It has been quite some time since the last time I posted, and more things than can be numbered on two hands and feet have changed. To keep it simple, I will share the best.
Number one.
"The Boys"
Beau and Thad are the best thing since wheels on cars. These two boys keep us on the run, whether we are chasing the one with lots of teeth down a long dirt hill on his best-investment-of-a-balance-bike, or scooping up the little one with no teeth because he just crashed trying his hardest to walk and keep up with his big brother. The joys and simple smiles of parenthood are the by far the most pleasant and touching moments of life. I really don't want this time of my life to fly by as it is seeming to do. Beau said the other day, as Ali was feeding him his green vanilla pudding, "I need to eat my green puddin' so I can have BIG really muscles like my Daddy-O!" (He kind of gets his adjectives turned around.)
Thad survived his first go-round with teeth. They haven't quite made the journey through the red just yet, but they are but days away from biting into that PBJ. It's funny how the second blessing gets more freedom than the first. I love how Thad absolutely adores everything Beau does! Beau was blowing bubbles in the basement yesterday, unsuccessfully, and with every attempt, Thad filled the air with the best belly-laugh you have ever heard.
My mom reminded me of some good advice: Now that I'm a parent, I have to give up winning, at least to my boys. My competitive nature has sort of lost a little strength with becoming a mom, and it sounds crazy to say out loud, but I'd give anything to lose to my blue eyed boys to see their face light up with excitement! It makes me proud to say that I think I actually have some motherly instinct! I think I have already been doing this all along, and not knowing it! THANKS MOM! You have taught me well.
Number two.
"Daddy-O"
Dad is doing well! I can't believe how much our families' lives have changed in the past month and a half. 1. Dad has been diagnosed with hairy cell leukemia. 2. Dad has been treated for hairy cell leukemia and is kicking some cancer butt. 3. Mom has become a personal chef, and pretty dang good at it too.
I am so thankful for my family, the power of prayer, and the tender mercies Heavenly Father gives to those who humbly ask of Him. I think if I write anymore, I will break down. I need to come back to this subject when I feel stronger. All I can say is how grateful I am to have my Dad on the road to a healthier Grandpa Rawhide.
Passing time at the hospital.
Dad tried to escape from the hospital!!! HAHA- just kidding. Mom and Dad thought they would play a funny trick on me. They bribed a hospital security guard with the 3 Musketeers you see in the picture. Dad had been in the hospital for almost 2 weeks straight, so I was slightly open to the idea of him trying to escape for a breath of fresh air. I mean, his room was right next to the stairwell; four flights to the nearest exit! Who wouldn't try to escape!?
Number three.
"Sharp corner, then en route to new careers."
Seth has resigned from his post of Shop Foreman at Sierra Heating, Cooling & Plumbing and is now a FARMER! (you can see his oldest son is taking after him: license to show the crack via Daddy-O). The long hours are amazing- even though I grew up on the farm, I never realized how much dedication, energy, effort, and faith it takes to grow the crops we need to eat. I am so proud to be married to the hardest working, most talented and easy going, good looking guy and amazing dad ever. Thanks to him, we have an amazing family of four and a happy and enjoyable lifestyle that I would never give up, for all the gold in the world.
I have also taken a turn with my career and will be working for the AF School District as the After School Program Director! I am sad to leave Health West; the organization where I have cultivated my last six years of professional growth. I am going to miss the service I was able to provide to my patients and the communities where I worked, my fun co-workers, and the never dull life at Health West. On the other hand, I look forward to energetic youth, one office/class room as opposed to three, and summers off! On my last day of work, I was awarded the Ardis Parsons' Service in Excellence award. I am so honored!
Number four.
"Charlie"
We got a cat (was plural, now is no longer plural- I did my best Shancy!). His name is Charlie and Beau thinks, "He's SO CUTE Mommy!" Can't let this one get under my tire, if you know what I mean (hence, the singular nature of our pair of cats we got from Aunt Shance). I don't really know if this is one of the best things in my life, but it is for Beau, so I had to mention it.
Number five.
"blue swimming pools, bikes, chocolate milk, and dirt"
These are the only necessary tools (plus the obvious 50 SPF) for summertime fun. Clothing optional.
Number six.
"six."
Yup, that's right. Six wonderful years have flown by with the man I love. Seth and I enjoyed a quick weekend escape together in Stanley. We did the things two young and wildly in love people would do: fish. eat. bike. camp. and... hug.
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