Goodbye 2013

This has been a momentous year to say the least.

I just wanted to take a few minutes out of my day to write a note about the end of 2013 and before welcoming the new year in.

I made some really awesome friends at work who make each day bearable.

Tracey has a piece of artwork which will be going on to a state level competition.

 The following are just some pictures that capture how amazing this year has been.

 From the kids sleepovers, to Dustin and I taking a trip by ourselves, my mum getting her LLC.

I learned the dirty bits about motherhood. I also learned what an infestation of lice can look like.

 NEVER AGAIN. 

The kids tried ribs for the first time and loved them.

We experienced Holiday World for the first time...together....as a family.

The kids went bowling for the first time. 

I went canoeing for the first time and now will be getting my very own kayak. I can't wait! A few months later the kids went on their first trip in a canoe. It was a successful trip for them as well. I can't wait to spend a lot of time on the water next summer.

The kids moved to Louisville and started school. I cannot tell you in words how this has been the crowning moment for me. Everything that we worked for has finally happened. We went from part time parents, to a full time family. We still have our bumps and little hiccups, but I now know that this is what I was meant to be....a mom. 

I'm never going to be a perfect parent, that doesn't exist. No matter how much I would love to think that someone out there is the epitome of parenthood, there are no handbooks, no scripts, just taking each day one minute at a time. 

The kids got to  carve their first pumpkins in lieu of trick or treating because the weather was very uncooperative. 

 

2013 has definitely been a year to remember. It has also been a year of firsts. All of these have been adventures in my book.

 I cannot wait to see what the next year has in store for my family and me. 

We will be starting the year out in a new home, hoping to adopt a new member to our family, new job prospects, a wedding, and whatever else happens to come our way. 

I'm super excited to finally have happiness and pure bliss. 

I hope everyone has a wonderful New Years Eve today. Please be safe out there tonight. If you're going to be drinking, please have a designated driver. Give someone your keys or call a cab. Much love to you all. 

Boxes, boxes everywhere

One more week. One week. I can make it. Trying to pack up an apartment with OCD and kids is NOT cohesive.

In my perfect world I would have started the packing process a month ago where I could create master lists for each box and label and indicate which room should have what box. But with kids right after the holidays it's more along the lines of how much stuff can you pack up on your own.

We have made it to the one week point which means that we are now in the switch over phase with the kitchen stuffs. Meaning all the normal plates and glasses that we use on a daily basis will now be packed into a box and we will use throw a way stuff.

We've been in the process of making lists of everything that we need to get done, what we need to have transferred over to the new address, what we need to clean, and who can help. To say that I'm stressing out a little bit of an understatement. For every one thing that I think of that needs to get done I then think of three other things that needs to be added to the list.

Since the kids are on break, that means that they are around each other ALL THE TIME. That also means that the attitudes and the energy levels are at an all time high. Everyday there is something that they are not happy about, Tracey said I looked like a mop, Meagan won't quit bugging me.....

I think I am going to hit up pintrest for some simple ideas to help keep them occupied while I get the rest of the apartment packed up.If you have some creative and SIMPLE ideas for 8/10 year olds, please pass along the wealth of knowledge!

Puppy love

With all the excitement with the move, there is also one other thing that I think I am the most excited about.

Being able to finally have a family pet. I love Kentucky Humane Society and the rescues that they have. They have a good reputation in the community and who cant help but love a pound puppy.

We had wanted to adopt a puppy a few years back but we didn't want to pay a pet fee. We fostered one, Bryce, who was a lover from the moment that we met him. After we let him stay with us for the weekend, his temperament started to shorten. He became VERY protective of me. So much so that Dustin couldn't come near me. Out of fear that he would snap at the kids we had to take him back to the humane society.

This time we are looking for a particular type of dog and we are going to make sure that the fit is perfect for the whole family. We know we are going to want a dog that is family oriented and likes being outdoors, but also is smart.

The past few days we have been looking at the website and have found three suitable matches that meet our needs. Now, we are just hoping that they will still be available by the time that we are ready to adopt.

Moving suggestions

Hey internet world.....
I'm sure you all have noticed that we are going to be moving in the next couple of weeks. This is going to be the first BIG move with the kids. Do you all out there have any suggestions for kids when moving? Should we have them help with the move, have them bring toys that aren't packed up and let them hide out in their room and play, have them go to a friends house for a couple of hours while we are going back and forth?

It's going to be a busy day since we have to get as much of our furniture moved in one day.

I'm trying to make a checklist of everything that needs to get done over the next week, but right now I feel so scattered brained that I'm not even sure where to even begin. Any and all suggestions are welcome to help me stay on track.

Simplistically put...life is grand

Christmas has come and gone and I am very blessed for all the love that I have in my life.

My fiance and kids are absolutely amazing (just saying). Dustin and I haven't exchanged our gifts yet. We are waiting until after the move until we purchase those. We agreed that we would pick out a kayak that we each liked and that's what we would choose for Christmas. I can't wait until it gets warm enough to take them out on their maiden voyage.

My family never fails to shower me with love and support.

I hope everyone has had a holiday to go into the record books, because this one is surely one to beat.

Merry Christmas ya'll.

Merry Christmas!!!

This past week has been another busy one.

Last minute holiday shopping. Yes I was one of THOSE people.

Traveling near and far....mainly far. But when loved ones are having everyone over, it's a must in our book to make every effort possible to enjoy the company.

Christmas this year has been yet another success. I hate to wish time to go by, but honestly I am ready for next weekend to get here. We have been living out of boxes as we prep to move out of the apartment and into a house. With the kids on break right now they have been a huge help with keeping the apartment organized while we are living in chaos.

Next week begins the real fun. We will pack up our dishes and transition to paper products, the fun of creative meal planning will begin, and the cleaning, packing, and moving will take place the weekend before I go back to work on January 6th.

While I can sometimes be bitter about where I work (sorry folks, but people who are signing up for college can be down right hateful), I'm beyond excited that I get around two weeks off from work. See there are perks for working in higher education.

Tonight I got to spend some QT with my family who I don't get to see very often. It was a rather enjoyable evening. Tomorrow we travel to my in-laws for the day. It's been a couple of months since we last visited their house, so it will be a nice mini-vacation from the city life.

Everyone have a wonderful holiday with those that you love and please stay safe out there!!! I'm going to go snuggle up with my faves!

I can breathe again!

Holy moley what an insane three weeks it has been! I'm sorry if there are a few dedicated readers  out there who follow me. I know there aren't many of you, but thank you whoever you are.

Thanksgiving came and flew by quickly.The kids went to their moms for 4 LONG days. I'm glad that they were able to go, but damn I missed  them terribly.I really wanted to watch the Macy's parade with them and Dustin. Instead, it was just the two of us lounging in our jammies eating punkin pie and drinking coffee for breakfast. We went to my aunt's house were I got to FINALLY show off my super bling. A month later I am still  in shock.

Black Friday was awesome. I just love spending the day with my mum, aunt, and cousins. We make a day out of it and just have our annual "great day." I even had a bra blowout in the middle of the mall.  It was rather humorous trying to change bras while riding  in the backseat of the van. Everyone got a good majority of the things on their lists. Since then I have been relaxed with the shopping bit. Woop woop!

I wrapped up my semester with teaching both of my classes. It was a bit emotional for me. I loved teaching this group of students. They all want to be successful in everything that they do. As an educator I  will take it! I also finished my criminal law and juvenile justice classes. Let the skies part and the angels sing a glorious tune. I honestly don't know what to do with myself.

I'm gearing up for the shutdown at work.  Our annual two  week closing that everyone looks forward to. I gave myself an early Christmas present by taking off Thursday and Friday. So from December 18th at 4:00pm-January 6th at 8:00 am I will be in vacation mode. (excuse me while I do my Charlie Brown dance.)

Buyer's remorse

I took the chromebook back. I just couldn't keep it and I definitely felt guilty for spending that much money on myself. I know it's stupid sounding but I just couldn't justify it enough to keep it.

Thankfully Staples has an easy return policy which made the return really easy to do.


I know Dustin wanted me to keep the laptop, but I just couldn't do it. It was a lot of money and I could use that money on Dustin or the kids.

Hello North

Hello from the wonderful winterland of Muncie! Home of the Ball State Cardinals. ChirpChirp ya'll!

I'm visiting with some family this weekend and I'm loving it! I've gotten to share a lot of laughs and bonding with my cousins who I haven't seen in quite some time.

We got here earlier this afternoon and it's been an interesting afternoon to say the least, but isn't that how all vacations are supposed to be?

The guys went out to spend some time with my grandpa while mom and me had the three kids. It was interesting. Three kids who had been in a car for three hours.

I'm glad I get to spend the weekend away with my family.

Oh by the way it snowed....not a lot but it snowed and it's balls cold. It's frigid. Perfect timing for my boots that I've had for four years to have a blowout. Thank you boots for the unexpected trip to Target. I have a hard time going to Target and not spending money.


I know that this post is random. I may or may not have had a few drinks tonight with my cousins. Ok, so we had some fun. All the grandparents offered to babysit while the adult children went out to dinner and convened back at the hotel. All had a great time. Some more than others.

I'm off to bed as I have to get some sleep before tomorrow...errrrr today. I'm wore out from a crazy week. I'll update tomorrow with the events that happened. Take care interwebs.

Ciao!

At home workouts

Like every other bride that I know plus bridal books and websites that I have read there is always that one section that I feel sticks out in bold letters. Get into shape by joining a gym.

Hooooold up. I know I have some pounds to loose but there is NO way I can join a gym right now. It's just not financially possible. In a few weeks I will no longer be teaching, so the additional income that I have coming in will come to an end. Dustin and I are paying for the wedding ourselves, so no additional money can be spent.

Here's what I need from you internet world.

What are your favorite at home workouts that are easy to accommodate a busy schedule? Do you have some amazing workout that you behind closed doors? I need something that I can fit into 15-30 minutes first thing in the morning before I get the kids up for school.

I am horrible at sticking with diets, there never work for me, plus it's impossible to do something for myself when I have to also cook for three other people in the home. So I'm hoping that I can tone up with some motivation to become more active.

You would think that having a dress would be my motivation. I keep telling myself January 1 I'll start my workout. I should be starting NOW. That way when January 1 rolls around I won't continue to make up excuses as to why I can't.

Guilt

I feel wrong and bad and horrible.

No it's nothing that I have done, other than the fact that I bought this new laptop, I feel really guilty for it. REALLY guilty. It's not because I didn't have the money but rather because it was a very spontaneous purchase and it was a lot of money to spend on myself. I feel like I just was selfish at Staples and bought whatever.

I know I didn't buy the most amazing piece of technology out there for today's standards, but I bought something that met my needs. Reliable, fast(er) than my old laptop and access too an internet connection.

Still with it being so close to Christmas I want to make sure that the kids and Dustin have as good of a year as last year.

My internal conflict is tearing me up right now.

Live from my chromebook!

Hey ya'll I decided to splurge a bit and give myself a little treat. Since the kiddos are always wanting to play games on the other laptop I needed something that I could use more frequently to get what I needed to get done....done. So this was my present. Happy birthday!

Holy ya-yas

My dress arrived yesterday. It fits perfectly except the top. We are going to have to alter/add something so I'm not having my ya-yas trying to escape. 

HIgh Five for Friday

I know I say this a lot, but this week has flown by. I don't even know where the time has gone for it to have moved so fast. 

I've been doing, as best as I can, 30 days of thankfulness, through my facebook. This week has given me so much to be thankful for. 

1.Over the weekend the girls had their friend Chloe spend the night. It was so cute listening to them giggle all through the night. Chloe even told me that my cooking was amazing. That was adorable. 

2.I ordered my wedding dress. It was a steal. Literally. It was originally $300 and it was on a final sale for $99 PLUS I had 10% off. I can't wait for it to come in. I can officially check that off my list (and I stayed UNDER budget.)

3. Almost a month to the day I had to put my CPR/First Aid training to work. Working on the corner office of a very busy downtown intersection allows me to watch a lot of crazy things happen. Tuesday was no exception to this. I was getting some work done so I could get my desk cleaned off when my officemate and I heard a lot of tires screeching, horns honking, and then a crash. I look back just in time to witness a horrible wreck happen. I had a quick second where I just paused and I don't think I flinched. It was one of those "Oh crap what just happened." 

Before I realized it, I was sprinting out the door screaming at people to call 911. There were people already taking care of the guys who were in the trucks, so I felt comfortable taking care of this girl who was struck by the trucks while crossing in the crosswalk. It was wrong place at the wrong time. I had to remember to take a couple of deep breathes to keep myself calm, if I was going to help someone else. I swallowed my nerves and continued to do what I had to do. 

The girl was in direct path of the vehicles, one of which the man who initially caused the wreck was seizing and had his foot stretched out on the gas peddle. My first reaction was to move her out of the way of oncoming traffic (we were still in the crosswalk) as well as the cars if they happened to get untangled. I have never seen a man in a full blown seizure and completely lifeless. It freaked me out. I could tell the the girl I was helping had a broken bone. There was instant swelling and she couldn't move her toes. I stayed with her and supported her back until EMS could help her. I helped her keep her composure so she wouldn't start to panic and make the situation worse. I called her husband and explained the situation. He was able to meet her before the ambulance swept her off to the hospital. 

I got an email from her the following day saying that she was doing well. She had to have a knee immobilizer put on. She is walking around with crutches to keep the weight off of her leg due to a fracture in her femur. She said that she goes to ortho next week to have more scans done to see if there was any further damage. 

4. Meagan got a good report from the eye doctor. She had to have a follow up to checkup on her lazy eye. The doctor is pleased with how it's strengthening her eye. 

5. My in-laws are coming today to spend the night. They haven't had the opportunity to see where we live before so it's really exciting to have them come to town. 

Have a great week ya'll!!! 

High five for Friday

Its time for another lovely edition of......delanas high five. 

*applause applause* 

This week has been one of those weeks where we wake up each day with our feet running. 

The leaves here are FINALLY turning their beautiful fall shades. I just love the vibrant colors that this time of the year has. 

Seriously this is my new all time favorite creamer. I should be ashamed of how much I love this creamer. It makes my coffee taste like a white chocolate peppermint mocha. Irresistible! 

 

Both kids got major hair cuts on Saturday so I decided with their new dos I would teach them how to flat iron their hair. That little bit allows me a little bit more time to get my stuff together so I'm not runnin out the door like a bat out of hell. 

I have found out why brides to be start on wedding diets a year ahead of time. Cake samples. Amazing cake samples and buttercream. 

Lord help me over the next 11 months that I don't eat my weight in cake samples. 

I got to spend some time with this little ham on Sunday. I haven't seen her in a few weeks so when my parents joined us for dinner it was a nice surprise. 

Why is THIS stuck in my head today?

Truly blessed beyond words

I'm not the most religious or sentimental person.

I've always had that doubt about God or a higher being.

But the past few months have made me stop and reevaluate my beliefs. While I still question who God is, I do believe that someone is looking out for me. Whether my grandparents who have passed on or if it is a much bigger entity. All I know is that I'm grateful for what I have been given.

I have a fiance who without a doubt is my soulmate. I have two beautiful daughters who have saved me from a road of lonliness. I have a family who are my rocks and a great support system. I have so many friends who there are too many to thank for being there for me. Many of whom I haven't seen or physically spoken to in years, but I feel like you are in my life for a reason.

There are going to be a lot of BIG things happening over the next year and I'm excited about each one of them. I truly feel like the hard work that Dustin and I have done together, karma is giving us a small reward. We are going to keep doing what we do and enjoy life...together.

DIY wedding and kids

I think to really add to the family feel of our wedding I am going to find ways to incorporate the kids personal touches to the decor. Just little touches that shows them that they are as much a part of this wedding as Dustin and I are. 

Wedding planning bug

I'm obsessed. 

I have spent a good majority of this weekend looking at ideas and thinkin of what KIND of wedding I want to have. 

Dustin and I are going to be footing the bill for the wedding so it will definitely be a simple probably DIY as much as I can type of affair. 

I had to take my ring in yesterday to have resized. I can't wait to get it back. 

I'm engaged?!?

Holy crapola!!! 

This was just a far off dream that this would ever happen. Now it actually has. To me. I never would have thought that I would meet someone who would want to call me their fiancé let alone their wife. 

I am beyond thrilled. To be honest that doesn't even begin to explain the overwhelming excitement that I have. The kids were so excited about getting involved with the question it was so adorable. 

High Five for Friday

What a day this is! What a day!!! AND it's before noon. This week has been a wee crazy in preparation for the kids first halloween in Louisville.

This High Five for Friday is going to be based on the fact that I'm running on pure adrenaline today.

An old friend of mine reconnected with me early in the week and it was a very pleasant text message. We used to work together and she ventured off into the entrepreneurial world. We keep in touch pretty much every couple of years, so it was really awesome to get a text from her.

Halloween night was a wash because of the weather. I couldn't wait for the kids to get home because Dustin had planned a night to make up for the fact that we couldn't go out trick or treating. I still had the kids get into their costumes and I did their makeup. The rest of the night I was banned from the kitchen since they were doing their super secret stuff.

Ok so I admit that I'm a crazy stepmom. It's part of who I am. But the kids were super cute rocking their costumes around the house. We had fun playing dress up and I had fun playing with makeup. It was funny watching them try to get all the make up off last night before bed. 

Part of the fun that Dustin had planned for us was to carve pumpkins. The weather by this time was beyond crappy. It was windy and very rainy. We had fun getting to each decorate our own punkin, and the other Dustin even came over for the fun too. We were all surprised that the candles stayed lit with all the wind. They were the punkins that wanted to light up halloween. 

 Ok now the really most amazing news of the week. It's my birthday today. The reason why I was banned from the kitchen last night was because my birthday brownies were being made. I wasn't allowed to help, at all. So before I left for work this morning I had to blow out my candles. Birthday brownies for breakfast are TOTALLY acceptable.

 The girls and Dustin have been unusually giddy all week. And this morning I found out why. After I blew out my candles I saw what they had been planning. Dustin and the kids proposed to me. Who needs coffee after that?!?!

Of course I said yes. I think it was more along the lines of "absolutely" but I don't really remember. I've been on cloud 9 since that point in time. I haven't gotten any work done and I have a feeling that is going to be the trend for the day. 

I hope everyone has a great Friday (I'm off to celebrate with my FIANCE-holy crap I just said that out loud!!!) 

Lucy this doesn't look good

http://www.kentuckyweathercenter.com/

Our first Halloween with the kids and they are calling for some NASTY weather. We are trying to think of alternatives, if the weather folks are right.

The first Halloween I had when I moved to Kentucky there was snow on the ground. Never had that before. Now the first year we are able to take the kids they are calling for thunderstorms, which could be severe. What the what?!?

I'm still cancelling my class that day so that I can beat them home so I can get their makeup on them really quickly. I can't wait to take pictures of them.

Didn't we just start school????/

Tracey has been coming home with flyers for open houses for middle schools. Holy crap ya'll this is a tough thing
1) to wrap my head that next year we will have a middle schooler in the house

2) there really isn't a prime selection of middle schools unless you can afford and willing to travel to the other side of the county (neither of which are feasible)

The #1 pick that Dustin and I were really hoping for aren't accepting applications for middle school. So we are looking at our options for other schools. There is one that has sparked an interest and the girls and me will attend the open house Saturday to check it out. It is in a cute little neighborhood less than 10 miles from where we are at, so I'm hopeful that Tracey will like the school. It's an all girls school, but it's also a public school.

The kids are gearing up for Halloween...wait...let me re-phrase that I am gearing up for Halloween. We went to the fall festival at their school last friday and they got to dress up. I can't wait till I get to really do their makeup. I'm getting excited just thinking about the chance to take them trick or treating.

Teaching math skills

I always heard and still hear why do I have to learn this. Well today I woke up with a craving for cookies and a bright idea. Both girls need some work with multiying and dividing. So in my craving for homemade cookies, I thought of a great way to incorporate math into a real life scenario. 

First the grocery shopping. 

I made a list of everything that we needed. I gave Tracey the list and for each item she had to compare prices and pick the cheapest item. Then she had to keep a running tab of everything that we had spent. What really gave her a challenge was certain things had mulitiples. Ex 2 gallons of milk. So that required her to multiply right there in the middle of the store. There weren't any calculators. Just a piece of paper and a pen. As we walked to the checkout I asked how confident she was with her answer and she proved to me that she could do it. Her total was just a penny off. Which for having distractions and doing the math quickly I couldn't complain. 

Second the cookies 

I helped Meagan with the cookie process. This was a two part lesson for her. She is my little energizer bunny who has a difficult time listening. Plus they are starting division in school. I got all of the ingredients out and set them on the table. I know he recipe by heart and gave her limited measuring cups. Ex. I only let her use 1/2 and 1/4 cup to measure 1 cup total. It worked out well. It gave individual attention to each kid and helped them with some skills. 

My methods are off the wall but I'm teaching them lessons that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives. 

I have a belly ache

"My belly hurts, I don't feel good. I have a pain right here." This is what I heard when I got ready for work this morning. I didn't know what to do....should I make her go to school, should I call in and make her stay in bed? She felt bad that if she stayed home I would have had to call in since it would have been easier for me to take off rather than Dustin. I called Dustin to see what he thought and daddy came to the rescue. As soon as she talked to him she felt better. I think both girls are needing some time apart from each other just to breathe without having their sibling around. They are both going through a rough time right now. They are having the realization that maybe mom doesn't want to stay in contact with us. That's heartbreaking. Especially when you have to watch your kids heart break with every broken promise that is made.

Almost November?!?

Where the heck did this year go? It feels like it has flown by, I mean seriously wasn't it just may 17 and I was waiting on the arrival of my kids for their summer break? 

It's oh so quiet...

Last night my step dad picked up the kids for what we thought was just going to be one night. But decided that since they were being good that they (my parents) would just go ahead and keep them all weekend. Because you know, that's what grandparents do.....

Since we have had the kids full time there are very few times where Dustin and I sit in the car and just stop for a microsecond at how quiet it is.

Here we are 24 hours sans kids and I have to admit I'm bored. It really is too quiet.  Dustin has been on vacation this week and today marked the last day. We got to do some things, just the two of us and it's been incredibly nice. Like last night, we went to walmart. We just walked around and looked at things in a casual manner. Today we slept in, and by sleeping in I mean 730-830. That's late for  either of us.

We both lounged around as we drank coffee since it was a crappy morning. Then we got ready and picked up my perscription from the store. I've never been to the gun range before, so we decided earlier in the week that we would go together. It was an experience. For only shooting a gun for MAYBE the fourth time ever, I didn't do horrible, but I'm not a marksman by any means. I definitely need to get more comfortable with shooting. I even broke my necklace that the kids and dustin bought for me two christmases ago. I had a hot shell fly down my hoodie and directly on to my skin. My finger got caught on my necklace and it just snapped off. I thought the pearl on it was lost forever. But I waited till we finished our rounds and did a strip show in the middle of the main floor. HA!

We came back and relaxed for awhile and ran to get pizza. I can't complain that it's been a nice and relaxing QUIET day, but I miss my kids right now. Tomorrow can't get here fast enough.

Mid October high five for Friday

This week was another one of those weeks where you didn't know which way you were going at any point of the week. Monday night the television that I have had since I was a freshman in college (circa 2001/2002) went to the boob tube mansion in the sky. I admit I was a little heartbroken that this ridiculously heavy thing finally bit the dust. We allow the kids to watch 1 movie if they lay down at 8 or 2 episodes on netflix if it's after while they are falling asleep. Some of you are cringing that we let our kids watch tv before bed. This is what they are used to and it beats listening to them struggle falling asleep. 

Both of my classes think I have officially lost my dag gone mind. The end of the week resulted in setting up five different stations (creativity, math and logic, critical thinking, visual and spacial, and words). I can't tell you how many looks I got when I told them that part of their assignment was to color. This is all going to tie into the lecture I have for next week. I wanted them to experience both critical and creative thinking without having the stressors of using the book. 

The final product of my baby that I've been working on for the past two weeks! It's here! I am beyond excited. I got to work with a great team who helped me re-vamp a card for prospective students.

One of the best perks of being a parent, FREE pedicures. Ok so they aren't salon quality BUT I have been sporting neon orange and bring green toes all week. Yes I look ridiculous, yes the designs look insane, but my kiddo did my toes and how can you say no to a free pedicure, especially when she sat there for 20 minutes being still and quiet. 

busy week=lack of posting

Shoooo weee ya'll it's been insane this week. With fall officially here that means we are trying to get in the last moments of outdoor adventures. This week was nothing short of insane.
Monday I took the day off after our flood. We braved the mighty waters of salt river for the last time and made a day of canoeing. It was a great (extremely muddy) time and we all enjoyed some pizza afterwards. We had an amazing server who joked with the kids and even put them to work with brooms and scrubbies after Meagan spilled her orange soda, twice. It was humorous that she was willing to go above and beyond to make sure the kids were involved.
Tuesday I left work early for parent-teacher conferences. I was nervous. I haven't had to do a parent-teacher conference before and I have only been to their school once. My worries were easily calmed when I got there and I spoke to the teacher. Both girls are doing exceptionally well in school (proud parent moment) and both are going to be recommended for advanced placement testing. I got to see where they were academically and found tips and tricks to help them out to keep them engaged with class work.
Wednesday was pretty quiet. Just a typical school day and work day. It gave us an opportunity to get out and run to the grocery.
Thursday the other Dustin GRACIOUSLY agreed to come over before the sun was up. I had to be at work before 8 for a training. I can officially and PROUDLY say that I am now CPR, AED, First Aid, and Bloodbourne Pathogen certified for both adults and children.
Friday was another day of training. This was for under resourced students and how we can be more relatable to them.  It was informative but long.

I'm happy that today is Saturday and I can relax (a little bit). I dont think relaxing can really be used.

Where are my floaties?

This We had one of the largest rainfalls in a 24 hour period in Louisville last night/today. Some places got 3-5 inches, however, we did not. 8 inches since yesterday afternoon. 

This is what the back jogging path looked like around 5 yesterday. 

It's hard to tell but the water had risen about a foot by 10. 

This is the jogging path when I woke up. This is after it had dropped about 6 inches. 

The rain eased up enough for is to squash out way around the building to see the damage. 

Our building was surrounded by water for 90% of the day. 

The kids were restless and wanting to argue with one another. We did get to sit down as a family and watch the Croods. 

It's been a long day to say the least, but we are all safe and have a warm/dry  place to sleep tonight. 

What do you say?

The kids have been here since te middle of august. They have heard from their mom twice. What is the real swift kick in the stomach for them is that they were supposed to go see her this weekend for their fall break. I contacted her a week ago just to let her know of the dates that kids would be out of school. This was also so that she could, if need be, get her act together and get a ride/money to meet us. She asked me if I could bring the kids to her. Here's where I got the "what did you just say" look as I was reading her text. 

First off this is not my place to take them to her. She lives two and a half hours away, and it states in the legal agreement that she has to provide 50% of the transportation. I told her that I couldn't take them all they way to her nor could I come and get them. Again it's not something that I can do legally right now. Another thing is that I don't get off for fall break. I still have to work. Monday thru Thursday I work both jobs, so I don't get home until 6. If I were to take the kids by myself I wouldn't be gettin home till after 12. 

When I told her that I couldn't bring them she got pissed off at me and told me to forget it. That was the last thing the kids heard from her. 

We waited all week to see if we got anything, and nothing. Not surprised. It finally got to the point where Tracey came home from school and said, "still nothing from mom?" 

Meagan and Dustin both tried to call her number and it has either been disconnected or they have blocked all of our numbers. 

It's frustrating because we have to stay positive for the kids but at the same time there is so much frustration that everyone is feeling because of what she is doing. Kids shouldn't have to go through the feelings of abandonment because that is what they feel right now. They have said that they think mom doesn't love them. It kills me on the inside because I'm the closest thing to a maternal figure that they have right now.