Report Cards are in

So the end of 3rd grade second quarter has come to a close and report cards are in.

Shelbie's

Shianne's

I had parent teacher conference for Shianne per my request and her teacher's to discuss her reading problems and issues in school. She is involved with the RTI program at school. I also met with the two ladies that are directly involved with helping Shianne. We have come to the conclusion that Shianne is capable of the work. She continues to make progress. She is reading at the average 3rd grade level. It is her immaturity and personality that get in her way. Her problem is, she doesn't put forth her best effort and gets upset or angry when she messes up and then shuts down. Her self confidence needs a boost. She is more concerned with getting the work done and not concerned with doing it correctly. I was shown the graph of her progress in her reading intervention. She has been consistently above her target. They usually do not continue with the children in the program when they are doing so well, but because of her history and our concern they are keeping her in. The lady that works with Shianne said that Shianne is a big help to the other 2 girls in the same group. That helps boost her confidence. We have also discussed modifying her reading tests for a short time to help her out, also to boost her confidence. Here is the graph I was shown. She is tested weekly.

At any rate, I am proud of both my girls, and Shianne promises to work hard on doing better in school. I have an honor's Assembly next week to attend for Shelbie.

Snow Day and Yesterday's News

Let it Snow! It's a snow day here today. Lot's of snow outside.

As of now we are staying in and staying warm. The kids haven't even asked to go outside yet.

As for yesterday's news. I had my follow up with the doctor to have my blood pressure checked. All was well. Blood pressure was normal. So no meds for now, and recheck in 3 months. Also I was down 11lbs from 2 weeks ago...yay!

Abbi brushes her teeth...

Such a big girl she is now. See for yourself...

(sorry it's sideways, I couldn't get it to rotate)

Daddy to the rescue...

Last night as daddy, mommy and Shelbie are playing the Wii Abbi starts crying, then looks at daddy as if she can't breathe. Then she gags a little. Daddy jumped up and immediately starts patting her back. She pukes, and gags a few more times, then finally up comes a penny. Scary moment to say the least.

Playing catch up...

I've missed two days of posting...shame on me.

So, the other day I brought up the idea of going back to school. I would love to become a nurse...follow in my mom's footsteps. Do what she and I both love. Hubby however quickly made me feel like it wasn't a good idea. I don't think he meant it to sound the way it did in all honesty, but it did. He's worried about us making ends meet (while I attend school) which we are having a hard time with now. I told him, I didn't plan on quitting my part time job. Then he seems to be better with the idea. But anyway, I guess I was just hoping for a better reaction from him. More support and encouragement. I won't be able to do it, if he isn't behind me 100%. If I could make it through school, and get a good paying full time job, we'd be so much better off. By the time I would finish school, all the kids would be in school all day and I would be able to work full time. So, I guess I just need to look into it, and go from there. I've also toyed with the idea of just becoming a CNA for now, and then go to nursing school in a couple of years once the kids are in school all day. I don't know for sure what to do right now.

And yesterday I had my van for a WIC appointment(so nice to have transportation). I'm usually stuck without a vehicle right now since the old van failed emissions and we can't get tags for it until it passes. Ugh. Anyway, Jilli checked out fine at her appointment. She was 34.8lbs and 39 7/8" tall according to their measurements. She got her little arm hugged for a blood pressure check...love those tiny blood pressure cuffs...

Abbi also got the most adorable little t-shirt from the Breast Feeding Peer Counselor at the WIC office.

When we finished there we headed to Shelbie's doctor appointment. She was home sick from school with sore throat, and achey. We stopped at McDonald's drive thru on the way for lunch. We saw a fire across the street and watched the firetrucks come and put it out while we munched on our lunch in the car as they were closing the road down in front of McDonald's.

We made it to our scheduled appointment for Shelbie. She weighed in at a whopping 54lbs..lol No fever, ears...good, nose...good, throat...a little red-no strep. Prescribed antibiotics, and out the door we went.

We then picked Shianne up from school and headed home. I forgot to mention that through all of this today I was fighting a horrible headache. When we got home I snuggled up in my recliner with Abbi and we slept for like 4 hours. Much needed, and head felt better.

Does she look like me?

Excuse the bed head on us both, but we were snuggling on the couch this morning when I snapped this shot.

So does she look like her momma?

Don't mind the crumbs on my upper lip, she was feeding me animal cookies.

Snowy Day and Rock Climbing

So it seems as though most surrounding schools were out today due to weather, except us. The girls were hoping for a snow day and were not happy about getting up this morning. They didn't even have their clothes laid out like they usually do. Already for tomorrow a couple of surrounding schools are canceled...I'm sure we won't be one of them.

We went to the Y tonight. I played Racquetball with my brother for an hour and enjoyed about 15 minutes in the Sauna, then the older girls did rock climbing. Shelbie is a pro. Shianne did better each go at it. One of the instructors even let Jilli give it a try. Although it was tough for her wearing her snow boots...lol. I am bummed though, I forgot my phone at home, so no pictures of them climbing :( Hopefully next time.

I Love Monday's

After a weekend of 12 hour shifts, I was so looking forward to today. Got the big kids off to school, then cuddled and napped all morning with the little kids, it was so nice. I also took a bath today with the little ones...they just love that. Pizza for dinner, and then we went to the Y(good combination there don't ya think...haha). Everyone in bed now but me, so I am enjoying a little peace and quiet while I watch my Y&R from today. That's all.

Snow day tomorrow? We shall see.

It's time I find a new job...

I have been here, at my current job for 7 years this year I believe. There is no room for growth here. I only make a quarter over minimum wage...new hires are coming on at my wages. I haven't had a raise(even with minimum wage increases) since 2007. I only work 2 days a week and drive 25 minutes one way to work(and gas prices are just too much). It is not worth it to me anymore. I have enjoyed what I do. Love working with people, it's just time to move on. So...today I submitted 5 applications/resumes. I don't know if these places are hiring, but from their website I either submitted an electronic application or I emailed my resume. I will keep doing so until something comes along. I am also going to look into becoming a CNA...a step in the direction I want to go. Wish me luck and I will keep you all posted.

Happy Birthday Jillian

We had a small birthday celebration at home last night for Jilli's 4th birthday. I unfortunately had to work 7am-7pm so didn't even get to spend the day with my birthday girl. We enjoyed a few presents and cake and ice cream just the same though. I love you Jilli Buggins.

Pretty in Pink for her last day being THREE

Tomorrow morning at 9:05am my Jilli Buggins will be turning FOUR years old. And since mommy has to work tomorrow(12 hours), I prettied her up for a couple snaps today. Love my onry girl.

Today also consisted of running a few errands. Work...got my measly paycheck, Bank...cashed my measly paycheck that wasn't even worth a deposit slip, Target...got the baby a couple new sippy cups to try out and a gift for someone, YMCA...got our membership renewed! and stuck around for a workout, Shop N Save...WIC stuff and cake and ice cream for the birthday girl tomorrow, and CVS...refilled my "happy" pills, which I have been out of for 2 weeks.

Dinner tonight was White Chicken Chilli courtesy of my good friend Sarah. It was very yummy.

Girl Scouts and Science Experiments

Tonight at girl scouts the girls worked on their Science in Action Try-It. How fun! They did two activities and I thought I would share them here. Balloon Blowup and Homemade Ice Cream in a bag. Check them out sometime.

A Day at the Doctor

So today Abbi had her 15 month well check up(a month late...oops). She weighed in at 23lbs and 31 inches tall. Perfect! She got 3 shots which she was not happy about, but did great.

So this momma also had an appointment. Per my OB, I needed to get with my family doctor for a blood pressure check. Not looking good. 2 weeks ago at the OB bp was like 160/90. Today I was 144/88 first check and 166/100 the second. YIKES! I have to go back in 2 weeks. It's either get this weight off or go on BP meds. Need to get my butt in gear.

Wall of Fame

As I sit in my chair at the OB's office today getting my blood pressure taken, I look ahead at the wall of baby photos. I realize that there will be no more babies of mine added to that wall and it kinda makes me sad. But I know our family is complete and I am happy. I have yet to take the youngest one's pics in...because I have yet to order her hospital pic, but I will. Here are the pictures I took of my babies on Dr. Dalla Riva's Wall of Fame.

The first photo is the twins hospital pic, then their 1st and 2nd year pics. Bottom pic is Jillian's Hosptial and newborn snap. Memories of my precious babies...they grow up so fast!

Mac N Cheese is yummy

Today consisted of not a whole lot. This momma has had a headache all day, makes it difficult to function.

I managed Mac N Cheese for lunch which is always a favorite. Apparently, the baby thinks it's easier to stick her head in the bowl to eat it.

And then after all that hard work, she went right down for a nap.

Also noting today that, I think little miss has given up her boobie with the new year. She has nursed only briefly, twice since the new year and today didn't ask for it at all. Sad that my baby is growing up, but so happy that our BFing relationship lasted as long as it did...16 months.

Sharing our Christmas 2010

Christmas was great this year. Ashley was here which made it even more special.

We celebrated with Grandma and Tony on the 23rd. Christmas Eve they got to open presents grandpa and Emma sent down. Celebrated with my sister and BIL the day after Christmas...and of course Santa buried them in presents Christmas morning. We had 5 very happy girls.

Oh, and to make it an even better Christmas...we had snow!! It was beautiful.

New Blog for a New Year

So, I started a blog once before, and well, that didn't last long. I am gonna try this again...from the beginning. I'm not much of a creative writer, so not sure how interesting this blog will be, but I will however keep you updated on the happenings in my life and try to include lots of photos. If you are following me, and I haven't posted in awhile, get on me about it. :) I will do my best to post often.