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Our lives became a little [EXTRA] special on February 15, 2011 in a way we never expected.







This is about our journey and the [EXTRA]ordinary people we meet along the way.







Friday, July 19, 2013

Breaks are Good (Update with photos!)

Wow, I haven't written in over a month!

Shocking that I haven't had so much on my mind that life required a mandatory expression via the written word. Not that there hasn't been a lot going on - quite the contrary. But I think my mind has relaxed a bit since I began my first true summer break as a teacher.

And let me tell you: It's AWESOME.

No, really. The word amazeballs comes to mind.

I'm not trying to gloat...really...it's just that I was completely exhausted at the end of the school year. I have really missed my kids. I REALLY missed sleep. And I very much missed summer fun. I've been sleeping about 8 or so hours a night, which for me is completely unheard of. I am feeling so much better. I had a crazy three years of Grad school, Wyatt's birth and the death of my father. This past year was spent getting into my new job, and honeslty processing everything that had happened. I gained about 20 pounds in the process. I have finally given myself permisson to STOP and enjoy each and every day and start to focus on a more healthy lifestyle again.

In June, first Wyatt had his second set of ear tubes 'installed' and he did great!


Wyatt (with Daddy) getting ready for surgery


Then, we went on vacation to Tampa to visit my incredible sister-in-law and her husband (whom I call my brother-out-law!), we went to the beach and to Disney for a day, just with Eden (an awesome last-minute opportunity, but Wyatt stayed back with Uncle Keith) and saw other family along the way.


Epcot - Just before Fireworks!

I am now spending my days toggling between hitting the pool, visiting the zoo, catching up on laundry and the house, and having relaxation days where we watch multiple movies in a day and never change out of our PJs. We eat blueberry waffles and bacon, then go visit my mother to raid her fresh vegetable garden. Oh, and I sneak in making some killer cupcakes! (OK, so bacon and cupcakes aren't healthy, but hey, old habits...)

Ahhhh....Poolside!

Riding the Train and the Cincinnati Zoo

Summer Chairs
THE cupcakes!


I have tried very, very hard to shut off my mind this last month and really focus on resting and doing purposeful things with my kids. (Well, that and I watched the first three seasons of Game of Thrones...) I wanted to stop and smell the proverbial roses. And I think I'm doing a pretty good job. We are busy, but we are mostly busy having fun.

A very hot Fourth of July, but it was a great evening with my little Family!


I have even stopped worrying so much about Wyatt walking.

And on that note...the boy is taking about 10 steps independently! He has stood himself up in the middle of the room a number of times and we are well on our way. Many times I see other kids with Ds his age who are totally mobile, but I try and just focus on what Wyatt is doing and not what other kids are doing. He is my love, my sunshine, my Dr. Destructo, my stinker (who wants to throw everything). He is bright, funny and doing amazing.

My super handsome little man Wyatt with his favorite dog - my Mom's dog, Mattie!


Eden is also well on her way to being a young lady (testing my patience daily, but really I wouldn't have it any other way). We are working on getting her started in Kindergarten. She is a great helper, when she listens, and a little Mommy already. Love her.

My beautiful Eden


All in all, breaks are good. They restore you, they offer a fresh perspective and they allow you to slow down and just simply...live.

I am very thankful that I am able to have this break. Not that things are perfect. We still have stress and things to worry about, and my house still needs LOTS of work...but this break was SO needed. Worries will still be there, but time with my kids at this age is fleeting. I feel like I am resting, enjoying my family, and taking a break to jump back in and give my all at work in August.

But right now, I'm giving my all to fun and rest.

Whether it's three days, three weeks or three months. I hope you take time to rest, enjoy life and have lots and lots of fun!