Out with 2015, in with 2016

2015 was a bust. In with 2016!

As much as I want to write about all my complaints over the past year, if you have been reading my blog, you already know. It was a tough year.

To summarize for my new readers:

Two toddlers, a new puppy, a husband with a broken leg, very sick children for almost the entire summer, and a health scare for my Mom. That pretty much sums it up.

Moving on...

The new year usually brings new projects. I believe it's the way to deal with the end of the holidays. Focusing on something new means we don't have to dwell on the next 6 months of winter (up here in the mountains anyway), a relentless work schedule, and not having anything to look forward to.

In years past, I have jumped on the usual bandwagon of resolutions: working out, eating healthy, saving the environment, and whatever else calls to me at the moment.

My 2016 resolution was set about a month before year end: I need to work on my priorities. I spent 35 years - well maybe just the adult half - working on my career. I made some epic mistakes in 2015... taking on more work, trying new avenues of income, thinking going into an office was the answer to whatever I was looking for. I realize now my priorities were seriously misaligned and none of that was going to make me happy.

My two nuggets are tiny, they need me. I love my work, but I love my family more. So the time has come to enjoy the work schedule I have, and relish in the freedom working from home gives me. I need to live in the present, because these kids are all the sudden starting to grow up fast.

Kenzie turned 3 on December 1st and she went from toddler into being a preschooler. To start, I decided to give night time potty training a try. It's been nearly 3 weeks and she has not had an accident. She has started to get up at the crack of dawn and run around the house until everyone else is awake, but her undies stay dry and I never have to put her in diapers again. Woo hoo!

She has realized her little brother is a potential playmate. When the moon is full, and the stars are in the right alignment, they can actually play together for the better part of an hour without either of them crying. As if a mystical unicorn is frolicking in the yard, I peak nervously through the doorways to catch a glimpse of this wonder. It is fragile, magical, and I never want to disturb it.

I haven't been able to capture it yet... so here's a picture
of a unicorn.

Finally, if you follow me on instagram @ayoung102 you already know what's coming: I started doing school time every day with her. I was nervous that I would get frustrated, or she would get frustrated, but it turns out, she is ready to learn. School time is now our favorite part of the day. She asks for it on the weekends. She always wants her "school toys". Watching her learn is probably one of the greatest joys I have witnessed as a parent.



Banangrams matching game

Dot to Dot for Tiny Tots

Ketcher is now the crazy toddler of the house. Fortunately for him, Kenzie put us through the ringer and back, so we are seasoned at dealing with tantrums and anything else he throws our way.

While she is "working", Ketcher gets to play with toys without having them stolen from him. He gets to use her school toys, in whatever manner he sees fit, and it actually is really easy.

Farmland Math - "I got this!"

There are times when I even get to write a little for myself while they are in "school".

So, that's the update at the moment. Many more good things to come this year!

Thank you so much for reading!