Dear BAR Exam...

I would just like to take this opportunity to say Goodbye, and good riddance. In 30 minutes, my wonderful husband will be done with you, for what I can only hope to be forever. You have made our lives a living Hell for months. Drained us of all of our money, stolen my husband/children's father, robbed me of my sanity, etc. I will NOT miss you, or the stress you supply in my life. I PRAY that my sweet, hard working, poorly-rested, burnt out husband passes you by on the first go because, if we should all meet again....it will not be pretty.

Adios Bar Exam.

Glad It's Over

Kenna was a real trooper today. I had to wake her up bright and early to take her down to Yankton for the surgery. She couldn't have anything to eat or drink and was NOT happy about that,but she was sweet and quiet and just watched a movie on the way down. When we got there, they gave her a little "drug cocktail" mixed with a few different things to relax her and what not. She was SO funny when it kicked in. It was like she was drunk as a skunk. She kept pulling the surgery cap down over her face and going "whoa, whoooooa". Then she would slap me in the face (lightly) and laugh SO hard. I tried to take a video of her from my phone, but it didn't work so well because I had to be holding her at all times so she wouldn't fall down. Anyway, the surgery itself was very quick, she woke up right away and we were home before lunch!

Unfortunately, before we left this morning I took a tumble on the stairs and whatever was wrong with my back is now about 50x worse. I went to the doctor this afternoon, they gave me a shot in my hip for the pain and did some X-rays. The X-rays showed that, basically, it is my scoliosis that is causing the problem and there are two parts (I can't remember what they're called...) that are basically rubbing together. Yeah, that would be why it hurts so freakin' bad! they gave me stronger muscle relaxant and pain killer and I will just have to tough it out! I am now also on antibiotics for strep and a sinus infection. So fun!

Collin starts the Colorado BAR in the morning, so PLEASE send good vibes his way. It is so scary to have all this work, and the last 3 years of school come down to this one test. Keep him in your prayers!

Tubes

Well, Makenna is heading to the hospital in 9 hours to get tubes. I am a little nervous since I didn't have to do this with Marlee, but I am sure it will run smoothly. Maybe just send an extra prayer her way just in case.... I'll post back afterwards and let you all know how it went. I just hope she does better with anesthesia than the rest of the family...

Done.

And Marlee has strep throat. I am done.

Ranting Again

I feel like all I have done lately is complain. This post will not be any different. It has been a rough couple of weeks, and it only seems to continue to get worse. I am still sick. I am still in pain from my back. I have been totally procrastinating packing my house up and soon it is gonna slap me in the face. Makenna has to get tubes in on Monday morning, and I was really hoping they could wait til Collin got here...but they can't. We have been running crazy trying to get in to the Dentist, eye doctor, pediatrician, etc before we move because I don't know what will happen with insurance. And now, tonight Makenna started throwing up. I am so tired I have fallen asleep 3 times this week just taking a "moment" on the couch (no, I am not pregnant). I am stressed about the BAR this week, the move, the goodbye's. I just feel like I am about ready to pull my hair out. Not to mention, I feel bad for all of you who are reading this. I usually vent to Collin....but obviously, he's not around. Marlee has been staying up late with me and watching my shows (don't worry mom, only the appropriate ones)with me. I feel like the last few weeks have been testing me as a mom/wife/sister/friend/ daughter and I am not doing a very good job. I am afraid that at any given moment I am gonna break down in tears. I suppose that is just life... what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right? I just hope it doesn't kill me!!!

For anyone interested, Collin takes the BAR Tuesday and Wednesday of next week, and like I said Makenna is getting tubes on Monday. Please keep our little family in your prayers we could really use it.

(I apologize if this is scattered, I have already taken my pills, and am trying to be quiet because of the little people sleeping in the bed beside me)

Thanks

A special thank you to Beckham, who taught Marlee a new song while we were there. She just came up to me and sang:

"Shush girl, shut your lips

do the Helen Keller and talk with your hips"

Yeah. Appreciate it...

I know I shouldn't think it is funny, but when your 3 (almost 4) year old says that,

it is somewhat shocking...

Naughty Cutie

Today was SUCH a long day. I was grumpy and feeling like crap all day (as you can probably tell by reading my last post). I decided to take the girls to the pool after they woke up from a late nap due to Doctors appointments. We didn't get home til almost 7:30 and we hadn't had dinner yet. I made dinner and got them in the bath around 8:30 (which for our family is late. My kids are always in bed by 8...for my sanity). I got Kenna bathed and out of the tub, and ran to get a diaper. When I got back to her room, this is what I found:

She got a lot higher, but I was so scared she was gonna fall I put the camera down and then reprimanded her. I got her in a diaper and her jammies and then started cleaning up the mess she made when I heard an "Uh-Oh Mom" and a splash from the bathroom. When I walked in this time I saw this:

Marlee, hearing the tone of my voice, was obviously afraid for her life.

Kenna on the other hand...thought it was quite funny! Worst part is, that fresh diaper I JUST put on her was one of my last ones... stinker.

I think she may be starting the terrible two's a little early.

Needless to say, it is now past 9:30 and both of my kids are still up. Oh well. A not-so-perfect ending to my not-so-perfect day. We'll try again tomorrow.

Life

The last few weeks have been rough. I don't know if it's that I am sick and over tired, or exhausted from my run at being a "single mom"(for those of you out there who do it everyday, you are my hero), or the stress of packing to move. It just seems like it has been one thing after another the last few weeks. My heart has been so heavy with personal/family related issues, and the reality of leaving my "home" in a few weeks. I am SO not good with goodbyes. I have just felt like everything I know is changing before my eyes and there is no stopping it. And let's be honest, I am not great with change. Of coarse, money is tight right now due to student loans, no job, paying for BAR expenses, etc. and that is always a stress in itself. I have been sick the last week or so, not to mention that I did something to my back and am having a hard time getting around comfortably. I have felt sad and disappointed in people who I have loved and trusted as my friends, and through it all I have had no one to come home at night, hold me close and make it all feel better. Collin is the one person that no matter what has happened, ALWAYS makes it better and calms me down. It has been a test to be here on my own. I guess I just needed to vent more than anything, so I apologize for the boring post, just the thoughts I am having. We just found out today that Makenna needs to get tubes in her ears and they have to do it next week before Collin and my mom get here. So, once again, it leaves me scrambling to try and find help and baby sitters. I HATE having to ask my friends to pick up the slack in my life when I know they are all busy with lives and families of their own. Thank you to all of you who have stepped in. I truly appreciate it. I guess this is just life, and we play with the hand we have been dealt. I guess the best thing for me to do right now is look toward the future and be grateful for the multitude of blessings that I HAVE been given, because I know they are there. Please keep our little family in your prayers next week as Collin will be taking the BAR and Makenna will be getting her tubes in. We love you all and are glad you are in our lives.

I think the Valium for my back is starting to talk so I will end the rant here. Thanks for the support.

BFF's on the Farm

Today was such an adventure. Nichole invited us to go out to the house she grew up in and play for the day. We had SO much fun. The girls got to ride horses, feed the sheep, go for a Mule (like the 4-wheeler)ride, and, of course, I took a TON of pictures. We took the Mule down to visit some of Nichole's family friends Marvin and Carol. They were SO sweet, and they had a beautiful big yard. She sent me home with some potatoes, and an onion from the garden! The kids loved every minute of it, except for when it was time to come home and go to bed. On days like today I realize how much I am really going to miss this place. It is sneaking up on me WAY too fast. I really do love it here.
Oh, and thanks for the BFF shirts Nana Whitmill!

They had so much fun riding together.

That hair is looking a lot alike!

I'm pretty sure I told her to smell it... not eat it!

She was a little nervous at first...

Karla

Me, Makenna and Nichole in the beautiful garden

Elena, Marlee, Olivia and Karla in the Mule

Self portrait... the new bangs

Marlee could have stayed on this horse ALL DAY!

Quirky Kid

I just had to write down a few things I was laughing about tonight. Marlee is such a quirky and hilarious child. Tonight, I put her to bed and went downstairs to watch So You Think You Can Dance. About 25 minutes in, I heard something...I looked over and saw one of the chairs at the table moving. I found her under the table, and when I asked what she was doing she said "but mom, I was so sneaky like a Ninja". I couldn't help but laugh, so then she says "I just heard the dancing show, can I PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE watch the dancing show?". Since I have been a single mom lately, I didn't mind the company and I decided to let her stay up and watch SYTYCD with me. Tonight on the show, they all danced solos. Marlee did NOT approve. She kept saying "mom, where is her boy? She needs to dance with her boy". Then she would tell me, she didn't like it when the boys danced "naked"(shirtless), or when the dancers kiss at the end of the song. So opinionated already! She is such a funny little girl. She loves to dance already and I can't wait to get her in classes someday!

18 Months!

I am two weeks late with this, as she was really 18 months on July 1st. I wanted to wait to go to her 18 month check up, which was today. I can NOT believe my sweet "baby" is already 18 months old. She has really come out of her shell in the last few months and gotten a funny little personality. Here are some stats:

* 24 lbs 10 oz - 50%

* 31 3/4 in.- 50%

* Still drinks toddler formula because she is lactose intolerant

* LOVES to sleep. She makes me laugh every time I lay her down for naps/bed. As soon she gets in her crib, she grabs her blanket giggles and waves me off.... "night,night"

* Talking like a mad dog. Every once in a while she will bust out a sentence like "I want a hot dog" or "I wanna go bye-bye". Her most commonly used words are probably:

-"Shoes"

-"Mine"

-"NO"

-"talk to" (when she get's a phone)

-"MOMMY"

-"Bye-Bye"

-"hot dog"

-"Bankie" (blanket)

-"Juice" (which actually sounds a little more like Deuce, but that's ok!)

*Walking very well, considering she had such a late start. She is running a bit, but still falls sometimes.

*Still only has 5 teeth

*Started taking a binky on our trip to Washington (last month)....I thought it was a good idea at the time since I was alone on the plane...haven't gotten it back since...

*LOVES to give Marlee "lovies" whenever she is sad or hurt.

* Is starting to get curls just like her sissy's

*NEVER sits down....why did I want her to walk again?

Over all she is still such a good baby. We have been seriously blessed. I can't wait to see what the next 18 months bring us with this one! I know we'll be busy!

Wet N Wild

Let me just start this post by saying that I am aware that there are some moms out there that are going to see this post and gasp in horror that I actually let my kids do this.....all I have to say is....oh well. On Thursday morning I packed up the girls up and the 3 of us made our way back to South Dakota. We left at about 7:30 and pulled in about 7 SD time. It made for a long day. When I got in the house there were ants there to greet us. So not cool. Anyway, after finding several little things that had gone wrong while I was away (including that someone, probably the landlady, was in our place and left the lights on for who knows how many weeks) I was exhausted and frustrated.
The weather here has apparently been wet and humid the last little while. Yesterday the kids were desperate to go outside and play, and after keeping them inside and dry ALL DAY I finally gave up after dinner. I stripped Makenna down to her diaper, Marlee jumped into her suit and they all went nuts. We did make them stay in the grass (instead of the sandbox), but I didn't really realize how deep the water really was until Makenna went down the slide and I saw this:When she stood up with grass sticking out of her nose and mud in her eye I realized how gross this really was...oh well! All the neighborhood kids sure had a great time!

After much scrubbing, about a half a bottle of soap, and a bottle Makenna went to sleep at about 7:15, and slept until almost 11:00 today! Maybe I should let her play in the filth more often!We caught a few frogs too!

Our VERY dirty Marlee and Karla

Boise

I was lucky enough to go down to Boise to visit Myca and Jared last week (thanks for driving us dad!). We had SO much fun doing a whole lot of nothing together. I almost forgot how much I love Boise. We loved living there, and driving back in I realized how much I missed it. We just got to relax (as much as you can with 6 kids around), we went out to lunch, saw a dollar movie and just sat up all night and talked.

Unfortunately, Myca and I don't get to hang out very often, I think we both forget how much alike we really are. I really feel like she is my sister, not just my in-law. Thanks Myc and Jared for a great week! We hope to be back soon! These two were really funny together. For the first day or so Tayden was kinda picking on Kenna. Then she learned to tell him off and would get up in his face and wave her finger at him when he was making her mad!

Stacit and I and my old office. It was fun to go back and see everyone... and nice to get adjustments. My back felt so good when I left!

These two really are two peas in a pod. Marlee already misses "her Hendrix"

Miss Makenna was obviously missing her daddy and needed some male attention because she was loving on her Uncle Jared and Uncle Ryan every chance she got...

At the Splash Park. Thirsty Kenna?

Boston and Marlee

This is how they spent a lot of their time together... He really figured out quickly how to push her buttons!

"Vacation" Week 1&2 -Moses Lake

After being gone for almost 3 weeks, I am finding myself WAY behind in blogger land...so here goes, trying to catch up before I head back to SD. Oh, and by the way we have an official moving date, August 7&8!!!

Collin has been hard at work studying for the BAR. In turn, we get neglected. So, I packed up the girls and we flew out to Washington for a few weeks (THANK YOU Lysh and Dad!). Marlee was SO excited to see her "best friend", and cousin, Hendrix. They were BEYOND hilarious together. Like the tweedles. They are SO much alike and they were like 3 going on 16. Awesome Uncle Ryan got the girls these matching dresses, so we did a little photo shoot before we left for Boise. I love these girls... I almost felt guilty splitting them up! It was so good to see the in-laws, they are some of my best friends and we always have such a good time together. I really didn't take many pictures (especially of the adults) because we really just hung out! We watched some good shows, ate some amazing food, picked strawberries, went swimming, spent some time in moms BEAUTIFUL garden, and of coarse, went to see Transformers...which I LOVED. It was a great way to spend my time away from the hubby. Thanks mom and dad!!!

Makenna LOVES being outside. Especially in the garden, she snuck out there whenever she could. She even got pretty good at helping Grandpa water!

4th of July

Every year my family goes to the Rockies game for the 4th of July fireworks. This year was no exception. We flew in from Boise on the EARLY morning flight (I had to wake my girls up at 4:30 am)what a pain in the but, but I am so glad we did it. I have to admit, I did NOT even recognize my husband for a minute at the airport...the BAR has NOT been good to him while we were away. He desperately needed a haircut and a shave. So, we did that, gave him a shower, bought him some new clothes and he was a whole new man! Around 4 we left for the game. It started poring rain on the way there, but luckily it cleared right up and the weather for the game was perfect, and they won! We all had such a good time and the firework show was AMAZING this year.While I was listening to the music and watching the show I was definitely tearing up hearing "I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me" it hit me how truly blessed we are to live in this country and to have men/women with such honor and integrity to fight for it. I am so thankful for those men/women (especially the ones dear to our hearts, that we miss and pray for while they are away) who risk their lives everyday so that I can have the life I want for my family. I feel bad for taking it for granted so many days out of the year. I am so blessed, happy fourth! Self portrait...

We did a quick change into jammies between the game and the show...

I will be posting about our last few weeks in Moses Lake and Boise...