2019 Year in Review: First Half

So, let’s begin with 2019; it was an interesting year; I realized that I use that word for everything. So I decided to look up what it actually means. Some synonym words for interesting are exciting, fascinating, curious, appealing and attractive. So yes, interesting is a good word to use. 

This resonated with me when I saw it...2016 changed me, 2017 broke me, 2018 opened my eyes and 2019 I’m coming back. I came home from treatment in the end of 2017…it was so hard. I went from just having to take care of me, to back being the one to take care of my family. I can’t figure out how my husband was able to take care of my little family while I was gone. He sure stepped up and I know that it was challenging and I will always be grateful for him; but it seemed like that help stopped when I got home and I was back to doing most of all the work. I mean, that is what a mother does right?? Somedays I do not feel like I am a good mom, but I try. 

2019 started out with some very cold weather…we went sledding a few times and I also got out with a few ladies from Rexburg and went cross country skiing. It was interesting, I mean I thought it was alright, I liked getting out of the house and really, it was not that bad…its something I would do again with friends again. I also took that kids to a hot springs; it was weird with it being so cold outside but jumping into warm water. 

Sledding...Sally wasn't having it, but Teddy and Macy were brave. 

My friend Courtney joined us

More sledding!!! Our school district cancelled school for two days in February because of so many kids being sick. We felt okay so we met some friends and went sledding. 

Cross Country Skiing!!!

Hot Springs...I wish we went more!!!

Kids matching at church!!! Thanks Mom and Lindsay for the dresses, I like that my girls will still wear matching things!!!

Ashlee was at my brothers house in Shelley this year for her birthday, so we went down and was able to celebrate it with her. Aunt Ash is the best!! She is everyone's favorite. She is hardworking and kind and just an absolute gem. Were glad she was visiting Idaho this year!!! 

After picking up Macy at school on Wednesday's we head to the library for story and craft time. This was our St. Patrick's Day leprechaun; our nice older libran does such a good job with these kids.  

So Sam got a dalmatian dog when he was in high school. It slept with him every night and he just adored this dog; its name was Chief. But when I was in high school, my little brother got a dog and it was a nuisance. It was an outside dog but barked at my window every night and I hated it. So Sam thought when he got married that everyone loved dogs and would want one. I was dead set against it. I am not an animal person and just the thought of a dog, made me mad. Sam was not too happy with me. In 2019 one of his students was giving away some puppies and Sam told me that he was going to get one of them, the student told Sam that it was a gift, so he told me that he couldn't just say no. I on the other hand told him it was east to say no. I thought that was the last of it, until a few days later he called and told me that he had picked up the dog and was bringing it home. Needless to say, I was not a happy camper. The little puppy was cute but as it grew it turned into a crazy thing. I would not let the dog into the house, so poor thing had to stay outside, it was nice in the spring, summer and fall but the winter I know it got cold. Anyway, Sam said the only reason why the dog was crazy was because he wasn't let inside and maybe that is the case, but seriously I cant stand the smell of dogs and Sam wasn't home enough to be able to take care of it; so I know if I had let this animal in my house, it would have been horrible. I know he gets upset with me over this, but I just do not want a dog in my house. 

So, this is written in advance, so let me tell you about the saga of Boomer...we made it through the winter and then spring but as the time went on, he became an escape artist. Dont let that little face above fool you, this beast got huge and powerful. He was crazy. We had to get new fences put in the side of our house and somehow he still managed to get out. One day, I went out into the yard because I heard barking. I called out his name and nothing, all of the sudden he jumps over the fence from the neighbors yard. This fence is massive and he cleared it with ease, we now new how he was getting out. I put him in the cage and let Sam know. There was no way we could keep this dog if he kept getting out. Sam said we would need to bring him inside and I stuck my ground and said no. So he then said we would have to take him to a shelter, but he couldn't do it. I called the Idaho Falls center but they said they were full, so I made an appointment at a private owned facility and they said they would need me to bring the dog in for an assessment. So I wrangled up the kids and drove to an animal shelter; it was comical; the people right away said they could not take Boomer because of how he acted. They told me to bring him to the other place, which was full...but I tried anyway and they took him. I felt bad for the kids and Sam but I was so happy to be rid of the dog. I know Sam felt like I would warm up to him but blahh, I just do not want an animal in my home. So there you have it. In the years since, they have asked for a smaller indoor dog but I just don't want it. The more I say no, the more upset with me my husband gets, he doesn't understand why I can't want and love a day; his thinking is alot of black and white, his way for the highway, its hard sometimes but I am going to hold my ground. 

Macy turned 6...she is a sweet girl. She is full of life and keeps us on our toes. We are grateful she is in our family. 

They love taking pictures and then asking me to look at them!!! Macy is a good big sister!!!

Easter 2019. I am grateful that because of Christ, these kids are mine forever and because of him, I can try my best and know that he will always be there for me. 

I've never loved Mothers Day; I dont know why, I guess I never felt like I was a good enough mother and it just never felt like a special day for me. But I always take the obligatory picture and the kids are smiling. So I guess that is a win.  

END OF SCHOOL 2019

I am so proud of these kids for changing schools halfway through the year and rocking it. They both had good teachers and did really well. I am grateful the move was not too hard on them.