2013. Phhhhht!

Sooo. I'm lazy. Or I just got bored with the blog. And I'm lazy. Yea. That sounds more like it. I was remembering how I used to complain on the blog, but in a way that was sarcastic and funny or just sarcastic. You know the kind where I can whine about life and nobody cares because it's my blog anyway?? I find myself needing that in our world right now. I figured since I have abandoned the blog long enough, no one reads it anyway, so it's not like I actually have to worry about my pride or self esteem or correct grammar and punctuation. I mean, Who does that any more? What with all the #hashtagging And txtng- I find myself feeling like I don't even know what country I live in. Man... I'm getting old :( So, It's October. (Where the hell did June - September go??) There are Christmas decorations out at every store- forget about the fact that Halloween is still a half a month away. There are cadbury eggs at the checkout counter. Tricky, I thought- because im a sucker for those creme filled chocolate things-except its not Easter. Its Halloween! So the clever bunny re-wrapped those delicious calorie hogs with some bats and witches and wouldnt you know it... People still buy them. I am almost certain those are leftovers from like 3 Easters ago- so buyer beware.. Tricky little bunny.. Theres no treat in there :) 2013 has been a complete bust. If I could take the entire year and throw it in a shredder. I would. In a second. Don't tempt me. People already feel superstitious about the number 13- so its not like I'm hating any extra on it- except that I am. I totally am. There was one point in the year, when I was like "you know what 2013? I'm not going to let a superstition get me down, no I'm not." But then you know what happened? 13 reared it's ugly superstitious head and I was all like "ok. Is this how you wanna play? Alright. I'll see your pile of crap and when I've defeated it, then we'll see who's boss? mmmk?" But then 13 dumped on me. I'm still digging out. Actually, to be honest, my head is above the stank... But that's about it. So, in teenage girl fashion- I'm not talking to 2013. We aren't even frenemies anymore. And someday, I'll talk like an actual 35 year old woman should. Okay, who am I kidding :) If I'm being truly honest, you should know that I am actually closer to insanity. And for the funny people, yes, more than usual. This year, in all seriousness has been hard. The trials we have been faced with- have never been this hard. Ever. I have never felt this hopeless. I have never needed our Savior to swoop on in and save me more, than I have in 2013. I've struggled to stay positive. And I've struggled to feel the blessings we have been given. Last night, I finally gave it all back to our Father in Heaven. I cant actually remember the last time i did that.. Give up, and quit. I just can't muster up any more faith, I can't find anymore strength to continue in these trials. I'm tired and I'm broken. I just need a tender mercy and a little break in the bleak. I just need a giant hug from Heaven saying everything's going to be ok. So, tonight, I pray- that you will count your blessings and Remember that no matter what you are going through- its okay to give it back to God when it seems too hard to finish. I keep thinking of the footsteps poem. And it is now, that I know we are truly being carried. I couldn't do this on my own. I just keep praying for that light at the end of this very loooong tunnel.

Our baby turns 5!

Its hard to believe. Almost impossible to be reality. Our Baby. Our little girl... has turned 5. How did that even happen? Where did the time go? It is starting to sink in. There is no baby left in this house.. and she won't let us forget. She's not a little kid anymore. Just today, I got the "Remember when I used to be 4?" uh, yep. I remember. and I am choosing to believe she will stay 4 for a couple more years. None of this Birthday stuff, and growing up. Not gonna be allowed anymore. Sorry kids. You're making us old and we both have the gray hair to prove it.. yikes! Kady has been our little Diva for awhile. She loves to sing. Lately she has been "making" her own songs. Cute. until she starts to act out like a Diva. So in keeping with her personality, we threw her a little party. Pop Star style. It was a hit. and lucky for us. we're still on her good side :) A little Birthday Pancakes for Breakfast (Funfetti Cake mix drizzled with Frosting... That's healthy, right?)

2012 update

Well, Look at that! we made it an entire year in Georgia! After the last two moves from Wisconsin and Ohio, I wasn't sure we would ever live a year in any one place again. It's summer again, so the heat begins. Actually, its been warm since March and it was only a little chilly in the winter months. We never managed to wear a winter coat at all this last year. Just our hoodies. Yep, we are from Washington and LOVE our hoodies. :)

I want to apologize for cheating on our blog with Facebook, it was only supposed to be a one time thing, but one thing led to another and I neglected the one thing I actually really enjoyed. blogging. Pitifully I think we have like 4 posts for all of 2011. I am going to try harder to revive it and fulfill my desire of a family journal this year.

Our goal is to move back to the West Coast this summer. How close we will get to Washington is something we have put in the hands of the Lord. Our desires lie in Vancouver/ Portland, but one thing I have learned is that I can express my desires all I want, but if it isn't in line with Heavenly Fathers plan for our family, I will be the one left compromising. :)

It's really hard to believe but our kids are getting so big. Kady is officially 4 years old. My baby is FOUR!! Chandler is ready to be 11, but I most certainly am not. Eek! So in honor of our beautiful and amazing children, I will finish this post off with a picture montage. To make up for the other 46 posts I probably should have made.

Welcome back to the blogging world, let the sarcasm and inspiration roll........

"

Random gibberish

Oh how life seems to just fly so fast.

Where did this year go?

Our oldest is 10 and our baby is already 3 1/2.

We are officially getting older.

You know you're old when your kids start asking the questions "is that what it was like when you were a kid?" oh dear child if you only knew that I will forever feel like a child stuck in this 30 something body.

30's really isn't that old, but when you're only 10, 30 is ancient!!

Just a random thought this Beautiful 74 degree Mid November day in Georgia, thinking of all those we have met along the way in this mostly crazy but fun journey in life. We Love you All!!

Hey Y'all!

Georgia.

Surprisingly very Beautiful. I have always sort of pictured this region of the states to be similar to Arizona desert type dry flat land. I don't know why? It is actually just the opposite. I feel at home here. Just like being in Washington State. Green everywhere! The humidity is worse, but A/C is a given, not a privilege. The trees, the mountains. There are waterfalls, and hiking trails and wonderful parks. I am enjoying this so far.

Our new home is a wonderful fit. Finally something that fits our family. 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a kitchen we can all stand in at the same time and still move around. Spacious yard and an in ground swimming pool. Perfect. Even better Cory and I have an oasis in the home away from the kids. Not just a bedroom, but a sitting room, and a bathroom and a closet that says "Hey! you're a grown up now" :)

I can't wait to have family visit us here. Plenty of room for sure.

Cory is settling in nicely in his new role here at work and the kids are enjoying the break from school. They have already made a few friends within the neighborhood, but honestly, since they each have their own room, they aren't going outside as much as they used to. Even more shockingly- I haven't put up the trampoline yet, and they aren't begging me for it. Not one child has asked even once. I think that is where the pool has distracted them. Fine with me.

Putting things together to make this wonderful house our home







Signing off from the southern state for now....

Howertons. HA! More like the "move"ertons

Um, Wow.
This is just another testimony builder for sure. Another move, states away. The third in just a year.
To say I am a pro packer is simply an understatement. I should make this my job- I'm good at it and if it paid- I'd be RICH!!

We have turned down three job offers to Georgia in about as many years. This time we couldn't say no. After lots of prayer and a blessing, we now know that this is where we are supposed to be. I wonder if we would have accepted the job years ago, if we could have avoided moving from Iowa to Wisconsin onto Ohio and NOW Georgia. I often laugh inside wondering if all these moves are our trial for not taking the hint the first three times...... Whoever says God doesn't have a sense of humor, is wrong.

So here we are, enjoyed a summer in Wisconsin, a Winter in Ohio and now moving to Atlanta to enjoy our first summer there. I'm beginning to wonder why we continue to take stuff with us, it would just be easier to pack a suit case and sleep on the floor. At least that is how I feel sometimes. 4 kids = A LOT of STUFF!!!!

We haven't yet found a home in the Atlanta area yet, we are praying that it will come to fruition soon, we have to vacate our home here by the end of June.
The kids aren't out of school yet. There last day isn't until June 10th.

If I had to do it all over again, I of course would not choose this many moves, but I do know that with every move, I was able to meet and help some GREAT people, who will forever be in our hearts and a part of our lives forever.

I promise you we are not crazy. We all have a plan that is set for us and this is our lot in life. One where we need to travel across the country and stay for a while. I am a servant of the Lord and will go will he sends me. Sometimes murmuring along the way, but I will go. :)

So, as we pack our home here in Ohio and prepare to move on to a new place, Thank you for your support.

Our Baby is Turning Three!!

In less than a week our youngest child will be three years old!! It is so hard to let her grow up so fast. She is such a joy with her humor and overall cuteness. So, here's to Kady - A picture tribute highlighting her amazing personality.
hApPy 3rD bIrThDaY kAdY!!!

NEVER pay full price again!

I did it!!

I haven't paid retail for clothes in at least 8 years! I always searched for the best deal.
Then these last few months I found Swagbucks. I use it as my search engine and earn points for just doing my regular online searches. I can then turn my points into giftcards to Target, Amazon and paypal and sooooo many more. In the last 3 months I have managed to earn $50 to amazon and have enough points for another $50 giftcard! and this is just casually searching. My goal is to have Christmas paid for by Swagbucks!! If you want to do this too- start here. Then use Swagbucks as your homepage instead of Google or Bing. Then to save money on shipping sign up for Amazon Mom- it is free 3 day shipping on your purchases from amazon PLUS you get an extra savings off of plenty of things like diapers (30%), and sooooo much more!!!!!! It saves soo much more money!!

The only thing missing was my grocery savings. Sure I used a coupon here and there, but ever since Grocery stores have started doubling coupons up to $.99 it has changed the way I shop.
My Know it all resource page is most certainly COUPON DIVA's. They take the work out of couponing for you. leaving just the clipping up to you. (There are so many sites that can help you with this- so if you want any more- let me know.) The Coupon Divas take almost every store you can think of and match up coupons to their weekly sales to get you the BEST buy on everything out there, and often times-things for FREE!!!

The picture above is a savings of $48.83 and that is a savings AFTER the already marked down SALE price!!

All of this is just too good to keep to myself, but I will warn you- Saving Money IS Addicting!!!!!

Happenin in Ohio

Okay, so winter is almost over and I cannot wait!! This last weekend we had 75 degree weather- so nice!

I pulled out the sandals and shorts, the kids are loving it. I am not convinced winter won't try to stick its two cents in again before the end of May, but I am hopeful to keep the trend going. It can still rain, just ease up on the cold. that's all I'm saying.

Things are finally getting better for us. We are still blessed with a job, a great house to live in, awesome friends and family, and eachother! I thank our Father in Heaven every day for our many blessings.

In just about a month, our baby will be turning 3. While they normally say the terrible 2's. My kids have always had the terrible 3's. Unfortunatley, she has started a little early with the tantrums and they are ALWAYS in public. Oh joy!
Its hard to believe that our beautiful youngest daughter is growing up so fast.

Here are some recent pictures to keep you busy ...........and it's been a while, so there are a lot. :)

Love you and Miss you All!!

Beating Autism

It's been two years full of doctors, schools, therapy and a lot of advocating, but to hear the words, "your son no longer needs the intervention services for autism" ........

There is nothing more sweet or gratifying.

We did it! We can now say we have a success story.

At the age of 4, Spencer was given the green light to enter Kindergarten next year.

No IEP's, No 504 plan, no Special Education.

Just streamlined in a general education classroom with other children who do not have Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Wow- what a blessing!!

I am so grateful that we had the experiences and the knowledge with Chandler, to see the warning signs in Spencer and get him early intervention. His progress is AMAZING!!

He will probably always live with Sensory Processing Disorder, and his auditory ticks but that's workable. Minimal meltdowns, and you usually know the reason behind them. Sensory related.

Spencer has the greatest conversational skills ever, the best story teller, imaginative little boy. Growing socially, emotionally and academically. Not just taking steps forward, but LEAPS and bounds!

It is so great to sit in a room full of professionals and have them all say, that they can't find a reason to service him as a child with a disability. He is for the most part, a typical 4 year old preschool aged little boy.

His language and speech tends to be beyond his years, but I find that soothing to sit and have little adult conversations with him. Nothing makes him happier and it simply makes my heart smile.

We could not have done this alone.

We did not do this alone.

We will continue to fight for Chandler. To find that sparkle in his eye. To fill the hole in his emotional and social being.
And it will totally be worth it!!

We can now say we have beaten Autism once. Now we are going to do it again!!

snowing, blowing and sick! Blech!

It's super duper icky outside right now. The wind is blowing the snow everywhere, I can hardly see out my windows because there is so much snow sticking to the screens. I shoveled a little walk path outside at one point and if I had to guess, I would say 8 to 10 inches of snow. And it is still snowing.

Meanwhile, from the insides of our humble abode, we are all sick. Strep Throat X FIVE!! That is a lot of Antibiotics to keep track of. And if that wasn't bad enough, Cory is back in the hospital. His staph infection in his leg has now become MRSA and they are having to increase his antibiotic drip to get him to slow down the growth. It's painful, the food is bad, and he is missed by everyone of us. Stuck here. In the house. With Strep.

I feel so helpless.

The people in Ohio are nothing short of AMAZING though. I am stubborn. Slow to accept a lot of help, but their figuring me out-so a HUGE thank you to those amazing people for all of their help!!

So, if you read this - please say a prayer for Cory. We want our daddy back home with us and this is his 3rd hospital stay since we moved here in November. We need all the faith and prayers you are willing to give.

Much Love!

cutest thing ever

I try to be a good example for the kids.
Praying often.
Reading my Scriptures.
Listening to good music.
You know, stuff like that.

Today, I caught Kady "marking" her scriptures.
Sort of like mommy does.
Except I don't use crayons.

Imagine This - It's COLD here in Ohio!

Winter has finally arrived, snow. Feezing temps. Blowing snow. Bitter bitter cold mornings where the bed is so cozy and warm it is hard to get up at the alarm. AMEN to Saturdays and sleeping in. (If the kids will let us)

Things we still need to do here -
First up - SLEDDING. Just not when the snow is blowing- that's just miserable.

So much to do, so little time. Not really on the time, but it was flowing.
Rock and Roll hall of fame. Johnson Farm. Amish Country. Museums, Zoo, Beaches (obviously when the sun decides to play nice again)
I LOVE it here so far.
Time has flown by and the people here are A M A Z I N G!!
I love our home, our ward - It is going to take a lot of convincing to get me to move ever again. Or for a Very Very Very long time. I just finished giving away most of our moving boxes in hopes that it means we are in deed here to stay.

Here's a little about our Ohio home this winter through pictures. This snow isn't bad, this is typical. Wanna come live here? :) Love and miss you all!

Aly and Chandler waiting for the school bus with at least 4 or 5 inches of snow. School would have been closed in Washington - Not here, this was nothing.

Icicle's on our house. These are the baby ones. The big ones can go from roof to foundation- So Crazy!

Cory's car- somewhere under all that snow.

And we enjoy all of this from the inside comfort of our home. There is no better way :)