Happy New Year!

"Let this New Year be the beginning of a new life....Let all blessed old things stay, but let the clutter of our heads and hearts be removed, that new inspirations and new affections may come in and gladden our lives."

C.B. Emerson

Happy Birthday, Garrett!

Garrett turned 5 yesterday, Dec. 29th. We had a party earlier in the month (celebrated December birthday's with Jesse's side of the family), so Carlina shared that party. We had another party last night with my mom and her hubby. He requested a white cake with white frosting, chicken nuggets and broccoli. He ate the broccoli but no nuggets and a piece of cake. Jesse and I got him a stencil set. He is really starting to love to draw...taking after all of the other artists in the family. Mom got him some undies, pjs, a color book and crayons.

Here is a short version of Garrett's birth story:

The doctor decided to induce me about 5 days early....he was due Jan 3rd. Looking back now, I would not have allowed that...but I was sure that I would go into labor before then. Katie was 3 days early and I thought I *might* go early again. It was not to happen...Jesse and I checked into the hospital early Monday morning (6am). I had not had 1 contraction...until they started the pitocin. I got an epi pretty much right away and didn't feel any pain...it worked perfectly. Around 3:30 p.m. I was complete and with 2 pushes, little Garrett Jesse made his entrance into the world...7lbs 13oz 20 inches long. He had blonde hair and blue eyes and was so adorable. He didn't cry right away, they really had to prod him to get him going and he didn't want to nurse right away. I think that I was induced too early and that caused some problems, I regret that now. Also, since then I have not been able to go into labor on my own...I don't know if it is related, but I wonder. We brought him home on New Years Eve and he settled in very well.

He has the sweetest personality and is so much fun to be around. I thank God for my wonderful little boy!

Bad dog...

We have to get rid of our dog and we are all bummed about it. He is 9 months old and a good family dog, he loves all of us...BUT he keeps getting out (can open the screen doors himself) and the kids let him out sometimes. There is a leash law in our town and besides that Oliver is not friendly to other people. He barks at them menacingly. He has never bitten anyone, I think he is just a big coward, but he scares people. I have never had a dog like that before...so mean to other people. He thinks he is a rotweiller or chow, I guess. I am going to advertise him for free and if that doesn't work I will have to take him to the humane society. He has been reported to the police and the police have visited us. It is sad but he is just too aggressive for town and if he gets out again, that is it...we will be fined.

Alicia has pneumonia...

She's had a cough for a long time...fevers started coming on Christmas Eve. Of course, everything closed through the holidays but I was finally able to take her in today. She had a temp of 101 this morning when I brought her in...raspy and watery sounding lungs. She looks awful, poor thing. I hope the antibiotics help and it doesn't get worse!!!

Homeschooling...again...

DH and I have made the decision to bring all the kids home again next year...I am happy with the decision...a little stressed but it is really what I wanted and what I think is best. I will have a senior, sophomore, 8th grader, 6th grader, 3rd grader, kindergartner, 3year old and 1 year old.

I want to get a start on searching for supplies early. My SIL has some stuff that I will be able to use for my 3rd grader and that will help. She homeschools her 2 girls.

I am going to try to buy a few things a month...first to look for Colton's government/economics stuff.

Funny Tommy

Jesse and I got Thomas a superman action figure for Christmas. He is always jumping from the arm of the sofa to the cushion saying "I'm superman!!!"....when he opened the gift he said "This is creepy, mommy."

I love this picture...

Anna is such a cute little girl...her little voice is so precious...so squeaky and high pitched.