15 days

It has been 15 days since my last blog. I often think of things to blog, then time gets away, we get busy and I lose track of my thoughts. Who would have ever thought so much could possibly happen in 15 days. I will attempt to re-cap in as few words as possible. Anyone who knows me know that in itself will be a challenge. Few words you say? Hmmm, grab a cup of coffee and don't hold your breath.

We will start with Kaleb because he is the oldest and he is at an absolutely fascinating stage in his life right now. School started last Friday. He seems to like the new school well enough, he has quite a few older friends in grades above him and they all live in the neighborhood. This past week our house has become the place to be. Whether it be in the yard, at my kitchen table, in Kaleb's room in just hanging out in the living room. I love it. It is always how I imagined it. Kaleb has also been at football practice constantly. He is very good at football. The most important thing he has going for him at this stage is his listening skills. He listens to the coach and does what he tells him, so he is getting a good solid basis of the fundamentals. I talked to Kaleb earlier in the week and told him the good thing about football is if you stick with it you are guaranteed to get better. If you push yourself at anything the only thing you can do is improve, and he is working very hard at this sport. I love the sparkle in his eyes, and he never complains, even when I can tell his little muscles ache (and YES, he does have definite muscles, I was very shocked by that revelation when I saw all the definition in my little boy!). He has 2 positions on the team, one on offense and one defense, he is middle line backer and tight-end. Both very good positions, and he is learning his jobs well. I am very proud of him. He got to pick his jersey number, he picked 2 because according to him that is his number. Who can argue with him, he was born on 2/2/2002 at 2:25 a.m. Pretty awesome. He walks to school every day since we live right behind the school. He really likes that, he gets picked up by a couple of his friends on the way and the stroll through the back gate of the school yard together. I know this because I watch him every single day. I am that mom. But in my defense I have always kept a watchful eye on the street and the back of the schoolyard in the mornings and the afternoons, even before my kid went to this school. Because that is what Mom's do, and I would expect that from any mother that could look out for kids, wouldn't you?

Last blurb about Kaleb....we went to the Orthodontist yesterday. I knew Kaleb had some issues with his teeth. I was not prepared for the news we got. Kaleb has to get a couple of his baby teeth pulled because his adult teeth need to come in before they get impacted. He will be going through 3 phases, one to fix his bite, one to straighten his teeth enough to get a full set of braces on there, and then a full set. The total for all of this is $9000. Yes, $9000. I told the ladies at the orthodontist that they need to bring in paper bags when they bring in the prices for each phase. I felt dizzy when they started going over the numbers. It is totally worth it, don't get me wrong, but wow. Luckily he does have double orthodontic coverage and we get some discounts but it is still going to be quite a hit. Scouts and Awana both start soon. Kaleb will probably miss some of those meetings due to football, but after football season starts he can jump right back in.

Mahala is doing really well in school. This year is going infinitely smoother then past years. She is a very emotional creature, I could not possibly imagine where she gets that from!! Haha. It is hard for me to remember that she is so young for her grade. I question whether or not I should have held her back since her birthday is so close to the cut off, but academically she excels. Emotionally she has some catching up to do. I have been reassured time and time again that she does wonderfully in school, but I am mama, it is my job to incessantly question myself as a parent and wonder how much counseling my children will have to seek when they are adults due to the irreversible damage caused by my cluelessness as a parent isn't it? Hmm, maybe I need counseling!! Kidding. Okay all joking aside. Mahala turned 7 last week. She got a brand new 20 inch bike for her birthday. It was a risk since she did not know how to ride a bike. She does now, although she lacks the confidence to ride for longer then 15 seconds straight before slamming on her brakes, she does know how to ride her bike straight and in a circle. I taught her how to do that. There was some falling, some tears and a fair amount of frustration. I guess that is what happens when you have a mother and a daughter that are exactly alike in every way imaginable. I love that girl. I don't think I could ask for anything different. She is constantly teaching me new things about myself. The other night she wanted me to reteach her how to wash her hair and use conditioner because she wants her hair to smell good all the time. It was fun and I love that she is constantly, and I do mean constantly wanting to soak up something new, no matter how small.

Mahala starts Girl Scouts for the year next Monday. Then Tuesday she starts gymnastics. She too is in Awana this year at our church every Wednesday, and I am pretty certain she is going to be her big brothers number one cheerleader on the sidelines every Saturday morning and my biggest helper. She is an awesome little girl.

Now on to Kellin. He is potty trained. The child that I thought would graduate from high school, possibly even college in diapers now wears underwear. He does a pretty darn good job at telling me when he needs to go to the bathroom, even when he is grossly involved in playing or some other activity. I think it is pretty amazing, both on his part and mine. That means out of my 4 children I only have one in diapers. I am pretty excited about that!!

Kellin is also starting to talk more. He keeps the entire family constantly entertained with his antics. Like when he comes up to me and "Shut the front door mom!", or walks up to Kaleb and his buddies and says "Come on guys.... are you serious?" (pronounced sewious). Pretty funny that kid. Kaleb especially enjoys it and laughs at him until he has tears in his eyes so even if you don't think Kellin is all that funny watching Kaleb laugh at him most certainly is.

Colton stood yesterday while he was leaning on the coffee table, and then he turned and leaned on the couch. He did not get up there on his own, but he stood no less. That is promising that he at least has the muscle tone to do so. He should start his physical therapy soon along with some other therapies. Our six month goal for him is to be walking. That puts him at 21 months. It may not be terribly realistic, but it is a goal no less and that gives us something to gauge his progress by and aim for. Goals are good, even the ones that may be just out of reach.

Mic has been working constantly. I am fairly certain Komatsu is trying to kill him. But they won't be able to. He is far too strong for that. He amazes me with his ability to get up each and every morning, often 7 days a week lately and go to work. And his work is hard, he is in a very physically demanding job. Then he still comes home and mows, and takes Kaleb to football and helps with the little kids a lot. I am not sure how he does it physically, but I thank God for him every chance I get.

I started school this week. I am taking 5 classes. It is way overwhelming, but I just keep telling myself that I only have 2 semesters left. I can do anything for 2 semesters. I mean I am the perpetual student. I have earned my Bachelors degree, part of a masters and now a Paralegal Certificate. Certainly I can do 2 semesters right? That remains to be seen my friends,  but I am hopeful. Didn't I just say something about it being good to have goals......even if they are just out of reach? Hopefully this one just seems a tad bit out of reach because it is the first week and I don't even know which books go with which class at this point. I will get there, get in and get it done....eventually.

This blog is way too long. It isn't even really like a blog once you get to the third paragraph is it? It is more like a short story, or a memoir. Whatever. No deep insights this time around, no sentimental goo, just enjoying the stages of each of my children right now and trying to keep my head above water, or at least feel like I am keeping my head above water. School, football, gymnastics, Scouts, Awana, Mops, school activities, dr's, PT, oh and Fantasy Football this weekend! That means college football starts soon too along with the NFL, now those are good times!

My thoughts for the day remains original and totally random. Don't waste time taking too many pictures but don't every be sorry you didn't take enough. Try to find that perfect balance, just like everything else in life!