Just Checking In

Despite my desire to have an amazing 2012, so far its been off to a somewhat lackluster start.  Now that is not to mean that there has not been a few pretty great moments, it is just that 12 days in and I have had 3 migraines.  I have never really had this many so close together, so that has made me a little worried and a tad bit annoyed.  I am hoping that together my doctor and I can get a better handle on the frequency of my migraines.  The silver lining to having this many migraines is that they have been less intense, and in general they haven't kept me down for days like they have in the past.  It has also given me the opportunity to try several different medications, and I hope in all of this I can find a medication that works best at relieving the pain once I get a migraine.  So this can still in the end be a huge step in the way for making 2012 amazing.  I hope this is the year when I finally find the right medication to keep some migraines at bay and a good medication that works well when I do have a migraine.

The boys have gone back to school and are settling back into the routine of things.  Keaton made honor roll again for the 2nd quarter of the school year.  He always tries his best and makes good grades.  Even when he struggles with something his positive attitude pulls him through.  When I was at the school this week for a PTO meeting one of Keaton's teachers commented to me about how helpful Keaton is.  Keaton again signed up as a peer buddy during 2nd quarter.  The faculty member that oversees this program always has the best things to say about Keaton, and how much he cares and enjoys working with his peer buddies.  It makes my heart swell with happiness to hear all of this positive and wonderful feedback.  I am so proud of Keaton.  I am blessed to have such an amazing step son.

Tucker seemed to struggle much of the 2nd quarter, even his teacher noted on his report card that his attitude had changed.  After a discussion with his teacher Mason and I have made some changes to some rules we have at the house, and have implemented new consequences including no video games for awhile.  Mason and I have also taken turns working  one on one with Tucker on his reading which he is struggling with at school, and I hope his reading grade next quarter will reflect all the hard work and time Tucker is putting into it. 

Keaton and Tucker have both started basketball.  They are both on teams with great coaches!  It is always a blessing to have volunteer coaches that truly want to be there.  Which I can honestly say has not always been the case even when Mason and I have coached the boys teams in the past.  These coaches give their time to coach and it isn't as easy as people think.  People will always notice a poor coach, but I sometimes feel that the good coaches are overlooked.  The ones that are organized, pass out schedules and picture packets in a timely manner, the ones that call when game times have changed, or games have been canceled, the ones that really try to help the kids develop new skills and has a passion for the team to not just win but have fun and work together as a team; these are the coaches that I love!  I am so grateful for the time these people have volunteered, and I can tell this basketball season is going to be great.  First games are this Saturday, I am excited to watch the boys play.  (Schedules are posted below on my blog for anyone who wants to come cheer them on.)

Zak has also returned to preschool after his winter break.  He continues to work with the school's speech pathologist to improve his speech and in general he is speaking more words and talking more clearly.  He likes riding the bus and gets a little sad on the days he doesn't have school.  I am looking forward to Feb. 9th when his preschool hosts a mommy and me dinner and craft night, it should be a fun time.  Technically it isn't just for mommies, and  Mason is going too.  It will be a great opportunity for Mason and I to do something with just Zak.  I really want to try and do some activities with each of the boys individually this year.

Eli is growing up too fast!  I don't remember giving him permission to be a big boy yet.  Unfortunately I was able to relive some of the baby stages when he was sick and wanted to cuddle all day.  Today Eli is doing much better, no fever, less coughing, and maybe the best part of feeling better less snot!!!  And so with a happy and active toddler our house is back to being a big jungle gym, and a mess making opportunity for our rowdy little guy.

Things at home are still going great and I am really happy to have Madison living with us.  I think it has been a good experience for everyone.  Mason likes having his brother here to hangout with.  The boys like having their uncle here and they all like the weekends when Brycen and Allie get to come and visit.  I like having Madison here because he is helpful, and it has been nice having another adult to talk to on a daily basis.  I'll admit I had my reservations about how well things would work out but things are going better than I ever imagined and I have nothing but good things to say.  It has been a great benefit and blessing to have a third willing adult here to help us with our kids activities as well.  Madison has watched our boys so Mason and I could go out, he has helped the older boys with their homework and has taken Keaton to a basketball practice that I couldn't make it to.  I thought it would be hard to coordinate 3 adult schedules, 4 kids schedules, and 2 part-time kids schedules but call me crazy I think it has been easier than it was with just Mason and I.  Tootie if your reading this, your boys are awesome and I love how helpful Madison has been.

Mason experienced some setbacks in registering for school and, despite trying to iron things out there just wasn't enough time to get everything lined up for spring semester.  Not to mention most of the classes were full when he tried to register.  Mason is continuing to get his paper work finished and he hopes to take a class this summer.  If not then he will defiantly be ready to take classes in the fall.  Mason has also been promoted to sales vacation relief as well as driver coordinator.  Basically the company has recognized Mason's hard work and have given him more responsibilities, and opportunities to move up within the company.  This is a huge step up for Mason.  Out of the two other people with Mason's position he is the only one that is trained to cover the salesmen when they are on vacation.  I am not lucky but blessed to have someone who works so hard and does so much for our family.  I love you, Mason.

Other random facts:
I lost weight!  Not a lot of weight but still I lost weight. Even with all the chocolate covered pretzels, and Christmas goodies.
Madison and I start classes next week.  I am so excited to get things started; it will be my last semester at Yavapai!  (almost 12 years after graduating high school, I will have finished my associates degree.)
I have an awesome girls day planned for this Sunday!  Plans include but are not limited to cocktails, dinner, and a movie. I can't wait to spend time with some of my best friends.
I am now taking suggestions for what and or how I should celebrate and spend my 30th birthday.  So text me, call me, email me, write me a letter, hit me up on Twitter, Morris code that tip, or smoke signal me some ideas. (Don't really Morris code me anything cause I would never begin to be able to translate it.)

So despite a slow start I'm still proclaiming 2012 my best year yet!
With continued awesomeness,
Jess

Tucker's Basketball Schedule

Jan 14th @ 12pm - First Game
Jan 21st @ 9am
Jan 28th @ 9am
Feb 4th @ 10am
Feb 11th @ 9am
Feb 18th @ 9am
Feb 25th @ 11am
Mar 3rd @ 10am - Last Game

All of Tucker's games are played in the YMCA gym.  We hope you can come out and cheer him and his team on at a game or two. :)

Keaton's Basketball Schedule

Jan 14th @ 2pm  First Game
Jan 21st  - Bye week & Picture Day
Jan 28th @ 3pm
Feb 4th @ 3pm & 5pm  Double Header
Feb 11th @ 9am
Feb 18th @10am
Feb 25th @ 4pm
Mar 3rd @ 4pm  Last Game

All of Keaton's games are played in the Prescott High School Girl's Gym.  We hope you guys can make it to a game or two.  I know Keaton would love to have people cheering him and his team on. :)