Well, here we are. Tomorrow, December 2014 will be upon us. What a wild crazy year this has been for our family. As with most families, we have taken the great with the not so great and done the best with what we have been blessed with.
The year of 2014 started off as a cold, typical January. Snowfall was pretty intense. We had numerous snow days and the adults even had a few aching muscles after shoveling and blowing all that snow. One thing we didn't get to do was go sledding. That is definitely on my bucket list this winter. The kids love to go play in the snow and so do I.
February was pretty much more of the snow and cold weather. As a matter of fact, the cold snowy weather seemed to stick around for a few months just to torture us a bit longer. We all handled it like champs, even enduring the bitter cold weather, the power outages that lasted a few days long and the snow days that the kids were blessed with.
March came upon is and by this time we had Austin and Jonathon both playing Basketball. They both enjoy sports so much and their ability levels are pretty decent. When there wasn't practice, there was games. When there were no games, there were track meets and practices for Austin and Katelyn. When there was no track commitment, there was band for Austin and Running Club for Emilee. Before long, we would be moving on to the next sports... Baseball.
Jonathon & Austin both played baseball this year too. They had a great time and it was a blast watching them grow into such great players. Their team mates are pretty great too. As a parenting, it is a great opportunity to watch each player grow and develop into such a fantastic ball player over the years. We did baseball for both boys well into the summer and soon after, Football was upon us.
Late July into August, Football took shape and the boys started their condition requirements and were broken down into their appropriate teams for practices. Our nights were filled with practices and games all week long. It's a great family event and thankfully my family is good about going to the various events with everyone. Not only are we able to spend quality family time together but also encourage our siblings and friends on in the process.
September brought back another bout with the crazy stalker, a new school year and more football. Some people just have nothing better to do rather than cause troubles. I expected nothing less.
Football lasts until Mid to late October and many times, requires some warm clothes while being a spectator. This year we had rain, snow, freezing rain, and very cold temps. It was pretty brutal. Each year is a learning experience for what to be certain you bring for the next years adventures. Hand warmers, gloves, scarves, hats and blankets are a must. If you have anything waterproof, I'd bring that as well. Well worth it to stay dry and comfortable.
This year, The kids are in 12th (Jacob), 10th (Aaron), 9th (Austin), 8th (Katelyn), 6th (Emilee) and 3rd (Jonathon). Life is very very busy!! I couldn't imagine it any other way though. These kiddos are what keep me going, keep me young and keep me loving life!!
Late October, we were gearing up for a Halloween walk with the kiddos. We brought them to the city of Mason along with some friends and let them go trick or treating around town with us. They seemed to do well with their little stash. We came home and they did their shares and trades before falling asleep.
November has joined us and is on it's way out now. It was an exciting month. Jacob was able to do some hunting and managed to kill a 3 point with his beautiful girlfriend, Hannah. They are adorable together. It was an experience I was happy for them to have had together. I had a similar experience I was able to share with Jacob's father many years ago while out hunting. Very memorable for both of us. November has also given us the opportunity to move back into town, closer for the many sporting practices, events, meetings, games and schools for the children. It was becoming more difficult to accomplish everything that needed to be done when I was trying to do it alone. On top of that, I was working and needed to be able to schedule my work hours around the hours that the children are in classes. I am thankful that I have a position to do that in. Not everyone is so lucky.
December begins in the morning and that too looks lust as busy as the previous eleven months. I will have one in competitive cheerleading, two in basketball and one in book club. The eldest will be working. All five kiddos will be on a mission to one place or another so being in town was my only option of continuing to allow them the options of being involved in sports.
I have found a three bedroom/two bathroom duplex right in town that is working out well. The kids are still adjusting to things, as am I. We tend to forget we have a second bathroom and often times we are waiting at the upstairs bathroom for someone to get finished inside it. :) The living room and dining room Is all open and cozy. I like it that way. The kitchen is a one or two person kitchen so there isn't much move in there to maneuver around in there, especially if you have no purpose to be in there at the moment. We have a full laundry and full bathroom downstairs with the two bedrooms. The kiddos are still getting adjusted to their rooms. We're getting closer. They definitely like to be in a small place. As I've been told, "Love grows best in little houses where few walls can separate, where you eat and sleep so close together, you can't help but communicate."....
The downfall of having a smaller home is the fact that the kids "forget" that everything has a place. Nothing needs to be just left out or lying around. They have a specific place for everything. They are a little testy when that is mentioned to them but they are catching on...slowly.
I do have numerous things that will be listed for sale before long. I have vowed to bring ONLY what I NEED. If I don't use it, I don't want to hang on to it "just in case". I'm not a hoarder. In fact, too much clutter gives me great anxiety. If you are looking for something specific, let me know. I will let you know what I have. Whatever we sell will be used for Christmas present money. What we can't sell will be donated. The kids are no longer really into toys anymore now that they have gotten older. They are wanting the more expensive electronics and clothing that they feel is "cool".
Well, it's now time to get the kiddos into bed. Before I go, I'll share with you a few photos that I took today while out walking with three of the five kids today.
