The Past Two Months . . . .

I haven't blogged in weeks. There is really nothing earth shattering going on in our schedules, but when I have to make a choice between being "present' and blogging, or doing my chores and blogging, blogging always gets pushed to the side.  I have to remind myself that the reason I blog is to create a "scrapbook" for my children.  If I miss out on something with them, or choose this over spending time with my husband, then I'm blogging but I'm not living. So that is where I am . . . . just living and not blogging.

Today however, I found myself with some time alone unexpectedly.  So this is what we've been doing for the last few months:

1.  Emma has lost three teeth in three weeks.  It was really quite a shock at how emotional both Marty and I both were over the whole thing. She definitely looks like a big kid now.  That toothless grin is priceless and we didn't get to experience that with Reese.  His permanents were right there in the waiting and his first permanent came in before he lost the other front tooth.  Emma has gotten the nickname "Peaches" at school because she takes peaches in her lunch every day.  Now she has the nickname "Toothless" there too.  The two names have blended into "Toothless Peaches" and she thinks its hysterical.

2.  We have taken the kids skiing twice both times for night skiing because we could get the best deal.  The first time we spent most of the time on the learning slope but by the second trip, Marty and I caught ourselves wondering if they have surpassed us both in skill and speed.   Emma was cutting with her skis and going side to side, and Reese skis so effortlessly that I literally have to go really fast to catch up with him.  We had a blast and I see many more ski trips in our future in years to come.  Sidenote: Emma was belting out "Ice Ice Baby" going down the slopes.  She is our family cut-up and she had us doubled over in laughter during this trip as usual.

3.  I attended a conference in February on Auditory Brain Development: The Key to Language and Literacy.  It was fantastic!  I rarely say that about CEs but I was enthralled.  As most know, my specialization is in listening and language therapy for hearing impaired children.  This session was given by one of my heroes in the field.  I came out of the session energized and inspired. In case you are a nerd like me, here were some take-aways:
---Repeated auditory stimulation leads to stronger neural connections
---How much practice is needed to influence neural structure?  10,000 hours of practice to sustain a high level of skill.  Obviously the kids who are read to every day and read themselves are going to be better readers.
---Don't stop reading to your children once they learn to read themselves
---Read two levels up from where they can read themselves.  It will stretch their vocabulary.
---Fiction is best because you delve into characters' thinking (Read fiction yourself as a parent--chances are that will encourage your children to read fiction)

4. We attended Disney on Ice and for the first time for ANY show, we had front row seats.  It was so exciting.  And if I say that I got these tickets for the kids only, I would be lying.  I am a huge Disney on Ice fan.  Emma is a close second.  Our guys humor us by being there.

5.  We insituted a token system in January---I had seen something similar on a blog.  I was so sick of being the "nag" in the house and wanted to teach the kids to take responsibility for things without having to be asked.  We do tokens in the evening.  Instead of constantly reminding them all day long, if their stuff is not completed or picked up they will not receive the token and if I have to pick stuff up for them they will get them taken away.  They can cash these in for electronic time (this is the only way they get electronic time now) or things like, extra book at bedtime, extra 15 min at bedtime etc.  Some of the things they are expected to do is put their clothes in hamper, get homework done before playtime, take all belongings out of the car, hang up coat, backpack, put away shoes, clear dishes, do chores without complaing, eat without complaining, do extra chores without complaining, etc.  Marty and I usually give up on these type of systems before the kids frankly because our consistency wanes as we get busy. We have been so consistent on this one, and it is WORKING!!  Praise God! I no longer feel like the nag, and praise God that my kids are now instrinsically doing these things without having to be reminded.  They are showing much more initiation around here . . . . . .

6. I completed two consignment sales.  I made about $300 and spent $40.  I would say that it was well worth the time spent doing them.  It felt good to purge too. 

7.  In January I started eating Paleo.  I wouldn't say I'm 100% strict about it.  I would say 90% of the time I adhere to it and it makes me feel so energized.  It is good for my digestive system.  These are some of the crazy things I have bought to cook with these past two months:  Coconut Oil, Coconut Aminos, Ghee, Fish Sauce, Grass Fed Beef Jerky.  About 95% of the time I am practicing Clean Eating---nothing processed, refined, or artificial. My body is telling me that this is where I function best, and I'm trying not to be a perfectionist about it.  I can live in this 90-95% range.  It leaves me some wiggle room.

8.  We are in calving season.  I think (and I might be wrong) we have had thirteen calves so far.  Reese and Emma name them.  Reese's names are all football players!  Emma's names are all her friends' names from school.  They crack me up.  I named one.  T.J.  Our very first calf was born on my Grandaddy's birthday.  This was the first birthday without him.  I felt like it was a "God-wink" to let me know He is with me throughout this grieving process.  

9.  I have worked hardly at all, and I haven't gotten much accomplished with regards to my house.  However, it feels like I have stayed busy just keeping afloat and taking on a mini project here and there.  I love the freedom of subbing and being able to be home when I'm needed. 

10.  We have had a winter free from sickness, largely.  We have had the occasional sniffle here and there but it has been a good winter.  I am hoping that it is from us fueling our bodies with real food!

11.  I read a lot of good books this winter but one that stands out is "Soul Detox".  I did a lot of food detox for several procedures.  I sometimes forget how much my soul needs a good "detox" from this earthly world. 

That's about it!  We are counting down the days until our favorite season! A gardener at heart, I love all the flowers and trees budding, the smell of warm air, the  birds coming back into the yard, and the sounds of my children's laughter in the backyard.  Happy Spring!
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