Happiness

Yet another month has passed and I am unsure what happened to the previous.  Our lives have continued to be, oh what's that word again - oh yeah, Crazy!  I wish I could show you what Mike's calendar has looked like; it's been one appointment after another, after another, after another....and as Dierks Bentley says "I'm ready for slow down."  Since the kids have started school, I have really tried to find the balance of work, school, family, friends, and I think I have a husband in the mix.  Mike and I find it challenging to hold a conversation because inevitably one of our kids is screaming (or just talking loudly) at precisely the time we are talking. 

Kara has been slowing adjusting to 1st grade.  It's been quite the transition.  And it hasn't been a pleasant one.  She was throwing fits in the classroom, separation anxiety when I dropped her off, meltdowns at home after school and now that she has homework, well that's another issue.  It's almost like she's 13 already.  I joke that I need to invest in Midol already. 

Anna has been doing awesome!  She has been a rockstar in school, being a great leader to the younger kids, improving in her lessons and choosing more challenging ones and really being a great sister.  It's almost like she's flipped a switch because anytime we ask her to do something she says "Ok, mom."  Can she stay like that forever.

Ian is doing great in his first year in preschool as well!  He's doing his lessons really well and really being a great friend in class.  However, he's had his share of meltdowns at home too.  Sometimes one thing sets him off and he's throwing a tantrum for what seems like forever.  I am sure it's strictly related to the lack of testosterone in the house.  Poor guy:(

And little Reagan is seriously the happiest baby we've had.  There were a few weeks that she was threatening to be the big fat "C" word but I think she thought better of it since mommy would probably become a drinker:)  She's smiles at everyone, anytime.  Her sisters and brother are constantly making her giggle and it's usually a battle of when they can give her the hiccups the fastest.  Since she's our last, I've really tried to cherish every little baby step (literally) with her.  We just started her on solids and the older kids always want to feed her.  Ian was feeding her the other day and watching that just made my heart sing.  I was taking mental pictures hoping that I will always remember because before I know it they will be grown.

Life has been a juggling act and as with any large family, you do the best you can.  I am constantly counting my blessings.  Even something as simple as the shoes on my feet, or the clean water we drink, the gas in my car (I should say diesel in my truck), and even the bills that we have.

Even with everything that is going on in my crazy life, not knowing if I'm spending enough time with my husband, kids, or my family, or if we are raising our children to be respectful, successfuly, true Americans......I am happy.  And I can only hope that we are teaching our children happiness.

I was reading The Peach Keeper the other day and there was a line in there that I really enjoyed - "Happiness is a risk.  If you're not a little scared, then you're not doing it right."