Curveballs

Life throws tons of curveballs as you walk. My path has not been straight, and curveballs seem to come from all over the place. I know I haven't updated in a while. And my intention, especially now, is going to get better on this. There is a lot I need to remember and go through. Curveballs. That's all they are. They make you look at a different path. A path you may not have intended to travel. One that was placed before you, but you may have passed. So a curveball is thrown at you, and makes you go back to the place you were intended to be. It's hard, it's difficult, and not always where you want to be! I know that one for sure. But in the end, that path is there to show you something. You step back after all the turmoil and realize that things have settled, and as hard as it all was at the time. It did teach you something. You have learned a valuable lesson. And just maybe, you are better and stronger than you thought you were to begin with.

With all that said. I will be updating more here shortly. I will also be starting a secondary blog about this new path, as it deserves its own attention. Until then! Walk your paths! Know that curveball has a reason, though it may not seem like it, at that time!!

Beginning of our journey

Today we started our trip down the home school lane. After not hearing from the school the boys were going to attend. I decided, I went to school for this. So why not!! Now mind you, I have the young ones, so it's fun and challenging at the same time.

Today we did a since lesson to 'explore the yard' and 'learning our senses.' The senses was for JD, but the younger two obviously used them. Took a bit to teach him that it was "senses" and not "sentences." But he learned that we have 5 and what we use. Then he felt it important to tell me everything for the rest of the day. "I saw that flower mommy, I used my eyes to look at it. My nose to smell it. And my hands to feel it." Super cute, but after 5 hours, I was ready to be done. haha.

But we also explored the yard. We found slugs and snails, and discussed the difference between them. We found that the yard had wild grapes, that we don't eat! And that we have flowers, squirrels, birds, and so much else. All in all it was a great afternoon.

We also took the opportunity of this warm weather day, to just stay out and enjoy it. Tomorrow the weather is suppose to return to colder weather. So we will start the fall lessons. Can't wait to take the next step! A is for apple, after all!!!

Phew... been busy

Ok. So I didn't get back as quickly as I'd like. But now that I have a lot of other things going on. I can keep up with things this way.

First, my babies are growing like weeds! They are so bright and I love it!

JD is 4 1/2, and I can't believe it! How did that tiny bundle of joy turn into the 43 1/2 inch and 40.6 lb boy he is. I can't say little any more, because he's not so little! And he is sharp. Which can get him in trouble. He has such a sassy attitude. Which occasionally is cute, other times, I want to wash it out of him. But he's adorable. And boy does that little man have freckles forming.

Then we have my little man. Ptolemy is my mini man. He's 39 1/4 inches tall and 33lbs! He still has his stutter and a lisp, but we are working on it. The schools say he is too smart receptively to receive any aid. Oh! Well, I'll tell you, he won't be pulled out of his classes to go to some speech class. I don't want other learning affected for something I just wanted ways to help him work it out now. But he is so smart otherwise. Just this morning he counted the chairs at the table and told me how many there were. And knows a good start to his colors. And so much else to add, but I'll save that post. And can I say, handsome as they come! Love his smile and twinkling eyes!

And then there is the baby...who is not a baby no more. Kailtyn has grown up so much! I can't believe it honestly. She's 2, going on 16! Can't believe my girl is 35 1/4 inches tall and 32.2 lbs. She's built like a little gymnast, and acts it too! She's such an active little girl and loves to keep going. And her brothers are her idols! All she cares to do is be with them and doing what they are doing! Smart like the boys, of course. I'm doomed with all three of them! She just started counting objects, and can say her numbers. A couple colors, pink being her favorite. And man oh man is she a little tom boy. She loves to wear her dresses, and then go out and climb trees, dig in the dirt or climb the slide along with her brothers!

I just feel I blinked and they all grew up so much! Where has the time all gone! How can they be so big. I love watching them learn, hearing the joy in their voice. I always look forward to the next milestone/lesson learned as they get so excited and show so much expression. Occasionally it gets hard listening to the same thing over and over, but I wouldn't trade it for the world!!

We also had a pretty good and busy summer. The boys got to enjoy a trip away with his father and that side of the family. The boys had a blast, thought I missed them considerably! That week was Mommy and Kaitlyn time, and she became potty trained, though went backwards just a touch when the boys came home. But hey, she was happy they were home again. We've taken the family hiking, Nature Center in the Pine Bush, to an RC Air Show, Ocean, swimming and so much else. And we can't forget a lot of fun just playing out in the yard! It was good. And of course Kaitlyn got some trips with Mommy without her brothers, and we got to go to the fair, visit a farm for a pig roast, and a lot else. But honestly, glad fall is here!

Fall is my season. This year it's been an odd weather year. The summer started out really wet, had a week of really hot weather and since was cooler. Already a lot of the leaves have been turning, and the nights are very crisp. But I'm looking forward to all the fun. Next week, we are taking the babies to the apple orchard! Last year they enjoyed it, so I know it will be great this year.

Also, having issues with the pre-school getting in touch, so I am working on homeschooling the boys from home with all their pre-school stuff. Actually starting Kindergarten with JD. So I'll need this to keep up and remind myself of the good, bad and ugly! Bring on the fun!!!

My best friend

Along this trail of life, people come and go. But today, I officially became my best friend's wife. We have walked our path as a couple for about 3 years. He has taught me so much and made me realize the person I can be. He not only accepts me, but accepts our family. Not many would walk into a family, and be willing to accept others children as his own. But my love has done just that. Going into the relationship, he knew I came with a past. He knew about the boys, and loved them unconditionally from the beginning. If you ask him about those boys, they are HIS boys. He loves them, and only wishes the best for them. He tells people he has 3 kids; 2 sons and a daughter. He never says my step sons.

We had talked about our future. We have always felt we were meant to be. We were soulmates. We have been drawn together for about 9 years. We met so long ago and became instant friends. But something was always there. An interest and a spark. But at the time, it was not meant to be an "us" in that sense. We had different paths and trails to take. But we stayed close friends. He moved a few states, joined the army and went on a deployment. I followed my trail that led to 2 amazing boys, who have my heart. Then our trails collided again, and we have been on the same path since. Bringing in our amazing and beautiful daughter.  Though we talked about it, he said he wanted to ask and do it right, on his time.

On August 3rd, he officially asked me to be his wife. We were out on the farm with his family. And it was truly a beautiful day! Sunny and warm. Kaitlyn loved playing and being with the animals. The whole day was magical, even before.

Windmist Farm

And that romantic moment when we got to talk around the grounds. Kaitlyn had been tired and left for the evening with MaMa. (Grandma) Bryan asked to take photos, since we hadn't had any in awhile. And he surprised me with the most beautiful proposal and ring, and it was captured for memories!

Now here we are. The day I have been waiting for. The day I marry my love. He takes my heart, and I take his last name. This time, things just felt right and perfect. Not many were involved or there, but that was special too. Bryan's parents went, his sister, and Sophie and Sara came. My babies took part, and it was magical! We had the legal ceremony and a hand fasting. I made my bouquet that morning, and a friend took photos while another did my hair. It was cold on the beach at sunset, so by the time we finished the kids were a bit cold. So family photos were not as cute as we would have liked, but the love in the family shows through! After we went to dinner at the Boathouse. Honestly I don't think I could ask for a better day! *picture heavy*

And from here on out, I happily take his last name!