Disneyland Trip

Disneyland Trip

Savannah, Mike Justice, Jon, Ben, Matt, Austen Trent, Bill, Me and Sam

Disneyland was a blast....the boys had a blast and wore us adults out!!  We met up with Sam, Scott and the boys and spent 2 days in Disneyland and 1 day at California Adventure.  We got into town and just had to laugh at the room that we had reserved.  It was very close to Disneyland and that was nice but boy the hotel was horrible.  They would give us 4 towels for a two room suite...I mean really?  After watching too many horror shows about hotels, my skin was crawling.  On the other hand, I was spending quality time with my family and my sister and her family...so nothing could ruin my vacation. 

The kids had a blast though on almost all of the rides.  Matt was glued to my side the whole time and had to ride all of the rides with me...no exceptions.  Well we felt bad, Bill and I both sat out for Tower of Terror and the boys rode it with everyone else.  Well they were scared out of their wits poor guys.  This was my first time with the boys and getting to actually ride the rides so I was super excited as well.  All the kids loved the characters, no one was scared of them.  The boys loved getting to see their cousins, not as much as I enjoyed getting to see my sister though. 

 This is Micheal, Savannah and Ben's pirate faces before we got on Pirates of the Caribbean. Kids loved it....this is one of my favorite rides as well.

This is the whole crew...Bill, Justice, Michael and Jon, Austen, Sam, Me and Matt, Ben, Jacque, Bill and Trent in Radiator Springs.

This is the first character that we saw and got a picture with.  Jon kept an eye on him and Matt didn't want a picture with him but he was pretty cool.  Love how much into their character they get.

This is Sam and Me with Mickey...felt like a couple of kids again...

This is Michael and his girlfriend Savannah.  Michael almost lost her to us during this trip.  The boys absolutely loved her and she is a very sweet and wonderful girl.  We were very happy we got to see her.

This is Jon's first ride at Disneyland and he loved it...he loved it so much that we bought him his own turbo blaster that he adored the whole trip...this smile is what taking the kids to Disneyland is al about.

So proud of my boys and happy to have four healthy and wonderful boys.

Can See A Little Difference...

Well...I am still here and still keeping up...got into a little rut for just a couple of days...but thankfully I have a wonderful husband who told me to get my butt to the gym.  Sometimes it is so nice to have someone who is honest with you and will lift you up no matter what.  I have to say I have the best husband in the whole world...hate to break it to you other girls out there...but he is by far!!  No matter what he is just always there for me and I can't thank him enough for all of his encouragement.  I know I will get through this and I know I will be happy with myself soon.  I don't know how soon but I will get there.  The workouts always feel phenominal and I hate missing them or going to the gym. 

One of the boys today told me that they are at the gym all the time.  It really made me feel bad...I feel like a horrible mom...even though we are really not there that often and when we do go...we aren't there for very long.  We do hour workouts and then sometimes take them swimming.  So it isn't that bad usually but it kills me a little.

This week I will be doing some overtime so I have to figure out a different work out schedule for a couple of the days.  Looking forward to something different though so not too worried about it.  Going to be taking the kids to the pool a lot since the heat is starting up.  Oh yah...I also used our beautiful treadmill, the thing is like the Cadillac of treadmills so I love it!! 

Another thing I am very grateful for is the example Bill and I are setting.  When Justice is home, he has been working out with Bill and that to me is pricesless.  I am so proud of both of them spending time together and enjoying it...makes me so happy.  It has been hard finding things that Justice enjoys that we enjoy and have time for as well.  Ben has been asking to run on the treadmill everyday too, that could be a good alternate since it is so hot outside.  It will also get him ready for basketball...if only I could stick them all on it and let them go.  I want to take a couple of pics and post them...so you all can see the differences...we will see though.  Love you all....

End of the School Year Already...?

It is kind of sad but at the same time I am so happy and proud of my boys...they are truly great kids that are just so wonderful and smart.  We have been busy rewarding all of them for their accomplishments. 

Justice was inducted into the National Honor Society, got his letter for grades and Robotics and got almost all A's in his classes.  He is a great example for his little brothers.

Benjamin has been doing great in kindergarten too, I can't believe how much these kids learn in kindergarten anymore.  Ben memorized the most site words in his class...he learned 159 and some were on a 3rd grade level.  He also got three 2nd place ribbons for the hurdles, 4x100 relay race, and 100 yard dash.  We then ended the week with his graduation from kindergarten as well. 

Then onto Matthew, our quiet one...we were so concerned with him because no matter how much we worked with him he wouldn't give us any idea on how much he was retaining.  It has been so frustrating, so when the teacher showed us his report card with all high marks...both of our jaws dropped!!  She exclaimed that Matt has showed them that he excelled in all areas and that he was more than ready for kindergarten.  What? Matt...we are talking about Matt right??  Matthew Sibole?  Well come to find out...he actually is the type that doesn't talk too much at home (God knows how hard it is to get a word in with Ben around.) but will express himself more at school.  The teacher said that it is good that he isn't too shy at school to talk, makes is rough on them so I guess we are doing something right? 

Jonathon...well he has survived another year with three older brothers.  He has definitely reached the terrible twos though.  He is testing and trying our patience pretty good lately.  He is also a walking recorder and repeats everything.  He is still pretty little...only 3% weight and 17% height...that's ok though.  He has some pretty big brothers to protect him if needed. 

Me and Bill are surviving...between the boys, work, summer heat and trying to get into shape we are worn out!!  Still hitting the gym and now I am starting to keep a food and excercise journal.  Hoping that will help me see what I am doing wrong.  We couldn't be more proud of our boys though, not only smart but they all have big hearts and take care of each other for the most part. 

Never Giving Up!!

So a couple of weeks down and still going...maybe not as strong but still feel the need to pursue my happiness being happy and healthy.  There is so much into getting fit, it is almost exhausting.  I think it is overwhelming and I can see how so many people give up on it all together.  Not making excuses and not giving up but boy, life is busy already and I sure don't need to throw anymore wrenches into our schedule. 

First thing...I need to figure out what workouts, classes or swimming I am going to do for the week...and that has to work around our crazy schedule for the boys and our work schedules. 

Then there's the food scheduling...need to eat healthy and know what to make...so planning on that part is very important!!  When we find ourselves not planning out the meals for the week we tend to eat out more and eat things that aren't entirely healthy.  I really enjoy trying out new recipes so this isn't all that bad..but finding the time to do the planning is not easy. 

I have to hand it to the kids though, we have cooked so many different things and have fed them so many different varieties of foods....and they eat it.  Matt doesn't like pickles...and that's about it...they are actually great eaters.  The kids have also been getting better about going to the gym...Ben and Matt have been fine from the beginning...but poor Jon has his rough days.  There is a certain employee that he seems to not like...she has been really rude to myself as well so I am not too fond of her myself.  I just don't know what to do about it.  Today was a turning point though...we dropped him off at the daycare at the gym and he waved bye and love you!!  Of course she wasn't there....Oh it was such a relief. 

So still on this journey and I am not giving up...my well being is very important for me and for my kids and family.  I want to feel good and have energy when I get up and do the things I want to...I know I am on the right path and pray that God will bless me with the strength and motivation to keep going. 

My First Week Dissapointment

First week is all done...I stepped on the scale...gained 2 pounds!!  What is up with that?  I hate the saying "muscle weighs more than fat." So I took that two pound weight gain and pushed even harder at the gym.  I am not going to let these measly two pounds stand in my way!!  Other than that, I have been doing great, love the work outs and can feel my body getting stronger...slowly but better.

Last time we had a gym membership the boys got sick and we were unable to make it for a couple of weeks and finally cancelled our membership because we were paying for us not going.  Well what do you know...a few days ago Jonathon started up with a really high fever.  The great thing is this time we worked together and watched the kids while the other went to work out...we didn't get to work out together but at least we got to work out.  He is a great guy...don't know where I would be without him.  As much as I let myself go over the years he still tells me how beautiful I am and how lucky he is, little does he know that I am the lucky one by far! 

So, first week down and ready for more...next hurdle...end of the year appointments, musicals, track meets and award ceremonies.  I will need to plan my work outs very carefully so I don't miss one.  Thank you Aunt Dean for being my support, love you very much!!  Away we go....into week two!!

First Week Alllllmmmmost Done!

Oh goodness....this first week has felt more like a month.  I think every inch of my body has hurt in one way or another from these workouts but I feel good.  It's amazing how much you learn in just one week from changing your entire lifestyle. 
First of all, the workouts I am actually looking forward to.  I know I really want the end result and I want to change, I know all too well that I am not going to get there unless I put in a lot of effort.  So I am trying to keep the mentality that I want to attack every work out. 
Weekends and Monday's are my only real days with Bill and the boys so I thought those would be the days we could work out together and get to use the pool as well.  So I hit another stumbling block...overtime at work.  I woke up, ate dinner and was out the door.  I felt bad for not depriving myself of sleep and going to the gym.  Then I had to face going to work where all the fast food places and Starbucks were open...I actually didn't think twice about it.  I was so happy for myself. 
Today I got to work out with Bill and that was nice, sometimes I wonder if I am doing things the right way at the gym and wonder if anyone is thinking "look at that crazy lady...what is she doing?"  So Bill was there to help me out and make sure my form was perfect. 
I don't know if we did a good or bad thing today though, feel like I am telling on myself...we ate out!!  Nothing was taken out for dinner and we were heading to the gym.  After the gym I told Bill, we deserve it!  We haven't ate out at all and we are doing so good.  Glad we have each other to put it into perspective...Bill says...."yah for a week."  Thats it...a whole week.  Heck I thought that was great!  So we stopped and had dinner at Village Inn.  Not too bad, not fast food and the food was delicious. 
So tomorrow will be my rough day...Get home from work and have the kiddos while Bill is at work.  Hopefully they will cooperate for me so I can get a nap in before I head to the gym.  I am just praying that I make it to the gym....staying up for a couple of days with maybe an hour or two of interrupted sleep is pretty rough...for this girl anyways.  The journey continues...

My Journey

I am embarking on a journey that I have started many times before, this time I am finally going to see the end and finish what I started once and for all.  Of course I am talking about losing weight, been my main concern my whole life it feels like.  Even when I was fit I still worried about my weight.  I feel that if I keep a good record of it, I can look back on my ups and downs and see where I am failing and excelling.  Most importantly, I also want to write this out in case I can contribute to someone else wanting to do the same. 
So here I go into the well known time of eating right and getting the exercise I need.  Why can't it be just that easy?  Why do we have to have to many interruptions, cravings, hang ups and failures?  I am three days into wanting a change and I already feel the pressure of these coming down.  My biggest enemy at the moment is exhaustion and sleep.  I am already trying to get used to night shift, and now I am completely exhausted with a work out on top of it.  On the other hand, my body feels sore and wonderful from the first three days of a work out so oh well. 
On that note, workouts...I really enjoy working out.  It is the getting off the couch part that is the hardest for me, goes back to the whole lack of sleep.  I bought a great ifit app on my iphone that I just love that gives me circuit training workouts and it really is great!  I also tried water aerobics and a Group Power class at the Y.  The water class was nice but the Power class kicked my butt.  Isn't it funny how we can be completely drained from a work out but feel great at the same time for accomplishing it?  The hard part today was having the power class and being in a room with all mirrors.  I just kept looking at myself and thinking...I didn't realize I was this big!  Totally not joking, what a killer to my workout this could have been...but I just let it motivate me. 
So how did I get here?  I can name off many ways like child birth x3...but the teacher in my class today had 3 kids the same age and looked great!  Then there's the truth...my love for food, overeating and lack of exercise.  OUCH!  It happens quick too, never saw it coming. 
Food...I am the type of person who enjoys all types of foods...except olives.  Unfortunately my stomach can hold a lot so I just eat and eat.  Then we discovered a convenient way of eating unfortunately...fast food.  Believe me, it isn't all that good, but the dollar menu and how fast you can get it is very convenient.  So another laziness problem and just not caring I guess.  This week we have tried  not eat out at all...it was harder for the kids which really killed me.  What kind of habits are we teaching our kids about this horrible lifestyle? 
Well that is enough for today...hopefully I didn't ramble on too much...Relaxation day tomorrow and BBQ and Trishas...we will see how that goes.

Grandma's Visit

We finally got my mom to come out and visit us and boy did we have a blast. We haven't seen mom since the reunion a year ago now. The flight in was a little rocky but she landed finally and the boys were glued to her. She was so nervous the boys wouldn't take to her since they haven't seen her in so long but that was far from what happened.

I was so excited to have a whole week off my graveyard schedule...my poor body was just adjusting to it too.  Grandma was greeted in the mornings by little Jonathon's sweet kisses, Ben's big hugs and Matt's sweet smile. 

We took her on a trip to Laughlin for the night and enjoyed a walk down the river.  We even celebrated Mother's Day a little early and had a turkey feast.  I miss my mom so very much and wish she lived closer.  My mom has the biggest heart and the sweetest soul, I look up to her so much!!  She would do anything for anyone at anytime.  Sometimes I question her big heart but I know she is just trying to do all she can to help anyone in need. 

On top of a great visit, I sat down and was able to talk to mom about her family.  My mom's dad passed when mom was 3 and her mother passed shortly after I was born.  So I was never given the chance to know either one, makes me feel cheated some days because I know they both must have been really special.  Mom had a pretty rough upbringing and I am lucky to have an uncle and aunt who share pictures from those days with me.  (thank you Aunt Dean and Uncle Doyle)  So mom and I sat and looked through all these pictures of when mom was a kid and growing up through the years...the stories were just priceless...thank you mom for taking the time to share so many stories and memories with me and the boys.  Miss you already

TCO Week

I know not too many people read this, but I think it is very important to share a very special week with you all who actually do.  April 15-21 is TCO Appreciation Week....and I am sad to say that no one takes it seriously.  First of all TCO stands for Telecommunications Operator.  These are the men and women who answer your emergency or even non-emergency phone calls.  It can be a call about a noisy neighbor, sick member of the family, a wreck or as dramatic as a drowning.  These men and women live through everyone's problems, heart breaks, and issues on a daily basis and it is exhausting, but we continue to do the job and hopefully with a smile.  We try to leave the issues we encounter at work when we leave but there are days when there's nothing you can do but cry for someone else's call. 
So for one week out of the entire year, they give us a week to be honored.  I found out that sadly we are the only ones who show each other our appreciation.  I take that back...there are some great deputies out there that was nice enough to bring us food and drinks. 
I am not writing this to complain but to really let everyone out there know how much I appreciate what they do for their community being a 911 Dispatcher.  A job that only few are able to handle and the angels behind every call that comes in no matter what the urgency.  If you are able to remember next year...take a few moments and it can be as simple as a note to your local police, sheriff's office, or medical dispatch.  They really do deserve it!!  I am proud to be a part of this new family...

Where Has the Time Gone?

Holy Moly....I really didn't realize how long it has been since I have been on here...I am so sorry and hope you all can forgive me...

Unfortately I only have a few minutes before I need to start getting the kids to bed and be off to work.  So much has happened, don't know where to start from the last blog. 

Bill is still at MASH and sort of loving working with the dogs and cats.  He is trying to figure out how to run a business and seeing if that is where his future is...hopefully more details to follow in a couple of months on that. 
Me...I am working nights now and trying to figure out how people function and live a normal life while working nights.  I am still with the Sherrifs office and has its bad and good days.  It is a very rewarding job, and I enjoy doing my part in the community.  I have been trying to find the strength and motivation to start exercising...let me know if you know how to find them.  Other than that I keep myself awake and busy at night by working on my crochet and cross stitching....been loving that. 
Justice is hard at work in high school and especially his robotics class...he is the president of the robotics club and takes it very seriously.  They are currently having a competition this weekend against 50 other schools...wow!!  He is also now taller than his dad...they look identical actually. 
Ben still loves school and is enjoying making new friends on a daily basis.  He is truly a big hearted kid...he really enjoys all his friends and sees the good in all people...it really warms my heart. He also is a natural and loves all sports...can't wait to see him in action.  He is still a huge help for me...always a good big brother.
Matthew is all muscle and doesn't like people to know how smart he really is...he is always surprising me with what he knows.  He is such a sweetie pie...to mommy!!  He is still struggling with his speech so we are planning on getting his hearing checked. 
Then theres Jon....that boy is a bully and a hand full at times....he is such a cutie though all at the same time.  Him and his red hair makes him irresistable.  He enjoys attacking his brothers and getting into anything he knows he isn't supposed to.  He is saying more words everyday...he also likes to repeat everything he hears.  Makes for interesting days.
The boys have started singing all the music that we usually listen to...it is so cute hearing them and requesting music from us. I love that they know 80's music and bands....ah yah!!

As for the rest of the family...Rosco, Bailey, Mr. Krabs, chickens...and Twitch...they are all doing well....

We are truly blessed and thank God everyday for what we have...not to say we don't have our ups and downs...this year has been very trying but we still try to enjoy life and keep swinging at what ever comes our way.  We love you all and appreciate you all for caring and thinking of us. 

I tried to upload photos...but it sys they are all too big...I will try again later promise...