The Golden Wolf

Tye had his last tournament of the season in Kansas last weekend. It was a bit bittersweet. It will be nice to have some free time but I must say I really enjoyed getting to know some of these parents. They have a level of committment that Tye and I have. They are intense about basketball as we are. Tye played well last weekend. He made a few 3's and played some great defense! It was fun! I will never understand how people can live in Wichita because it is so hot and humid. It is unreal how hot it is. We were not prepared for it. When we got out of the car to fill up our gas the the heat shocked us. Tye was so funny he is like I am not farmer I am a city boy. He said that because of the eneventfulness of the drive. Kansas is very flat! Not the most exciting road trip. Originally just Tye, Tye jr. and I were going to go. At the last minute Luke and Alyncia decided they wanted to go too. I am so glad they did. We had so much fun hanging out! Joking in the car. We kept saying things and Luke for a few hours told Tye he was a "Golden Wolf". None of us paid much attention to it. I figured it was from a movie. Finally after a while we are like Luke what in the world is a Golden Wolf? He said remember mom you said when you believe everything you say you are a golden wolf. I said no Luke I said you are gullible! We got quite a kick out of that one. Kids are so innocent and funny! That really do say the darndest things.
We went out to eat, swimming, we went to the Alley which is like a Fat City and we had a blast! It is the best family fun we have had in a long time. On the way to the games there were signs about seeing the Largest Prairie Dog in the World! Alyncia was just obsessed with seeing this so we stopped on the way home. She was a bit impatient and was like is it in 10 miles or in 30,00 miles. I guess we need to work on number sense since she slightly under and over exaggerated that. Of course it was a statue. I will post pics later. There were some beautiful birds and a 5 legged bull. Again, except for the swaggering heat it was a lot of fun! It really made me reflect on what is truly important. Before we know it the kids will be grown and gone and all we will have left are these memories and I want to make sure we have so many wonderful memories that they overflow and the kids look back and reflect on what great childhoods they have. I want them to not be able to just have 1 best memory but to have many, many wonderful memories! I am so lucky to have a partner who is willing to put our children first and embrace the joys and yes of course the trials of parenting.

Some Days

As summer is winding down I have mixed feelings. On most days I am sad because I thoroughly enjoy having my children around. I like to go swimming with them, staying up late to watch movies, or just hanging out. However, today I must say I am looking forward to the fact that school begins in 19 days. Yep I am counting down. The house is a mess. I just do not understand how we go to bed with a clean kitchen and are only up 2 hours and it is destroyed. I will tackle the kitchen in a bit. We leave for Kansas tomorrow for a National Basketball Tournament for Tye. I am trying to get all our laundry done and of course the spin cycle goes out on the washer. So all my towels are beyond drenched! So now the question remains how in the world am I going to get all my laundry done by tonight when our washer does not work? I am not a snooty person. I really don't mind the laundrymat however there really isn't one close to here and I have so much other stuff to do I just don't know if I have the time to get down to one.

Of course my lovely children are not making it any easier on me. I think kids have a radar and know when parents are tired and stressed and then that radar goes off and they do everything they can to get under my skin. Luke and Alyncia have been fighting like crazy. It honestly is not her fault. They have very different personalities and for some reason she just really gets to him. I have tried reasoning with him. We have tried time outs. We have tried the reward system and nothing seems to be working. So in an effort to keep all our sanity, he is going to stay with grandma and grandpa while we go to Kansas this weekend. Maybe they just need a break. I hope so. I am an only child so I often worry whether any of this is "normal" sibling behavior or if I really need to start worrying. Some Days I tell you!

Summer Fun

The summer seems to be whizzing by. You know it is almost over when school supplies line the shelves of the stores. Weather here has been crazy first it rained and hailed and rained some more for weeks. It did do some damage to our cars but nothing too bad. Now it is just too hot to function. And the mosquitos...ugh if I get bit one more time. We all look like we have some weird disease because we have been bit so much. We had Alyncia's birthday party at Chuck-E-Cheese and it was a lot of fun. A couple of her friends came and she just loves being the center of attention. She got a Justin Beiber CD and is driving her brothers and dad nuts by playing it all the time. I hate to say this out loud but it is growing on me. He really isn't that bad. We are having Luke's party this Wednesday at Jump street. I know parties are a bit delayed this year but his trip to Iceland was quite costly and so we are getting to parties a bit late. I am sure my children will hold this against me for years when they are grown up. But, hey remember you got your party!
Tye has been busy playing club basketball. He has been working so hard. He goes out every morning and even practices on his own. I feel so bad for him. This team does not treat him very well. If he makes one mistake they pull him right away, all the while other kids make many mistakes and it doesn't happen to them. It is so hard to know what is right to do with this team. I know this is one of those tough experiences that kids need to go through and it will make him stronger. However, seeing his confidence fade away is very hard for a mother to deal with. How can we protect our children yet let them live and experience life? I have not yet mastered that balance. This team has some shady characters. The coaches are not the most moral individuals. They have lied, cheated and are just not people we would normally associate with. The kids cuss, talk back to their parents and all around really are brats. I know that isn't nice to say about kids but it is the truth. Now the problem? The problem is this is a great opportunity for Tye he is becoming more aggressive and the parents are so competitive and aggressive just like us. My husband stuck up for Tye today and it wasn't pretty. He is the type of guy that sits back and doesn't say much but lets it build up until he can't take it anymore. Because if his large size he can be quite intimidating. He is Tye's biggest advocate and even though he pushes Tye very hard it is only because he loves him and wants him to have the opportunities he did not have. Nobody ever said parenting was easy. I will say it is the most rewarding thing I have ever done in my life. Some days are rough but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Welcome to Double Digits Luke!

Dear Luke,

Happy Birthday my sweet boy! 10 years ago you and I spent 4th of July weekend at St. Anthony's Hospital watching the fireworks. The nurse brought you in to me and I nursed you and we watched the sky light up from the 5th floor of the hospital. It is only fitting that 10 years later we laid on a blanket in Edgewater and watched an amazing show together. We held hands and it was a wonderful night! I can't believe you are 10 years old. Time is going way too fast! You are such an amazing person! Everyone was shocked that we let you go to Iceland and we just knew you were going to be ok because you are just such a trooper. Kathy Peterson, whom you went with told me how much she is going to miss you and how all the families felt you were such a great kid. I am so glad they got to know you Luke. They are the ones who are better for it. You have a unique way about you that just makes people smile. You are such a great little boy. I know we argue a lot and I push you hard but I hope you know I only do that because I love you so much and I know you are capable of great things. Oh Lukie! I am so proud of you and I feel so lucky to have you in my life. You have taught me to enjoy life more Luke. You have taught me to take the time to smell the roses. I know that sounds silly but I am so impatient and always in a hurry and you are so laid back and you have taught me to appreciate the little things and not to miss the bee on the flower. Or the ant lion in the dirt. You are so much fun! I hope your next ten years are as great for you as the first ten have been for me. I thank God everyday for letting me be your mom. I am the lucky one and I will never forget that. Happy 10th birthday my sweet, sweet boy!

All my love,
Mom

Happy Birthday Alyncia

Dear Alyncia,

First they told us you would not live, then they said you may live but your quality of life wouldn't be any good, well... I am not sure how one measures a quality of life but 7 years later you are doing amazing. You are smart, witty, athletic, and beautiful. You are such a joy to us! We spent your birthday boating at Chatfield with the Lawtons. We had so much fun! They pulled a tube behind the boat and while it took some persuassion to get you to do it once you did you wouldn't stop. All the other boats kept stopping and remarking on how cute and tiny you were on the tube. You kept giving us the thumbs up sign which means to go faster. We couldn't stop laughing you fearless little girl! We had a few minor problems on your birthday first I locked our only set of car keys in daddy's car when we were getting water out of it. We decided it was best not to ruin his day so we didn't call him until 3:30 after he was hot and tired and worked a long day. He took it relatively well. Then as we were leaving Chatfield Amy's power stearing broke down in her car and we had to wait an hour for AAA to get there and tow it. 7 of us and a dog then piled into Max's truck to head home. We had originally had plans to do dinner with grandma and grandpa at your favorite place, Chili's. Instead we stopped at Chick-Fil-A. You told everyone it was your birthday and the employees gave you a pink balloon and a stuffed cow and let you make your own ice cream cone. You were so excited to go behind the counter to make the cone. It was the highlight of your day! When we got home at 9:30pm we were all tuckered out. I asked you how your birthday was and you said one of the best ever! We are having your friends party next week, but I dare say this day was great fun! I just love to see how excited you get about everything! You are just always happy and you love life so much! You make me want to embrace it just to get as much enjoyment as you! I am so grateful for these past 7 years and cannot wait to see what this next year will hold! I love you with all my heart and then some!

Happy 7th Birthday Alyncia!

Love,
Mommy

ICELAND

Dear Luke,

Your trip to Iceland is winding down. You have been so fortunate to go on this trip of a lifetime. Lets back up, your soccer team that has beeen together for years had tryouts this year and you will all soon be going your separate ways. Your coach decided to do an amazing trip to do a tournament to Iceland. Originally, we were all going to go, but dad couldn't get off work and we just couldn't swing it for all of us. Luckily, Ken and Kathy Peterson offered to take you. They are amazing people and I am so grateful they allowed you to have this chance. You were so excited! A bit nervous, you packed and unpacked your suitcase 6 times because you were so worried about forgetting something. My little detail oriented child, I love it!!! Anyway, you went off and we were so sad to see you go. I tried to hold back my tears, but you know me I couldn't hold it in! I let a few tears lose. We are so lucky you are with such thoughtful people. They have let you call us every other day and they Blog about your trip everyday and post pictures and videos. WE are so proud of you Luke. You did this trip and you did it with a smile! Everyone has told us you are so easy and get a long with everyone so well! As a parent you have no idea what that means to us! Plus, you scored a sweet goal with your left foot! You went horseback riding, whale watching, splunking, and swimming in the hot springs to name a few. Luke, I am so glad you have had this opportunity. Embrace all these "aha" moments and treasure them because they are gone with a blink of an eye! I love you so much and I have missed you more than you will ever know!

All my love,
Mom

Heart of Gold

Dear Luke,

Today was your last day of 4th Grade. I just got home from your award ceremony and I am still a little teary eyed. Mrs. Battaglia gave you the citizenship award and she gave a speech about you and what a great kid you are, how hard you have worked in her class and how caring you are. She also said how you make everyone laugh and she is right. No matter what stresses may be going on in my life you can take any moment and make me smile. That truly is a gift and I am so glad that I get to be a part of your life Luke. You worked so hard and were so close to being on Honor Roll but just didn't quite make it. I am so proud of how hard you worked. I know it is hard sometimes for you and you think you are in your brother's shadow, but you are not you are just as smart as him. You have come so far this year and I love that you get excited to learn! Mrs. Battaglia also said you are the first to help out and are always willing to give. She said you had a heart of gold and she is absolutely right Luke you do have a heart of gold. You have so much empathy and sympathy and love it sometimes amazes me. As you know I am not always the nicest person, but you make me want to do and be better. You are the epitomy of what a good citizen is Luke. You have been having a tough time because of the accident where you stepped on the 3 inch piece of glass and you are all stressed out about soccer tryouts tonight. You are not going to be able to make it and your coach has assured us that is ok and they will place you accordingly. I am sorry you have been in pain and I am sorry you are going to miss out on something that is so important to you. I just know it is all going to be ok. We will get you where you need to be. I love you so much Luke! Thank you for being such a sweet, sensitive, giving soul. We are so lucky to have you in our lives!

All my Love,
Mom

Amazing!

Dear Tye,

We had your 6th grade continuation last night. As you know I was pretty emotional about all of this. I am still waiting for a pause button to be invented so we can pause these moments because it is going way too fast. We got there early so we could get great seats and you were sitting right in front of us. It couldn't have been better! We sat there looking you all dressed up looking a little nervous and then you flashed us your beautiful smile. I couldn't help it, I tried to hold back but the tears started rolling. I remembered when you started kindergarten. You stood on the wall of Mrs. Burris' room on the first day of school with your spiderman t-shirt and your magic button pants and looked so scared. You sensed my stress too and there you did it again you flashed your big smile. Oh Tye, you are growing up too fast! It was a lovely ceremony. You got some awesome awards: Honor Roll for the trimester, Honor Roll for the whole year, the P.E. award for being an amazing athlete and good sportsmanship, a recycling team award, and last but not least a citizenship award. I am proud of all your accomplishments but probably most so of the citizenship because it means that you are listening and practicing what I preach about hard work and being a good person. Mrs. Scheppers gave a heartfelt speech about you. She said how you set goals in basketball and in school and how you meet those goals. She talked about what a hard worker you are and she said in her teaching career she has not had as many kids that work as hard as you do and you have been such an asset to her classroom. Ok so by this time I am full fledged crying. I am so proud of you Tye. You are such a hard worker and you are such a good person too. You have reason to brag and boast and yet you do not do that and that shows true character. I hope last night is the first of many nights when you will be receiving awards and be honored. I have a feeling it will be. Your speaker was Representative Andy Kerr and he kept going on and on about how you only have 6 years left until you graduate high school. I was like ok we get it, stop saying that! We have less time left with you at home than we have had so far and it makes me sad Tye. I know growing up is inevitable but I really wish we could slow it down because I do enjoy you so. You all ended your continuation with the "Coal Mine" dance which you did up in Outdoor Lab. You were absolutely adorable. You are so shy yet you did the moves even if it was begrudgingly. And no worries I taped it so it will be with you always! When we went into the reception I had teachers and aids coming up and saying what an amazing family we have and how great our kids are. Dad & I could not have been prouder, not because of what others were saying but because in are hearts we knew they were speaking the truth. The last thing Mrs. Scheppers said to me was and I quote, "Your son is amazing April, but you already know that right?" You are amazing Tye and yes I did already know that. I knew it the day you were born. I cannot believe in a few short months you will be in middle school. I hope and pray those years are easier on you than they were on me. I love you with all my heart and then some Tye. I am so proud of you! Never stop working hard. And if you ever invent something make sure it is something to slow down time so I can have more of it with you!!!

All My Love,
Mom

FUN DAYS!

What a glorious Day! 4 basketball games, 2 soccer games, and a sleepover! Very hectic and crazy but honestly I wouldn't have it any other way. Tye played amazing in his b-ball games. He did the best twist, turn, jump layup that the ref called him on travel. We were all like what? He said there is no way a 6th grader could have done those moves and made the basket without travelling. The coach is all did he travel and the ref said I don't think so but I don't see how he couldn't have. So proud of you Tye! You are on such a great team and you are playing great! It has been hard for you because you are so shy and these boys are so aggressive but you are sticking with it and we are so proud of you buddy! Luke had his last rec soccer game. He has tryouts next week. He played so well. The team never scored when he was on defense. When he was pulled out for a break they scored. The fouled us and Luke got to take the penalty kick and tied the game. So proud of you Luke! Your toothless smile said it all. I can't believe how far you have come in soccer. Everyone says what a boot you have and you do! You are going to make a great team and get even better! Alyncia had her first sleepover tonight. At first we weren't going to let you go cause youare only 6 and we were so nervous. But, you persisted and begged and you were so excited we had to talk daddy into it. I am so glad you love life so much and are having fun! You are so carefree and spirited! I just love it!! That doesn't mean I will sleep well tonight. I am nervous and worried about you but I am so glad you have friends and others get to see what an amazing personality you have. At first I didn't want to share you but now I know I have too. I love you Boo! Grandma went with us to a few games and of course they were all across town. She kept saying how nuts we all are. Maybe we are, I don't know but I love how hard each of you work and how you are learning at a young age how important it is to be a part of something, to have people rely on you and to be a team. So maybe we are nuts. Some days are better than others. However, I love our hectic schedule. I love watching you all shine and I love that we are a crazy, nutty "T TEAM"!!!

Friends

A friend and I have had a major falling out this past weekend. A lot of hurtful words were said that unfortunately cannot be taken back. I am not claiming innocence in this matter, but nor do I think I am totally at fault. I have tried to talk to her but she doesn't want to do that. At first I was mad then hurt then mad again. I spent a large part of my weekend reflecting on my past relationships that I have let go. I did what I am best at, put up a wall and try and ignore my feelings and just move on. The problem is this is not working in this case. I am not sure if it is because I am older so things get to me more. Or is it I am just really hurt that she is willing to let a disagreement end our friendship that meant a lot to me. Or is it what my husband says that I always need to have the last word. I am just not sure. I do know that I used to be able to not let things like this get to me and it was much easier to deal with. The problem with that is I have lost some great friends because I did not put the necessary work in to keep them. I always remember hearing friends come and go and they will let you down and don't worry about it that's just how people are. My family tended to isolate from others and my mom, grandma, grandpa, aunts and uncles didn't really have a lot of friends. So I was raised in believing you rely on your family not friends. Now again the problem with all of that is I am a people person. I love people and I especially love the late night phone calls, the coffee talk, diverging your deepest feelings to a girlfriend that is there for you and is really listening. I love having lunch and drinks and shopping with my girls. I have lost some great friends, 3 in particular. We didn't necessarily have a huge falling out. Life just got busy and we went in different directions, moved away, got married and had children and I didn't put in the effort needed to nurture a relationship. I have thought about initiating contact again, but as time goes on I have gotten busy with raising kids, PTA, soccer and basketball practices and I have never reached out like I should have. I so dislike having regrets because I honestly feel like it is a waste of time. Focus instead on what you can change not what you can't. I didn't feel I could change those instances so I didn't even try. So, in hopes of not losing another great friend I have tried again to call her and hopefully she will call me back. Only time will tell but I will not let this go without trying. I hope each of my children know the joys of having great friends. As we all know with those joys there will be sorrows too. You will get hurt, you will be let down, you will be disappointed, that is part of relationships. However, you will also smile and laugh at silly things until your jaw hurts and your muscles ache from laughing so hard. You will have those special "aha" moments when you realize you have reached a milestone such as graduation, marriage, your first child being born. You will have a shoulder to lean on and you will be a shoulder for him or her when they need a friend. You will shed tears over lost or missed loves. You will have those special places that only you and your friend understand how meaningful they are. You will have stories oh the stories those are the best part. Put the effort in and don't be so quick to readily let people drift out of your life because I do believe the joys will in the long run outweigh the negative.

WOW! It has been a while since I last posted. Life just has been too busy. The end of the school year is winding down and I must admit I am a bit saddened by it all. All 3 kids had extraordinary teachers this year, and really how often does that happen that you love all 3 of their teachers? I can't believe Tye will be in middle school next year. He is still hoping to get into Manning but so far no word. He will be fine at the other school, but for some reason he doesn't want to go there. He has decided not to continue to play soccer. It makes me sad. He is so good and he has been playing since he was 3 years old. He wants to focus on basketball year round. I worry he will get burned out, but it is what he wants. So I am trying not to be the control freak that I am and let him make the choice. He is playing club basketball with a new team. They are very good we just worry Tye isn't getting the ball handling that he needs with them. They just want 2nd place in a tournament today. Luke is doing so much better in school. I am so proud of him. He is finally putting in some effort. He and I have been butting heads a lot lately. I know I am too hard on him at times, but boy when he gets that mouth going it really gets to me. We had a long talk about both of us making better choices and what it is going to take on both of our parts to get a long. I really tried to make him see that I realize I need to work on it too. So we made a deal and it has been a great couple of days. He is wrapping up his soccer season. He has one more game next week then he has tryouts the first week of June to play competitive. He has some great ball skill and he has his size and strength on his side. We are hoping he makes the 2nd level team. He really likes it. We are getting his passport for Iceland tomorrow. He leaves in 1 month. So excited for him. It is going to be an amazing trip! Alyncia just had "The 3 Piggy Opera" a play at school. She played the part of the narrator and she played the piano before it began. She is such the performer! She looked absolutely adorable and spoke loudly and clearly. We had so much fun watching her! She is doing great at gymnastics. She goes 3 times a week now for 2 hours which at times is a bit grueling to sit through but she loves it so I make it through. I must admit somedays are better than others! I just do not understand why people allow their children to run amok and scream and yell and sit on their butts and just watch them! I just don't get it.

Frustrated

So the kids had a 3 day weekend, it was nice having them and the hubby home. He was a huge help. I have been pretty sick lately. I had bronchitis and on top of that they switched my blood pressure medicines becaues they weren't working right. So, the side effects are horrible. I am edgy, dizzy, sleppy, and anxious. I dislike anxiety more than anything and have a tough time coping with it. I try all the natural techniques: breathing, walking, yoga, none of it helps. I just don't understand if a blood pressure medicine is going to take my blood pressure down than how come I am more anxious than ever. The doctor says this is normal and I will be used to it in a matter of weeks. A matter of weeks? Is he crazy? I won't last feeling like this for a few more weeks. I am going to burst!!!

So this morning I was getting the kids ready for school, I was so dizzy I could barely stand up, but I muddled through. I had asked Luke to feed the dog or something (no big deal). He did it suprisingly without arguing. He was walking into his room and I said thank you sweetie. I happened to be walking by him and I could hear him mocking me, "thank you sweetie" in a snide little voice. It really hurt my feelings. I told him talking to his mom like that is not ok. I know those days are going to come but I thought I had more time. I ended up getting all teary eyed in the bathroom wiped my tears and pulled myself together. Alyncia came up to me and gave me a kiss on the cheek cause she could tell I was upset. She said I am going to miss you today mama. I love you. Of course the eyes welled up with tears again. AFter I dropped the kids off at school I called my hubby and relayed the morning, crying once again. He paused and didn't say much. Finally, after about a minute of silence (which as you all know on a cell phone is a long time) He goes what is wrong with you? Exactly, what is wrong with me? IS feeling dizzy, tired, moody, shaky, and emotional all due to a new blood pressure medicine. And this is supposed to help me? Are they nuts, or am I? Have I finally gone over the edge? Whatever and wherever that may be?

Dear Alyncia,

You sure do keep me on my toes. From the minute you wake up until the minute you go to bed right next to me your amazing mind is wandering. You never cease to amaze me. It is time for the Science Fair at the school and for your brothers it is required, for you it is just optional. So we came up with a great idea. To see if the shape and color affect how long helium balloons will stay in the air. Perfect for a kindergartner. You went and told Mrs. Murray that you didn't really like that project. She asked you what you wonder about. Well, since Aunt Emily is pregnant you said you were wondering about how someone has a baby. You told her I know I grew in my mommy's tummy but that is all I know. She told you to talk to your mom and you said I did but she said I came from god. I don't know I just can't justify explaining that to a 6 year old. So you have been asking everyone: dad, grandma, and now your teacher. If there is something you want to know you are going to find out! You are a lot of fun! I hope you never stop asking questions and I hope you never lose your zest for life. You truly are a joy to be around.

I love you with all my heart!

Love Always,
Mom

A New Year

I can't believe it has been a month since I last blogged. I am a little bummed. There are so many things I wanted to write about. I am using this mainly as a way for my children have wonderful memories about their childhood. Unfortunately, with all the hustle and bustle of the Holidays I just didn't have a lot of time. So this post may be longer than usual because there is a lot I want to try and fit it.

First, Christmas was especially memorable this year. Alyncia was the first to wake up at 5 am. She was so excited. She could not contain herself. She made the holidays so much fun because she gets into everything. She truly brought joy to our house this year. Luke was pretty excited too. He doesn't sing and dance like Alyncia but you can see the light in his eyes whenever he opened a gift. I must say I think he had more fun helping me wrap presents than opening his own. We had so much fun doing some last minute shopping on Christmas eve and wrapping presents and making cookies for Santa. It was so sweet Luke was worried about Mrs. Claus that she never got any cookies so made some for her too. That is my Luke always having a big heart. Tye even seemed to get into the Holiday Spirit more than usual. Of course he is my reserved, shy boy, but he was so excited for a basketball hoop he got as a gift. He even commented to me a few times what a great Christmas it was. As I watche my 3 children in their pajamas with a mess of wrapping paper and presents all over the living room floor, my heart was flooded with warmth and love. Being a mother truly is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I am so lucky to have the bond with these 3 amazing individuals. I am so thankful to truly know and experience unconditional love.

We spent the day at my mom and dads house. Some other family members came over too. I think it was so much more special because Dwight (dad) is recovering from his surgery. This Holiday could have been so different we could have been mourning his life. Instead because of his remarkable recovery we are able to celebrate not only his life but our own lives are well. While the entire ordeal of Cancer is horrible it does change everything. It gives you a different perspective and allows you to appreciate the things that you previously took for granted. Dwight and I have become very close throughout this whole ordeal and I can only pray we will continue to have that closeness. As hard as he had to fight my mom had to fight just as hard. She is truly an amazing person. I always knew she was strong but I didn't realize how deep that strength runs through her body. She had to endure so much. Taking care of her sick husband, staying strong for all of us, trying to work to make ends meet. The list is endless. I honestly don't know how she did it. There were some days I was really concerned about her, but I should have known I didn't neeed to worry so much about her. She is a rock. I think this brought us closer too. It has always been hard for my mom to ask for help or to depend on anyone else. And while she rarely did ask for help. We offered a lot and were able to assist in a few things. We had many good talks and I would like to think I helped her through this stuff if even just a bit.

We had a nice relaxing New Year's Eve. The 5 of us went to dinner at Old Chicago and played pool and played some video games. Tye of course got frustrated because he wanted to perfect the game immediately and unfortunately pool just doesn't work that way. Luke preferred to play video games to playing pool. Alyncia, tried with all her might, but it is a bit difficult when the stick is bigger than you. It was a lot of fun. The restaurant was pretty dead so we stayed for quite a while and acted silly. Dad creamed us all in pool of course! We rented movies and had a great time being together! Dad & I had a few invitations to go out with friends however we decided just to chill out with the kids. I must say it was a great decision on our part. I couldn't have had more fun anywhere else. Being with the 4 people I love most in the world was a great way to bring in the New Year!