Blazer is now 3, and POTTY TRAINED! We had Blazer's birthday at Chuck E. Cheese, which was absolutely wonderful. It was pricey but worth it. We haven't really done a birthday like that before. It's amazing to experience a birthday for our children and actually enjoy it instead of running around cooking, baking, serving, cleaning, etc. A few days before Blazer's birthday, Aaron made a deal with Blazer to buy him some "big boy" Toy Story underwear if he didn't pee in a PullUp for a full day. Blazer succeeded and the incentive of the big boy underwear has been enough to keep him dry for over a week. We use the PullUps at night and during nap, but he rarely needs them even then. Yay for Blazer!
I have been teaching Faith sign language, and she is catching on quickly. She also started talking! In addition to Mama, Dada, Bah-bah, and Nigh-Nigh, she can now say, "Thank you." I've been working on, "I love you," and she's close! The sign language has been helping her communicate even more, and Blazer likes the sign language too - like it's a game. Watching her grow up in warp speed has me catching my breath, but I am so excited to see her learning! Oh...and Faith went from walking to running around the house - she is way too fast!
After Blazer's birthday, I asked my Mother-in-Law to stay with us for the week. It was such a blessing. She helped around the house, nurtured the kids, and gave me such a nice break from the everyday craziness of being an evening single parent. She went home today, and when I came home I realized how much she did before she left. My laundry is ALL DONE AND FOLDED. Like, seriously, that's just amazing. She cleaned the kitchen, MY BATHROOMS, and so much more. Sheesh! I didn't expect her to do anything except for help with the kids, and she went far and beyond that. I feel extremely grateful and appreciative of all she has done. (I hope you are reading this, Karen!) We love her and we are so glad she came to be with us. My mommy gets to come in November, and I am super excited. I love having family close enough for visits!
In September, I not only began teaching at a new school, but also the children started at a new daycare. It has been just a few days, but I already know we are going to love it. It's an in-home daycare, which we prefer until pre-school comes, and I'm glad we could find someone we feel comfortable with. Sharon Cole was our in-home care provider for almost two years and we sure miss her. We really wanted to find a situation similar, and I think we did. What a relief!
Today, Aaron started at the UO. This means that in the morning we both wake up, take showers, get the kids ready for daycare, and leave at the same time to drop them off. Mornings are crazy! We'll get the hang of this...we will...we have to. :)
As a final note, I just want to say that we are incredibly blessed. We feel so complete here and we thank the Lord for our blessings. Our lives are full of love, family, and friendship that help us survive and thrive. Thank you to all who have been with us along the way and have followed our journey.
Until next time...
