Super long update!!

Okay, I've really been neglecting this blog and I think it's time for an update. I really want to get back to posting more, we've just been so busy lately. I also have been trying to go to bed earlier, so there is not as much time at night to write. I am going to try to fit it in during my day, probably when Luke is taking a nap. Right now it is nice because we are done with school and I just have the kids do a couple things like a worksheet or two every few days. This gives me more time to do things during the break, but I just have to make sure I use the time wisely.

So let's see, alot has happened in the last few months. We've been in the throes of birthdays and having garage sales that have stretched out for weeks. And of course, just life in general is enough to keep us busy! It's been a tough couple months for me as the kids and I've had some health issues as well.

In April and May, Zachary was having these headaches and getting really sleepy, usually in the evening but hours before bedtime. At first, we thought he was getting overheated playing outside (we had a few hot days and it happened on those days a couple times) or maybe he had blood sugar problems. We started having him drink lots more water and eating high protein snacks every couple hours. It did seem to help. I think he was just getting too much sugar and carbs and it wasn't balanced with protein. He also was going too long without eating something. We still don't know if it is truly a blood sugar issue but since we've started this, he's only had one episode and it didn't include a headache, he was just very tired all of sudden. We've talked to the doctor about it and he said to just keep doing what we are doing, but that Zach seems to be in perfect health.

As for me, I had a little scare earlier this month. When I went for my yearly checkup, the doctor noticed that the lymph nodes in the front of my neck were a bit swollen. I had had the same problem a few years ago but wasn't really checked out for it. I always assumed that it was from allergies or my body fighting something off. I've always had a "lumpy" neck as long as I can remember. My mom said I was even checked for it when I was a child. Well, the doctor didn't want to mess around with it and ordered a cat scan to see what was going on. I really didn't think it was anything (and neither did she) but I agreed to just get it ruled out. "It" being cancer of course. It was very scary to think that something like that could happen to me but I just had to know and get it off my mind. At least then whenever I felt anything, I'd know it was okay. So I had the cat scan at the beginning of June. It wasn't as bad as I thought but they had to do it twice because I didn't know I couldn't breathe during the test and it came out all blurry the first time. Anyway, the next week of waiting was hard. I felt peace about it but until the results came back, the worst was always in the back of my mind. Finally, they called and said that everything was fine, no cancer or tumors, my lymph nodes were just enlarged possibly due to a slight sinus infection that was also discovered (probably due to allergies). What a relief it was to hear those words! I felt like I had my life back. I didn't realize how much it had affected me. It was a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. I couldn't stop thanking God for His mercy and for all the ways he takes care of our family. I am so blessed.

So after we got that good news, Chris and I went on a trip to Ft. Lauderdale! He had a business meeting there and asked me to go with him for four days! At first, I wasn't so sure about leaving the kids for so long but now that Luke is two, I feel like they can survive without us for a little while. (; Me surviving without them is a different story, but I knew it would be good for Chris and I to get away just the two of us. We did a short trip to Florida back in 2007 when Katelyn was Luke's age and it was nice. I was very excited to go again, especially since I had never been to Ft. Lauderdale. Chris and I had a great time! It was very hot and humid there, at least 95-100 degrees everyday. It didn't rain either. We took walks, swam and read books by the pool, went out to dinner, and just relaxed at our awesome hotel. We were on the 25th floor, the very top one! We had a beautiful view of the ocean and also of the city. We enjoyed sitting on the wrap-around balcony and enjoying the sights, both during the day and at night. Oh, and the red Mustang convertible we rented was pretty nice too. (; I really enjoyed spending the time with Chris. We get along so well and he is so sweet when we are alone together like that. It was very special. I loved getting away from all the routine of daily life, but we were ready to go home and see the kids too. It was fun to have some "us" time but I realized that home really is where the heart is.

The other major things that have gone on the last month or two is the garage sales! We did 5, yes FIVE, garage sales between our friends sub sale, my mom's sub sale and my sub sale. We decided to open a few other days for my mom's sale and my sale since we were already set up. All the sales went incredibly well, despite having rain on a couple of the days. Chris and I made the most money we've ever made at garage sales. It was such a blessing! We had so much stuff but got rid of alot of it. I sold a bunch of the kids' clothes. It was hard to part with them but it was a good feeling to have it gone. Garage sales are a ton of work though! I am really trying not to buy so much anymore because I really don't want to have to deal with selling it! It was crazy. Our basement looks alot better now though! LOL! I actually still have some stuff to sell on Craig's List and at the Lion's Club sale in September, and I am already looking for more to get rid of!

As for school, we took about a month off and have now started doing a little bit of work here and there. For Katelyn, we are continuing her K5 phonics curriculum. She will not finish it this summer so we will just continue it this fall and start 1st grade when she is done. This summer she is also doing some worksheets and activities to keep her up to date on her math facts and things like that. For Zachary, he is working on a creative writing workbook and also completing his spelling book from 2nd grade. He will finish the spelling this summer but I am going to have him continue the creative writing throughout next year as part of his language arts curriculum. As for that, we are just enjoying not having any formal work to do. Of course, I am starting to think about next year and already have the first two weeks planned out!

Well, that it is pretty much it for now! The only other plan for this summer is the kids' birthday party. We are doing a big 3-for-1 party for them, probably next week. We have had to keep postponing it due to different things but hopefully we will be able to have it soon! The kids are really excited and I think it will be fun having it for all three. We will see! After that, I am sure I will be in super school mode, getting ready for next year, but for now I am just going to enjoy the peace and try to relax!! Oh, and write here alot more!! (: