Old and new

In looking back over the last year, my first thought is that we made it! We survived unemployment, followed by Basic Training and AIT and then underemployment and Ryan's first semester of college! The house is intact the kids are happy and healthy. My honey is fabulous! He (we) got a A's in math, communication (thanks mom), welding and all three diesel labs. B's in diesel theory! He was awarded a kennecott scholarship! Very excited about that!

Looking forward to a great year! Ryan (We) are taking 12 credit hour this semester so it shouldn't be as busy. I will be continuing with the charter school app. and assisting in the planning of my 20 year high school reunion. With the lord on our side our world hold promising things!

Negotiations

Clarissa: Can we go to the movie?

Dad: You have to go poop in the potty two times to go the the movies.

Clarissa: How about one!

Almost done!

The Shopping is done...the wrapping is half done! It is a good thinig I have some little elves to wrap or it would never get done!

Shopping with the children

Clarissa at the mall: Loved the sparkly shoes until we said she had to buy them with her money! She bought a winnie the pooh book, a princess puzzle and lunch at the mall because that is why there is food there!

Taylor: bought all but one season of UFC, three trips to the same store!

Carter: bought himself four things and then bought gifts for Wesley, Clarissa, Grandma Brown, his mom and dad, and Marie!

Faith and Gabbie: Indecisive! But the only ones with money left!

Kielee and Martina: bought everything they wanted and a few gifts.

All and all not to bad, I did lose a couple of them a couple of times, but they were found safe and sound and off we went to the next store!

Congrats!!

Ryan was awarded the Kennecott Diesel System Technology Scholarship!!!!!!

Had a great thanksgiving, an early Christmas due to my sister Jen and 97.1. The kids had a great shopping spree at Kohl's and Best Buy. I enjoyed Ryan's unit's Christmas party! And we put up the tree! Wesley was not really sure about leaving the bells on the tree, he put the two he had on and off the whole time we decorated!

Money for School

We were approved for Federal Tuition Assistance!! Hooray!!!

Thanksgiving

We cooked for two days! Got out the lovely table cloth and good dishes. Clarissa asked if we were having a party! I said we sort of were so she took a bath and dressed herself for dinner!

Clarissa's money

Clarissa: Mom your money should be mine...and yours!

Ryan

It is great to be in love!

Gabbie

Gabbie is 11! That is really awesome, one more year and she'll be in young women with us and that will be great!

Wesley

Wesley is 1! That is amazing it doesn't seem that long ago! He is funny and loves to assist with the loading or unloading of the dishwasher! He really just takes anything out that resembles a sword-The potato masher, butter knife, rubber scraper!

Faith is 13 today!! It really can't be so...I don't believe it! Another teenager!!! She is a wonderful young woman. She very kindly let Clarissa help her blow out the candles!

She's got it figured out!

Ryan to Clarissa: Go get the wipie in my bathroom.

Clarissa goes and comes back: Taylor is getting them. I don't know where they are.

Taylor brings wipies.

Me to Taylor: Why did you get them?

Taylor: Clarissa said Dad needed them?

Me: How did you know where they were?

Taylor: Clarissa told me!

Sleeping

I used to fall asleep in comfort...Since Ryan works late I have been falling asleep with a very squirmy three year old! Tonite she brought a Belle doll, a barbie horse and her own blanket! She is under the impression that if her dad takes her to her bed, kiss her and tucks her in she has somehow had some contact with him. Who can blame her, she hasn't seen him since Sunday when he tucked her in and won't see him until Friday when he is out of school. Gotta love her!

No matter how much dip Clarissa has she only needs one chip!

Conversations with Clarissa

Clarissa: Tell me when we get there.

Me: You'll know because Janeth and I will get out of the van.

Clarissa: Obviously

Next day...

Clarissa: Why is Janeth there (hospital) and what is that thing (oxygen)?

Me: After explaining all about Janeth and how she got a new heart and that they are just checking it to make sure it is working.

Clarissa: Is it Sparkly?

Halloween

Taylor, Martina, Faith and Kielee are off with the YW/YM to a corn maze (The Young Men offered to pay for the Young Women seems a corn maze isn't the same without the girls)!!! Clarissa carved her first pumpkin today! Loved it and would like to do more! Carter went to Thanksgiving Point on a field trip today and brought home a pumpkin, so he carved two today! Taylor, Gabbie and Jessica carved pumpkins also and Martina, Faith, and Kielee carved pumpkins last night with the YW... I am the only one left! The Candy is bought and the costumes are mostly worked out! We are just about ready.

Registered for the Charter School Workshop Nov. 4th!! Yeah!!

Don't know if I like Ryan going to school all day and work half the night! I know it is a necessary thing but do I have to like it? The kids are with me, they don't like it either! It is a good thing there is email and texting or he'd never know what is going on around here!

Just trying this out! I need Sleep...Sleep....more sleep! Or maybe just more time!