is to get the house ready for Zach's 1st birthday party and Larry's promotion party...woo hoo! Senior Master Sergeant Dostart!!!!!

Zachy man is starting to sleep better and have got him to put himself back to sleep after a little rubbing on the back from Mommy. No more bottles in the middle of the night and he is starting to enjoy our food much more than he did few weeks ago! He is also pulling himself up to stand and looks like he will be walking the furniture soon. I can't believe he will be a year next month....my baby is growing up way too fast!

We also got a new dog...a westie named Echo. He is a puppy and full of energy but he is fitting in pretty well. I have got to get him in with a groomer so he can look like a westie...he just looks like a fur ball now! Jasmine (our weenie dog) now has a heart murmur and bad teeth....she is only 1!! So now we watch her and make sure she is doing ok. She hates getting her teeth brushed but got to do it. So funny...I brush my 4 yr old, 11 month old and now my dog's teeth! Geez!

We are still following the Dave Ramsey plan and now only have one more credit card to pay off, then just have house and new truck (when we get it). I know his plan says to save money for a new vehicle but we need to get him a new car but do plan on paying it off faster than normal and have started paying more on our mortgage as well. It is nice to not have the stress of money on top of everyday life!

Have a birthday wish to send out to Monique...Happy Birthday! Hope you have a great one!!!

Now off to start dinner....wo weird to have hubby home for dinner! Now I have to cook! LOL!!!

Ok now I know I have lost my mind....

2010-03-15T10:16:00.000-07:00

Taking 3 classes this term was a crazy idea! I have been reading and doing so many assignments since wednesday my head is spinning and my algebra class starts tonight! Ugh! I just keep telling myself it is just 11 weeks and one week is already down.... Larry needs to get done with his class and take a break so we can get things done around the house before Zach;s birthday on April 14th.

March is also a bad month for me with memories of my Mom. Her birthday was yesterday and she would have been 62. I just can't picture my Mom 62 since she passed away at 46. I miss her so much even though it has been almost 16 yrs (the 25th this month). I am such a baby when I think of my Mom and cry all the time....I miss her I think more now that I have a family than I did when I was single. She is never far from my thoughts at any time of the year.

It seems like the sickies are out of my house. Zach is back to normal (not sleeping through the night like he was when he was sick), Maddie is doing good with the allergy meds and Emily does good when she remembers to take her allergy meds. I am feeling much better just worn out now from little sleep and using my brain as much as I am! Medical terminolgy is sucking the life out of me...interesting but so much to remember! Human growth and devlopement is in a classroom and the teacher is only sking for a paper at the end...5 pages but I am sure that it will be easier than mid-terms and finals!

I am working on a review for a couple products that I have really enjoyed....stay tuned! Have a wonderful Monday!!!!

Friday already?????

2010-03-05T15:32:00.000-07:00

Wow this week has flown by! Between doctor appts, errands and concerts plus hubby being gone I am worn out! Today we picked up our new cabinet door to replace the one Emily kicked in and got my books for my classes that start next week. I am not looking forward to 3 classes this next term but have got to get this degree MOVING!!!!!

Poor Zachy man has an ear infection which last week was just allergies....he is feeling better but still really congested. Madison is feeling much better since we got the eye drops and meds for her allergies. She is still mouthy as ever...she has turned into a little devil since Larry was home for those 3 weeks! It is taking some time to get her back in line! Emily is a semi miserable teen..bored and not wanting to be helpful or nice. Yuck....I am so not looking forward to the rest of the teen years!

We did get some great news this week......Larry made Senior Master Sergeant this go around! We are so proud of him and excited for his new rank and what it holds for us! He is so relieved....so another 2 years and maybe we can retire!

Tonight Emily has a formal concert and as much as I love seeing her do these things, I just don't want to go! I am tired and just not in the mood. Thankfully my friend Dawn is watching Zach so his ears aren't bothering him. Maddie and I will hang out and hope it doesn't last too long! Tomorrow is ballet for Maddie, stop at WalMart and get a dog bed for the new puppy and toys. Yes I got us a new puppy...a very pretty Westie. He is cute but so very annoying and peeing all over! I have both the dogs in the kitchen so easier to clean up but still...every 10 minutes someone has peed! We'll see how long my patience lasts!

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.....smooches to all!!!

Doctor says......

2010-03-02T13:41:00.000-07:00

That I am healing well and the pain I have is normal and will go away once I am completely healed. I was so worried the pain was my gallbladder and that another surgery was on the horizon. Thank goodness things are ok!

Today the weather is nice...low 50's and sunny. Unfortunately my kiddos allergies are in overdrive so no fun outside for us. Poor Zachy man is so congested and taking benadryl. Maddie is on claritin and eye drops to help her. Emily is ok with just otc meds so one less to take to doctor! I am taking otc pills as well. Larry is in Colorado enjoying some volleyball and quiet time to get his classwork done. Two of my classes start next week, human growth and developement w/lab and my online medical terminology. The week after my algebra class starts....did I ever mention I don't care for math? It has always been my worst subject....I just hope I can get a tutor and finally finish my math requirements!

I am working on my reviews and giveaways so hope to have those done by friday. I am very excited about them! I hope you all will enjoy them as much as I had doing them! Until tomorrow....

My Post Op Appt

2010-02-25T08:11:00.000-07:00

I am so not looking forward to today, well maybe a little! I have my post op appt and will discuss my next surgery, taking out my gallbladder. I did figure out that taking heartburn meds does help my gallbladder pain, thank goodness! I was dying yesterday! I am hoping he will let me start exercising so I can lose some of this chub! My next appt is with my ob/gyn to check out the cysts the surgon said he saw on my ovaries....I see yet another surgery in my future! I hit 40 and fell apart! I will post all about my appt when I get back.

I also have to pick up Madison and Emily's meds from the store. Madison has terrible allergies that are just wreaking havoc on her eyes....they're bright red and hurt. Zachary is starting to get it as well. He did sleep all night but I think it was the benadryl that helped with that. His nose is just running all the time and making him miserable. I love New Mexico but it is terrible for those who have allergies.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day and will check in later.....

Yes I am enjoying Monday!

2010-02-22T15:58:00.000-07:00

Aaahhh..life back to normal! Madison off to KidsZone, Emily to school and Zach and I running errands all morning. It is nice to just have the kids to deal with all day...an extra person just throws your schedule off!

I love my husband and appreciate everything he did while off taking care of me and the kids but boy it was time for him to go back to work! He starts his new job today (he was moved to a different job while on leave with me) and I know he was a bit nervous. He is also back in school with University of Pheonix and has lots of papers to write which takes quite a bit of work and time. My classes start next month and I will be taking 3, one online and the others on the Albuquerque and Rio Rancho campuses. I need to bust through them and get this degree done...I am not getting any younger! I have decide to not pursue my nursing degree and just focus on medical assisting for now and see how that goes.

Zach is back to not sleeping through the night. I have about given up. He gets 8 oz of the enfamil nighttime formula and a bowl of cereal and still wakes up 2 - 3 hours later wanting another 6 oz of formula. Emily and Maddie were easy compared to Zach! If I let him cry, he bawls for at least an hour and by then I am fully awake. This 4 hours of sleep a night is kicking my butt and I know isn't helping with my healing either. The only times I slept throug the night was when I ws in the hospital....if only I could go back to get sleep!

Today Zach and I went to Target to just walk around and I found my face scrub and body wash on sale so was a productive trip. After that we went to my fave thrift store and found lots of clothes for Zach and Maddie for next winter and a couple things for now since we still are pretty cold here. WalMart also was on my to do list and found PJ's for Emily, tops for $2 and bottoms for $2.50 so have gifts for her for Easter since she always need PJ's! Also got myself a new pair of PJ's since they were $3. After that I got Chick-fil-a for lunch, picked up Maddie and went home. Dinner will be roasted chicken, asparagus and stuffing...yummo!

I will be posting pics of my hubby's handiwork: he laid new flooring in my living room and painted, put up new lights in both bathrooms and new mirrors. There is still lots of painting to do but in no big hurry. My house is feeling more like a home since making these improvements and getting rid of furniture that we just don't need.

Happy Monday!