WOW! Where'd the time go?

It's been longer than long since I last posted on my blog. I got a little caught up in daily life with 6 boys and facebook was just more efficient. I'm going to try blogging again. Things have been SUPER busy as you can well imagine. (With 6 boys, it's sort of a given) The boys are growing like weeds and soon enough, one of my children will have reached adulthood! Honestly, I think this must be a mistake because I'm nowhere near old enough to have an 18 year old. It's just all sorts of wrong. But, it's happening. The boys are 17, 15, 13, 9, 5 and 2. Very busy and oh so handsome. I don't have a whole lot to report just now but thought I'd post a little something since I'm confined to the house with cootie riddled kids. So, I'm back, I'm busy but I'm going to try to keep up the blog.....

And life takes another turn.....

Some of you may remember how I was struggling with this issue back in October....if not, do read, it helps with the sense making. Well, I had a feeling something like this may end up happening and wouldn't you know, I was right. I really wish I could have done it all according to plan but, hey, apparently it IS according to plan....just not mine. I have to give God the credit because I realize how insignificantly little I really know compared to him so I'll leave it in his capable hands and know he'll help me out. So, if you haven't guessed by now......I had the "Lucky 7" but now, "8 is DEFINITELY enough!" Since the cat is out of the bag and my brothers, sisters and kids already know, I thought I'd share it with the entire blogging world. We are expecting #6. I AM excited because what's not to love about a new baby. A new person to add a whole new dimension to your life. A new personality to know and love. Boy oh Boy though am I ever thinking pink. It's funny how God works if you really think about it. In late January, I woke up very early one morning having just had the most incredible dream. It was more of a revelation really. I FINALLY understood my insanely strong need for a girl. Ok, I know it'll all sound so simple and you'll wonder why I didn't get it earlier but for whatever reason....I just didn't put all the peices together. When I was pg with Tanner, 4 ultrasounds told me he was a girl. Since I always wanted 3 boys then a girl, I was over the moon excited with my sheer luck. I thought for sure this was karma rewarding me for something good. When he was born and, obviously a boy, I was immediately in love with him but still so sad. Where did my daughter go. In an attempt to have it all together, I never really was allowed the time to grieve. I developed PPD about 6 mos later but now I don't believe that was really what it was. I think that when you have a beautiful new baby, people expect you to be happy so I was never given the opportunity to mourn and I've just always felt like a piece of my heart was missing. THAT was why I had the insane need for a girl....I think I've been looking for that lost piece for a long time. After that, I talked to Jared and my mom to explain it to them. I cried and cried as I told them but you know what? I felt much better afterwards. I was very content with my lot in life of being a boy only mom and I was ready to move on. I still would have liked to have a girl but I could understand and respect Jared's opinions without inserting so much raw emotion. That being said, shortly after I found out I was pregnant! Friday, February 13th to be exact. To say I was SHOCKED would be an understatement. I felt terrible like Jared would think I had done something purposeful to get my way. He didn't. I can't say that he's jumped on the happy bandwagon yet but I'm going to let that be his issue. I feel like this one could be a girl....that's my gut feeling. BUT, I could do a whole lot worse than another beautiful boy and let's face it....I've posted their pictures and they are absolutely gorgeous. I will be 4 mos tomorrow. I am over the morning sickness but still having stomach issues. I am doing my damndest to really soak in every bit of this last time. This will be the last time and I know that already which I think makes it easier. I'm going to enjoy it while it lasts. I can't say I'd mind to terribly if you all want to go ahead and think pink for me though.......

I feel like this post is very jumbled and long so I hope it's understandable!

Update

It's been quite some time since I've really posted anything. I thought maybe I should post an update since there is so much going on.

Jon has been really focusing on his grades lately. I have to say that I am VERY proud of him. He brought home a 3.0 for his first high school semester! I know he could've done much better and after seeing the progress he made with just a tiny bit of effort, he's finally decided that it's worth his time to just go ahead and try hard the whole time. This is a huge step for him and I hope it sticks.

Jake has been transitioning to public education. This is his second try at this. It's very difficult for him to go from the sheltered, minimal amounts of work, lots of therapy to just regular school. He's managing to fit in well. His grades leave a lot to be desired but we're finding he has some holes in his skills. Luckily the school he's going in to is VERY willing to work with him. He's now spending half his day at regular school and the second half at his private school. He should be full time in middle school by April! Jake also just landed a Macy's job. The only catch is it may only appear in Hawaii! If not, he'll be in the Macy's one day May Day sale! Look for him!

Tucker has started taking meds for ADHD. He was having some focus problems in school which may be due to his recently diagnosed Sleep Apnea. He's been doing amazingly well with the meds. It's even helped him recognize how it's not always in his best interest to align himself with big bro Jake. Tucker is due to have his surgery on Tuesday the 17th. Tonsils and Adnoids are coming out. He will have to spend one night in the hospital to be monitored but then he'll be home. Pray that all goes well and he makes a speedy recovery. Who knows, he may not even need the meds afterwards!

Tanner has also started meds. Docs think most of his problem is depression. I think it's environmental. Living with Jake is tough. I feel it too.... BUT, I see him struggling with school and if just ONE thing can be made easier for him, I'm all for it. We've been noticing great changes in him an his happiness and focus at school. Not so much at home as with Tucker though, but it's still good.

Brennen is COMPLETELY potty trained! He was SO easy. He hasn't had in accident in the longest time and he rarely wakes up wet in the morning. He's wearing pull ups at night but I think it's just about time to ditch those. I've also discovered that I was making bedtime more difficult than neccessary by rocking him. One night while trying to get him to settle down, I told him that if he didn't stop squirming, I was going to put him in his bed. He said, "Please put me in bed Mom!" I did and he went right to sleep! Man, all those tough nights....when all the poor kid wanted was the peace and quiet of his own bed! I do find though that he's not too happy to go to bed unless I'm in MY bed too. Most nights that works out fine though.

The guys have also just gotten over some nasty virus. It looks just like strep throat. Fevers, RED throat, miserable. Lasted 2-5 days and was gone. Unfortunately it hit our house in two rounds. Tanner and Brennen had it two weeks ago. Jake and Tucker had it last week. Jon seems fine. He's always healthy. Lucky dog!

Well, I think that's about it for here! What's new with you?

Busy like only a mom of 5 can be....

Life has been super busy lately! Good, but busy. The boys remain well, all are in school. (THANK YOU GOD!) Spring has sprung! The weather has been gorgeous. Well, it's a bit misty out today but still warm. My schedule is crammed full of activities and appointments. Jon is still working on catching up on his schoolwork from being sick. I think he's just about done.... YEAH! He's also been saving his hard earned $$ for a new skateboard which he just purchased (with a little help from me) over the weekend. He's so excited! It's his first brand new, name brand, awesomely put together piece by piece skateboard. It was bucks but he's worked hard to save. Jon is still really active in his scout troop and he's involved in Phish Club (Christian club) at school and Fusion (youth group) at church. Jake turned 11 on the 1st and we had put off his little celebration with his friends because he was sick forever. Well, this past weekend we finally took his buddies, brothers, and of course me and Jared to a fun lunch and the movies. Jared took him and his buds to see "Ghostrider" while I took Tucker, Tanner and Brennen to see "The Last Mimzy". I heard rave reviews from the boys about Ghostrider so I guess it was pretty good. The Last Mimzy was cute. It entertained the boys but I don't know that they understood the whole thing. Overall, we all had fun! Jake has decided that he wants to get involved in scouting again so he's just joined Jon's Troop. Jon, of course, is less than thrilled to have his lil bro tagging along at the meetings but they will be in separated groups and it *should* be ok. If Jake causes problems though, I will have to find a new troop for him. I really hope this works out. They had a meeting last night and he said he saw tons of his old friends there. This could potentially be great for him. He's also been participating in a free after school sports program on Mondays. They have a snack, do homework and then play some sort of game. He seems to be enjoying it and he really needs the experience of being part of a group/team again. It's been so long since he's been involved in any group activities like this. Tucker has started taking piano lessons! He goes every Monday to my MIL and she gives him a 30 minute lesson. He LOVES it! He's doing really well. He's totally a natural! He has also been doing an after school science program on Tuesdays and he's having a blast with that. Tanner is taking swim lessons. He's already received 2 ribbons for his accomplishments! He also just recently started karate. He's having SO much fun doing that. He goes 2 times a week and looks absolutely adorable in his little karate outfit. The lil guys in his class are so dang cute with their "Yes SIR! Yes Ma'am!" Tucker is wanting to start karate now too! Brennen is just busy being a cutie! He "talks" to me a lot and is still just such a happy baby. I just had 3 month photos taken and they are SO CUTE! He gave us a perfect big gummy grin for one of them. Tanner had pics taken yesterday too. Tucker and Jake go tomorrow and Jon on Saturday. I usually have them done every year around bdays but somehow didn't get to it last year! OOPS! So, I'm getting a head start on them this year (Bdays are mostly in May!) Jared has been SO busy with work. Usually, a pool guys business slows down drastically during the winter months. Not so for my pool guy! He's been swamped! He's been in business for a little over a year and we are already needing at least 1 full time employee! Such a scary step! I think the thought of having an employee scares me more than Jared actually going out on his own! I have nothing but confidence in him.....an employee is somewhat questionable. BUT, if he gets someone to do the regular maitenance, that'll leave him open to doing more repairs and remodels (bigger money jobs) So, please pray that we find "the perfect" employee! As for me....I don't have time to do much besides driving the guys around. I love my job! (most days! ;0)