It's all about the kids...

I am feeling really thankful today for our business. I can remember way back when Robb and I were newlyweds, when he was still making plans for Optometry school, and he told me that he wanted to be in a career where he could support himself but still take time to get away. It was what he admired so much about his dad. His dad stayed with Kodak for son long becasue of the non material blessings he received. Robb believed that the best career would be one where he could take off for a week of scout camp, or little trips with his family, and have the company still bring in money. We are FINALLY at that point. And it is just as satisfying as I dreamed it would be. In just a few days we will head to Oregon. To visit where the dream first started.

The growth within our practice has been astounding, and I know it is through the Lord's blessing that we are able to accomplish so much. My dad told me one time, "just keep it small. You don't want to get too big." But how do you turn away these children, these parents? We have had parents lined up ready to pay, practically in tears because we are full. But we always find ways to make more room. I will never forget this high school boy who proudly came in to show off his report card. He was very quiet when he described how he had never received a B or A in his life. Very few C's. He was a D/Failing student. Here was his report card with all C's and 1 B. You could see the hope in his eyes. His whole future had changed. Who wants to turn away a family whose child has struggled so much, and you know you can make the difference? It is overwhelming. From the very beginning we have been cautious in our approach, fearing that any time the growth would slow. But we are now realizing the value in "shooting for the stars." A life of giving to our community. What a dream.

Birthday's

So we had a very busy weekend celebrating Aaron and Kelbre's birthday's with both sides of the family. Saturday was devoted to my sister's side along with my mom, and Sunday was the Johnson's. We had a big Mexican dinner on Saturday, then took some family photos with my mom and roasted marshmallows on the fire pit. We have sure enjoyed the fire pit. There is something about sitting around smelling like smoke that makes everyone get along.

Sunday was a recovery day for me. I went into work for about 4 hours and got a lot done. I am realizing how badly I need to be in the office for long periods of time. I will have to continue to make my crazy schedule work for a couple of weeks, then I can make it happen.

Sunday was also our birthday dinner with Robb's family. We were able to celebrate a cousin's birthday too, who happens to be a day older than Kelbre. I was very excited about the photo I got of them mid blow. Aaron wanted mostly money and Xbox stuff, which he got. He is loaded now with money, junk food, pop and earphones to keep him from hearing mom. What more could a boy want? He is thinking abt getting a Kindle fire, but we will see. He changes his mind so frequently. Kelbre, my sweetheart, got movies, cuddle blankets and all things girly. I can't wait to curl up with her under her blanket to snuggle and watch Mulan.

Kelbre got a mad libs birthday card from her grandma. It turned out really good! It was such a great idea. By the way, "bealo" is a cross between a bee and buffalo apparently. Never knew that.

Now our busy week has started. 4 days to get everything done before we head out to Portland. I am so looking forward to this trip, but I believe I am in denial about getting ready on time. Let's see, I have daycare kids three out of the four days; The kids are busy with school and getting ahead before we leave;The boys are busy with football, karate and a court of honor; I have to work the one day I don't have daycare; somehow I need to visit teach before I go; with my neice moving in I need to get a good housecleaning in; finished laundry might be nice; I need to spend some time with my mom, who leaves to go home while we are gone. My mom in law's advice last night: "Don't worry about it. You can buy whatever you need in Portland if you need to." That's usually what happens. Maybe I shouldn't pack at all.

Early Bird

This week has been a bit of adjustment for me as Robby started Seminary on Tuesday. I am blessed to have a nephew that is 16 and can drive him each morning, but that doesn't mean I can sleep. I usually start worring that I am goin to oversleep at about 4:00, so I spend the next 1 1/2 hours tossing and turning and watching the clock. I keep telling myself that I used to do this 20 years ago and that my body will adjust, but so far all I have done is end up in an arthritis flair up. I never thought about getting old too much, but I realize lately that I am. I am old. I am tired. And it makes me crazy that my husband can snore right through all of it.

Suspended Animation

I am finally making an attempt to join the blogging world again. I finally realize the value of having a space to vent and express my life in written form. I woke up this morning thinking "I feel like I am stuck and unable to move forward, yet at the same time I feel life spiraling out of control around me." I think that is a sign. Perhaps I needed it to have some reflective time. I feel so many demands on my time, from being a mom to four needy children, to performing a balancing act with work and daycare, and then there are just the day to day operations here at home. How does any person handle this many things all at the same time?

Today is day 3 of the kids gone at school and I am already feeling the pressure of occuping Sofi all day long. If I wasn't giving her direct attention today, she was all over me. I feel like I have been a plucked turkey, trampoline, jungle gym, horse, and servant in only a couple hours. I think I have forgotten how to relax. There is always that project in the back of my mind, those stacks of papers that I need to work on, organization for my kids that needs to take place, shopping needing done or dishes to wash. The dogs stare at me with these sad eyes. There are 100 apples on the ground in the back yard and the front yard is half dead from lack of watering. I think I have washed the load of laundry in the washing machine 3 times already; it never seems to make it to the dryer. 

I feel like I am in a cartoon; suspended in mid-air while life is going on around me. Any minute I will drop.

Spring Break Salt Lake CIty

The Car Ride on the way to Salt Lake....

It really wasn't too bad. Sofi had a really bad ear infection, but did well despite the fact she felt so bad. For such a long trip, the kids got a long well and they didn't have to be in front of the TV screen the whole time!

In front of the temple and fountain.

Meeting up with cousins at a Children's Museum

We had an interesting trip to Salt Lake. We drove out there to see an art exhibit where Aaron had a piece of artwork. What a disaster that was! Despite all our searching we couldn't find the artwork. Turns out it really was there (they sent a picture after we got home). Sofi was battling an ear infection and then I got a fever and bronchitis on the second day. We had also planned on going to this "adventure-land" type place only to find out it wasn't open. So we came home a bit early. It was a lot fun seeing all our extended family out there though. That made the whole trip worthwhile and we can't wait to see them again.

Valentine's Day 2011

Robb and I decided to write the kids a letter this year to tell them how special they are. All the kids have really grown up a lot this year, both in personality and stature. I love my kiddos!

Playtime

There's nothing like styrofoam to keep your child occupied!

Kelbre and her friend Addysin who lives beind us.

So thankful for my girls. They are definitely different than the boys and each personality seems to be trying at times, but together they bring so much joy.