An Actual Blog Post?

For the ones and ones of people who actually read this little blog, I apologize.

I didn't mean to take a year and half pause from blogging. It just happened.

I enjoyed doing this blog... at first.

Then it became kind of a dread.

Let me explain. I love reading other blogs. A lot. They inspired me to start this one. I find great recipes, craft ideas or just keep up with the families there.

I not only took a blogging break, I took a timeout from reading other blogs as well. And Facebook.

People on Facebook seemed to put up only their drama, gripes, complaints or the exact opposite, they would post on why their kids and their family are the greatest and just the bees knees. You know, honor roll, vacation in the Caribbean, etc.

And if I'm going to be honest, I must tell you I think I was in sort of the dumps, down, sadness when I stopped this blog.

I know people want to put their best out there. I would be proud too of my honor roll student and my fancy vay-cay. But I just wasn't in a happy mood for a while. I do not want to say I was depressed. I believe that is a serious diagnosis. I was just sad due to my circumstances.

While I'm being honest, I'll tell you that money was seriously tight and Ethan's behavior made me want to drink and cuss. I didn't. OK, I might have let a few choice words out a few times.

So as you can see, I think I had a legit reason to take a blogging break. I could get on here and tell you all the super fun things we did as a family and how everything was just peachy, but I'd be a liar. I don't want to lie to my ones and ones of readers!

So here goes nothing. A doctor finally listened to what I had to say about Ethan's behavior. Ethan is now on some meds that help him with his nasty mood. I don't want to get into a discussion about children and medications. It wasn't a decision I made lightly. But let me tell you, I have received more "I love you" and hugs from this child in the past year than in the first 10 years of his life.

Ethan actually sings, tells jokes and belly laughs at  funny things. He stepped on my foot the other day and he said "I'm sorry". On purpose. I didn't have to make him say it or anything. He seems genuine and not emotionally disconnected. There's not a perpetual grumpy cloud over him all the time.

But he's still a kid. He's not a saint, a saint he ain't! He still gets into trouble and can be defiant and disrespectful. He's a 12 year old boy.

But God has also shown to me over and over again during this break that He is sovereign over all. He created Ethan they way he is for a purpose and placed him in this family for a purpose. Period. I will rest that. Period.

So when I decided to blog again, I wondered. What is this blog about? A family with a child with ACC? A family who has lost to baby boys with MD? A craft blog? Cookie blog? Cooking blog? Well, it's my blog and my blog will be all of those things. I hope you enjoy.

If you read all of this, then bless your heart!

I have so many things I would like to share with you from the last year or so, but in due time.

I will leave you with a recent picture from Thanksgiving.

And if your a bragger on Facebook, good for you! But save the drama for your mamma!

1st Day Of School

Here are a few pics from the 1st day of school last week.

So far, both kids are liking school and are doing great. We had Ethan's ARD meeting today and Ethan is doing wonderful! We're off to a great start!!

Summer Wrap Up

August is almost over and school is starting! Where did the summer go?

This summer...

Ethan spent a week at church camp and loved every minute of it. It was a whole 6 days away, but he did great.

Emily spent 3 days camping with her best friend Emma at the lake.

Did you know August his national Eye Exam Month? Did  you celebrate? We celebrated all up in my house.

Ethan was complaining about his eyes hurting, so I took him to the eye doc.

Holy Handsome, Batman! I told him he'll be fighting the girls off with a stick. These glasses make him look super handsome.

My babe also got new glasses.

My ladybug turned 7!

And the craziest of all, we got a cat!

I am not a pet person. I really don't care for pets and cats were last on my list. Ok, not last, last, but pretty close. I won't do pet snakes or spiders or lizards or any of those hot messes.

I always thought cats had an attitude.
Mark wanted to get the kids a pet because they have been begging for so long. I didn't want a puppy or a kitten because nobody is home during the day. I don't need a puppy chewing up my furniture or a kitten climbing my curtains. But I told Mark if he could find a cat that was de-clawed, litter box trained and good with kids, then I would consider it.

Well, last Friday the kids found this...

I couldn't get a picture of her looking at me, but she's cute. She's grey and has white hair above her eyes like eyebrows. Her name is Tazz, aka Tazzy Cat. She's gentle, loving and sweet with the kids. And I never thought I would say this, but I like her.

Let's hope it stays that way and doesn't turn into this.

  School started today. Here's a sneek peek from this morning.

Share A Laugh Sunday

To the person that donated this puzzle to our local thrift store.

Well played, sir! Well. Played.

P.S., we think you you stink!

Emily's 7th Birthday

My little one turned 7 last week.

Don't mind the tattoo. Why do little ones like these things?

Anyway, her birthday was on a weekday, so Ethan, Emily and I celebrated with dessert at Dairy Queen.

Only I was the only one to get ice cream. I got a shake. A mint chocolate chip shake. Yummy! They did not pay me to say that, but they should!

Emily wanted a smoothie and Ethan a slushy.

Cheers to the 7 year old.

This year Emily wanted her party at the local skating rink. I was secretly super excited. It's hard to host a party and keep the kids occupied and take pictures and set out food and yada, yada, yada. This year it was "put on your skates and go for it. I'll call  you when it's time for cake!"

She looks really intense blowing out her candle. She said she wished for an iphone! Keeping wishing 7 year old!

Here are the cookies I made!

The colors I used were pink and zebra stripes.

I made strawberry and chocolate Muddy Buddies for the party goody bags.

It was a success. They kids loved it and Emily was beaming all day. And best of all, no decorating worries and easy clean up! Just add pizza and *wham*, successful party!

Happy 7th Birthday Baby Girl! We love you!

Share A Laugh Sunday

It's July in Texas. Need I say more!

Share A Laugh Sunday

My sentiments exactly!