2014. Just stopping to reflect makes me so grateful for all that I have. Sometimes it's overwhelming because I feel so undeserving, but that's what God is; unconditional love. He has given me a wonderful husband and three amazing boys. They are three unique, wild and loving kids and they make my life so great! There is never a dull moment. This year has been so great! A few of the highlights;
All the snow in January! I remember checking the school closings every day for a week and finding out another snow day each time. The boys loved it and they think we will have snow again. I think they will be very disappointed if it doesn't snow this winter.
The boys' bike birthday party. It was great weather and a great opportunity to have so many friends and family get together to celebrate! It was a big party and plenty of room to run around. Ill never forget letting the balloons go up to heaven and the boys watching them with their cousins at the end.
The date nights I had with both of the older boys in the summer. I absolutely loved the one on one time and they have been asking again when we can do it again. I think we'll make that one an annual tradition.
The spontaneous decision for me to start Real Estate school in July. I had planned on starting next year (early 2015) and I was looking at the classes and Jeff got home one day and I said, "Why wait?" We prayed about it, I signed up and started classes 2 days later. I was worried that I would miss AJ's open house for school. We got to school early, waited for the doors to be opened, ran in to meet his teacher (who we knew from the year before) and literally ran through the parking lot so I could rush him home and get to class. I took the state exam the day before Mark's birthday 10/10 and got my licence the same day. I remember the feeling of relief and excitement. Also, my first listing appointment. Collin and Sarah watched the boys for me and Kallai (another Realtor) and I went to the house. It was weird and exciting; and experience to remember. Putting my sign in the yard was a great moment! I'm so excited for this new chapter in my life.
Our trip to Pittsburgh in June was so much fun! Even though distance keeps us from seeing each other often, the times with family are always great! The boys talk about it all the time and how much fun they had- there was always someone to play with.
The boys both starting another school year. It was easier this year, because nobody was starting at a new school. They both have amazing teachers and I am so thankful!
Running! Jeff and I got to train together (occasionally) and running the Savannah Half together was a lot of fun- I was so proud of Jeff. Running came so easily for him and it was something we enjoyed together. There was some competitiveness between the 2 of us though, every time I went for a short run during the week, Jeff wanted to know my time and distance just so he could beat me by just a little bit. Fall was hard for me trying to get my runs in while going to school and working at the restaurant. I took Mark and Ty to the park a lot of morning and ran while they played in between drop offs. AJ's first 5k race in Athens! I was so proud of him and impressed with his ability. I think running is something he will enjoy for a while.
This Christmas season came so quickly and I felt unprepared. I didn't get cards out and didn't get a few gifts I had intended to. Next year I plan to start earlier. We enjoyed our time with our families and had a nice relaxing day on Christmas day.
The boys . . .
AJ . . . I feel like he is 6 going on 13. He is very mature for his age, but also has a teenage attitude that comes out from time to time. He has finally come out of his shell and is willing to meet new people and plays with other children really well. At a birthday party in the fall he told me that I could leave and he would stay (at a home we had never been to, nor had I ever met the family before). So different than he used to be. He is reading so well! We read every day for school and he continues to surprise me reading difficult words and longer story books. Sometimes he needs a little motivation with reading, but never with math. He does his math homework within minutes and asks for more difficult problems. He has recently discovered fractions and decimals. He loves money especially earning and saving it. Georgia Tech is become of interest to him because it's a "math and science" school. AJ prefers playing with older children.
Ty . . . Sometimes I feel like we forget to celebrate his accomplishments because we've already seen AJ do these same things. He is so smart and his teacher compliments him almost everyday, says he is so well behaved and is a fast learner. He knows all of his letters and letter sounds and is starting to do blends (ch, th, etc.). He is very eager to read like his big brother. Ty has such a sweet spirit and a generous heart. He is always willing to share and is so helpful to others, especially his little brother. He LOVES being a big brother, showing Mark how to do things, and teaching him. He's very good with younger kids. He is very goofy and silly; he'll randomly start dancing and makes funny faces at me for no reason. Ty is also the one that will push the limits when it comes to our rules. He will do something that I just told him not to do and act like he didn't know. He can be wild and loves to wrestle with AJ, but will be the first to come crying to me with an injury (I usually have little sympathy).
Mark . . . My sweet Mark is so adorable. I've asked Jeff a few times, "Were the other boys this cute?" He just makes my heart melt. He loves to snuggle, especially when he doesn't feel good. He'll say "Mama, I want to hold you" and of course I can't say no. Between the HSP and a double ear infection in December, we were doing a lot of snuggling. Mark LOVES cars! He is constantly rolling a car on a table or on the floor. He loves to tell us where people are and who's things are in the room. He'll say, "that's AJ" or "Mama's i-pad". Mark loves his dad- he's always excited to see him when he gets home and will often sit near him when we're both around.
We have a lot to look forward to in 2015, the biggest is probably becoming debt free. It's a goal Jeff and I have been working on since 2009. It will be such a relief and a new start for our family. We'll continue to move forward and grow together. I'm excited to see what God has in store for us.
