Long time coming

I realize that I really need to blog more often. There are so many memorable moments that I don't write down and forget about them especially when I have a 2 year old and and a 1 year old. My goals for this year have been well thought out. So here it goes:

I want to take a journey of self discovery and reflect on the past in order to become a better person. It is not that I am not a good person because I like to think that I am but I know that there is major room for improvement. So in order to do this I think I have to really learn who I am and who I want to be. be. For starters, I want to be a mother who has an abundance of patience. I used to, but I don't know where it went. I think this starts with becoming a better listener. Bailey tells me all the time that I don't listen to him and it is true. I think because I know he is just making excuses and I really just don't want to hear them to be honest. But hopefully there will be more respect between the two of us if I take the time to listen to him and think about the right thing to say rather than being reactive.

Truthfully I realize that I am somewhat hypocritical. I believe in God and Jesus Christ as the savior and son of God. I call myself Christian and sincerely believe in my faith but I feel as if I don't walk the walk. Decisions that I make in life are not what he would want me to make. I think this is where Christians get it wrong. And I know a lot of you can understand what I am saying, but most wont admit it at least not publicly like I am. To be truly Christian is to believe in Christ and what he did for us as well as live our lives closely to him and do as he would do. I have become so worldly with all the electronics and toys wrapped up in appearances and consumed with our "stuff"and I didn't stop to think how Christ lived and the sacrifices he made for us. So another one of my goals is to be less worldly and to consumed with "stuff" and to serve others however I can. Money does not equal happiness. Happiness is to understand your purpose in life and know who you are and what your place is in life. It is to live in the company of your family and help others in need.

I think in making these small changes that the rest will fall in place. Sadly, it just wont be easy. But putting it in writing makes it more of a challenge a real obtainable goal and serves as a reminder of who I want to be to achieve happiness and peace. I want to be a better person, mother wife and daughter.

It kinda feels good to air your dirty laundry, admitting faults is never easy, but it makes you realize them and make a conscious effort to change what you don't like.

SO HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone and may it be prosperous and rich with happiness!!!

Winter Swimming

Today I took Sevyn swimming with my mom Bailey and my niece Emma. Sevyn was a little hesitant at first because the last time we went he fell over and it scared him. He did warm up and ended up having a blast. Emma is quite the little character. She will be 3 in May. Her vocabulary is so advanced. She can hold a whole conversation. Today she kept asking what time is it? I was thinking you are 3 what do you know about time. She even asked to have a clock. Bailey was a good big brother. He was taking Sevyn around in the pool and liked to take him down the slide. I cannot wait for the summer so I can take them outside. I just have one dilema, how the heck am I going to take two babies swimming? My summers are always spent at the pool, but last year I only had 1 baby.

Random must-See's

Sevyn and Emma playing the piano on Thanksgiving.

Yes, this is the face of trouble.

Look at his face. Everything about him makes me laugh. He is one of a kind!

Isnt he just georgous? Whoever said that Babies cannot smile is dead wrong. Is this not a smile? And it wasnt followed by a toot! lol

I did not get to see Colin after this picture for hours. He was sent to the NICU because he was breathing so fast. It made me angry because they didnt really update us.

This is at the hospital after having Colin. I love the face he is making. He is such a clown!

Sevyn oh Sevyn

Sevyn loved to make this stink face. There is also a noise that he makes, but that cannot be captured with a still photo.

Sevyn loves Max. He is a good dog. He loves the kids and feels the need to protect them when they sleep. He follows the kids around the house. He also lets the babies hit him, pull his hair etc and he just sits there and takes it and tries to lick them back.

This just proves my point that Sevyn makes funny faces in every picture he takes!

Education

I just want to rant about our education system and why we think it is ok the way it is right now. Did you know that out of all the industrialized countries we rank dead last and second to last in reading and math. Why is this acceptable. Why are we so set thinking that it is ok? It is not OK!! If kids in other countries can learn at higher levels than why cant we? And what about the total lack of education in inner cities? In the documentary Waiting for Superman a teacher is actually quoted as saying "I dont care if you learn or not, I get paid either way". Wow and to think that there are many many teachers like this. If a charter school who works on a lottery system can take these same kids and have 100% graduation rate AND college acceptance then why do we find it acceptable to say these kids are not worth the effort to teach. They CAN be taught and they do have the ability to get good grades and be successful individuals. Instead we hire ignorant teachers who do not believe in them and then act surprised when they turn to the streets. Ever wonder what this world would look like if we took all these kids and every teacher believed in them. We would probably have a considerable lower crime rate. And lets not get started on the budget cuts for the educational system every year. Are we a nation that is trying to go forward or are we trying to cut everyone off and continue to let the wealthy get wealthier? What are your ideas? Am I the only one who sees it this way? And if you have something to say back it up with facts not with opinions or bits and pieces you have been told. EDUCATE YOURSELVES on our current education system!!!

UPDATE

Rio and I have now been married for 2 1/2 years. I did finally get my wedding ring and I love it. Rio is working for a company called Mity-lite. They have laid him off for the winter since it is a slow period right now. I am working for a company called spark. Spark is a internet dating site. Very interesting. The good thing is that it is slow at times and that allows me to study, blog and facebook. I am s spohomore at University of Phoenix and still have a 4.0 GPA. We plan on purchasing a home in 4 years right around the time that Sevyn starts school and I will be graduated. We are so excited for that. I am studying small business management and will hoefully find a stable good paying job when done. I have definatly grown over the last few years. We love our family and are finished having kids or so we think. Bailey is into skateboarding, snowboarding, biking and football. He recently made the honor roll and got a report card with all A's. That was amazing for him. He has ADHD and struggles with his grades so that was a very proud moment for us. Sevyn is a terror. He is into everything and literally never sits still for a min. He loves to watch Mickey Mouse clubhouse, Handy Manny and the imagination movers as well as Your Baby Can Read. He is very smart. He does not talk much but understands commands like put it back and throw this in the trash lol. He can count to three. He knows most body parts. He can do the sign language for itsy bitsy spider which he loves. He is a very picky eater. He loves to turn the TV off and then back on even though he gets in trouble. He knows how to work the DVD player and will tell you when he wants to watch a movie. Colin...Colin is a little smart bugger too. He sleeps a lot. He is getting stronger and almost sitting up. He tries and tries to crawl but his little body is not strong enough yet. I have started him on veggies every once in a while and he does good with that. He also knows how to rub his eye...too cute! He sleeps through most of the night usually only waking up once. He smiles and laughs a lot. I think he is going to be mobile really soon.

Oh Sevyn...Why must you

Sevyns new trend is wearing and throwing his food. It all started with mashed potatos. You cannot leave this boy unattend for even 30 seconds. And after he is done wearing all he possible can, he will take the food and toss it on the floor. There is a catch, he will refuse to eat if you try to feed him. He insists on feeding himself. I try telling him food goes in his mouth, but he doesnt listen. Wow for anyone who knows him, this kid is definatly a handful.