And a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2011 was a rollercoaster for us, to say the very least. At the lowest point, I lost my job. At the highest, we welcomed our precious son Connor. And many other peaks and valleys surrounding those events. In spite of the curveballs we have been thrown, we made it through stronger than ever. Our biggest goal for 2012 is to be prepared. We will focus on our savings to ensure that we have a strong buffer, just in case we are ever put in a rough patch again. We will focus on debt (or rather, eliminating it) so that our expenses are minimal. I'm going to spend the year shopping clearance sales at various points to get Jordan's next clothing size(s) so that we're not hit with that cost all at once. Thankfully, my boys are not too rough on their clothes yet, so they can all be passed down to the younger 2, and still be in good enough shape to pass on to someone else.

Before the year is done, we will have made a final decision on baby #4. If we're going to do it, we don't want a huge gap, so we would start trying before 2012 is over. If we decide we are done, we'll take permanent action for that.

The events of the next several months will dictate a lot of our future. If Jeremy is able to get his packet submitted to the Intelligence Officer program, then we will know in March if the Navy is in our immediate future. If not, we will start looking at our alternatives so we can hit the ground running when he graduates in May.

I am looking into all options of going back to work, which is difficult with 3 small children. Hoping to find something that will work with our schedules and hopefully be in a field that I find stimulating. My dream job is to be a bank teller...which I know isn't a particularly high paying job, but I know I would love it.

Trying to find my groove

It has been a full 4 months since we moved to my mom's, and to say I've been in a funk would be a gross understatement. I just couldn't seem to find my stride with cleaning and taking care of 3 kids. I cooked nightly as a way to earn my keep, but spent most of my time on the computer and/or watching TV while keeping half an eye on my kids in the next room. When Jordan started school, things did improve. I had a few hours 2 days a week to get stuff done. Logan is easily entertained by Blues Clues, so I was able to accomplish some stuff at home. Or I could go to the store, which is FAR easier with only 2 kids. Adding in that 3rd body, who argues over everything and fights with his younger brother, creates chaos.

Then a couple weeks ago I started my new "chore chart". My tasks are broken down into only a couple things each day throughout the week. Then the big tasks are split up into a couple items per week and done once a month. So far so good! Our rooms and bathroom have stayed very clean and I feel better just by being productive. And this system allows for a missed day...whether for laziness or absence...because it's easy to play catch up when you only have to add an extra 1 or 2 things. Hopefully I can stay on track, and transfer this system to our own home someday soon.

Learning self control

or rather, learning that I have none! I finished the last of my Christmas shopping today and wow. Let's just say that excessive is an understatement. Yes, I am thrilled that we are financially able to give our children and loved ones generous gifts, but I still need to learn to draw the line. Maybe next year? lol

I was good and bought useful items and things they need rather than just toys. They are each getting 2 toys from Santa. The rest is clothing/books/bath stuff/etc. Now I just have to wrap it all...oh joy! That's a project for next week. haha

My goal for tonight is to finish my Christmas cards...already in the Ts, so that should be doable. Tomorrow lots of laundry and cleaning.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder...

I have to keep reminding myself of this. Jeremy and I decided that moving me and the kids to my mom's while he finished his last year at CSUFullerton was the best option. It definitely made the most sense on paper. And we figured it would be good practice for deployments. It's been really tough though. We see each other as often as we can...far more now that haunt season is over. And we have been blessed to have him here with us since Thursday of LAST week. It has really been great. He has to go back tomorrow, but there are only 3 weeks left in the semester. Then he'll be here with us from Dec 16 til Jan 22!! We can't wait!

What are YOU thankful for??

In a world where we can so easily get caught up in the day to day chaos, it's important to take the time to think about what we have. So much is taken for granted. What ever happened to appreciating life and everything, and everyone, in your life?! I challenge everyone to come up with at least one thing a day that you are thankful for, even if it's silly. Get yourself back in the habit of recognizing the beauty in our world.

Today I am thankful for Pinterest. There are so many creative people out there (I am NOT one of them) and it's such a blessing to be able to get ideas like this all in one place.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Well, at work anyway. I would love to decorate at home, but alas, Jeremy says I must wait. Haha But we reset the store today...I swear when you work retail, the day after Halloween is Christmas! It bothers some, but I love it!

We had a wonderful Halloween in our house. Took the boys Trick-or-Treating. It was Jordan's first time (and Logan's, but sitting in the stroller doesn't really count) and he made out like a bandit!! After each house he said "We have to go get more candy!" It was so cute.

I had my 12 week doctor appointment today...officially in the 2nd trimester! Got to hear the baby's heartbeat...still very fast. My belly is measuring right on track and I haven't gained any weight yet! We scheduled our gender ultrasound for December 23 so we can announce for Christmas. We are so excited! We also have out anatomy scan next Thursday. This is where they check for markers for Downs Syndrome and Spina Bifida. I am at almost 0 risk for either, and we would not terminate based on those results. We would just prefer to be prepared in advance, rather than surprised on delivery day. There are no guarantees, but it will help ease our minds.

Changes are coming!

So hard to believe September is already rapidly coming to a close! Where has this year gone??

Big news in our house, for those who don't already know. Baby #3 will be here in May!! We are very very excited (now that the shock has worn off haha). We are not going to make any major decisions in regards to vehicles or living situation until Spring. Regardless of gender, we'll put the boys together, but we are unsure of where we'll ultimately be living. Luckily, we just signed a 12 month lease, so we have until next summer to make a decision.

Jeremy is well into his fall semester of his junior year. All is well so far and it looks as though he should be able to complete his Bachelor's Degree in the fall of 2011!

The boys are growing so fast. Logan just had his 9 month check up and is 18.4lbs and 28.75inches...most certainly very long and lean like his Uncle Eric and Uncle Bronson! He stands up on his own and is cruising around everything. His doctor agrees, he'll be walking before his first birthday! Jordan is growing like a weed. Already over 3 feet tall. His vocabulary is so extensive and his intelligence amazes me daily.

We are already in holiday mindset in our house. Halloween decorations are up, which is totally putting me in the fall spirit. I can't wait for Christmas this year. We are more than halfway done with our shopping already and I am feeling so prepared and happy. Very much looking forward to giving gifts this year.