It's been a while...

...I am back at work..my first full week and I stayed the entire 40 hours! That in itself is an accomplishment. I thought for sure I would be applying for VTO (voluntary time off) whenever the opportunity presented itself. I felt that I would be doing my family a disservice by going home early. Chris and I have many financial goals that we would like to accomplish by December so I should not be taking time unpaid "just because"

...the kids have also started school. Kids. PLURAL. I have two in school now. WOW! Tristan seems to be adjusting well. Scared me a little bit since his teacher called me around 11 am this morning but it was just cause he was missing his Alphabet Book. When I saw her name on my phone, I thought something happened and my heart jumped up in my throat...He did have his binder signed because he was throwing wood chips at recess but other than that, I am told he is adjusting well. I have to give him a little leeway since this really is his first structured environment. He never had the chance to go to Pre-School like Ethan nor did we ever have daycare. My Tristan is a very smart boy and I know he will do well. Today, he picked a flower for his teacher...yes, this would be my little charmer...

...I must say that I am very proud of Ethan. He is being such a GREAT older brother and I really do not tell him that enough. He looks out for Tristan and he really is happy to have him at school with him. It is still hard for the boys in the morning and you can hear Ethan telling Tristan that they both have to get ready for school. It really is so cute.

...for Chris and I...I think this adjustment is going to take some getting used to. I am not sure what to do to make this easier for him on Thursdays and Fridays. I can't imagine what it will be like if he goes back to having weekends off instead of Monday and Tuesday nights! Currently, he is the one dealing with football practices and dinner...almost makes me want to switch my shift back to days. But, I really do like nights..or I guess I should say evenings. This shift is MUCH less stressful than when I worked days and I really do like the people down here. I remember being so scared to come to this team. Scared of the new manager, the people...and now, I can't imagine why...

...and I really need to get back to better couponing. I have been getting some decent deals lately at Walgreens with their $5/$25 deals and so many Register Rewards. They needed to do something when they took away their rebate program and I appreciate their efforts to keep us couponers happy...I think with being at work during this shift, I should be able to do more research and really search the deals. I am working on a better organization system as well as a teaching method for both beginners and intermediate couponers. I do not consider myself an expert yet, though I know many of my friends turn to me for help, they should see how some others do it! WOW! I have not made it on TV nor radio so I guess I am not an expert..YET! Please notice the emphasis...LOL

...well thanks for listening to my rant...I know I haven't been keeping up like I wanted. I will try to be better about it...

Happy Friday EVERYONE!

My boys are growing up...

Today was a day of firsts! Took all four boys to Bear Creek Park and had a professional photos done of them individually and as a group. No parents, just the kids...I am in no shape for pictures...maybe at Christmas...MAYBE....

Ethan, Tristan and Coltan were just fine for their pics..but Ronan was a WILDMAN! Trying to get a group shot was like trying to herd cattle! Seriously!

I think we got it right at the end, but we'll see when the pics are posted. Our photographer posts them to his own blog and I will let you know when they are up. Overall, everything went well. I wish Ronan was more cooperative but he's 2..what did I expect really? The photographer (who was named Colton...kind of funny) and his wife chased Ronan around for about 15 minutes trying to get some decent photos of him...we'll see how that turns out! They definitely earned their $75 session fee!! I know they got some awesome shots of Ethan and Tristan together though...those two can really pose it up. Ethan made me laugh because he wanted to wear this black wristband for his individual pics. Gave him a bit of an edgier look...my Ethan...edgy...not something anyone would think. He is starting to have an opinion on his look...am I ready for that?

He will be entering his second season of football, which scares me since he is just tipping the scales at 51.2 lbs and the weight limit for Bantam is 90lbs!!! Many guys are ALOT bigger than my boy, but he wants to play so who am I to say no?

Then, there is my Tristan. Now 5 and currently at his first sleepover! I think it is a great venue for his first sleepover as there are four boys there including his brother and he is right down the street from me. The picture above is of the boys and our friend Curtis who will be watching over the boys. My house is so eerily quiet...both young ones are sleeping and I really should be as well, but of course, I can't...

I just keep counting down the days before I have to go back to work and it makes me so sad. I am really enjoying being here for the boys and my husband. I hope they enjoy me being here though I know they get bored sometimes. Hopefully I can get some fun activities in before school starts.