Chaotic Times

It is always my goal to write more often than I do, but things happen so fast around here, it is hard to keep up with everything going on in our lives. We began the new year first with Ashley being injuried, then Josh was sick for a week, Ashley broke her talker and then the next week the girls were very sick. This is my first week with everyone back in school. Now I'm looking around trying to decide whether to take a break or get caught up on all the things that need to be done. I think I'm going to try for a combination of both. I'm thankful everyone is recovered now and hoping we are finished with illness and injuries for awhile.
Even through all the chaos the children had several exciting things happen. Hailey participated in a winter swim meet and did very well. She came home very excited, after placing in several events and winning the backstroke. Then the next week she placed 2nd in the district Hoop Shoot. Josh has been to several wrestling tournaments. He placed 2nd and 3rd in his bracket at the first two tournaments. The last tournament didn't go so well, but he is in a harder age group this year. A lot of good lessons can be learned from not winning. He will have to go back and work harder. Ashley handled her talker being broke pretty well, however we were so thankful when the loaner came in the mail. She has really been maturing lately, maybe it is because she will be eleven next month. She has stopped taking her blanket and pillow to school and her behaviors are much better. Last week she lost her first molar. This is the first tooth loss in which she was obviously aware. It was a little funny because she wanted me to put it back in her mouth. She has made more of an effort to interact with people around her. For the first time she is really showing an interest in computers. She is using her talker much more than she used to and using complete sentences. When she broke her talker, she apologized. That is the first time I have seen her express true remorse and take responsibility for her actions. It is so exciting to watch her grow so much.
While parenthood is highly stressful, it is also a lot of fun to watch them grow and mature, both in their successes and the things that don't work out so well. I can't even imagine what they will throw at us next, but- I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13