Summer 2012

It's hard to believe that the summer is almost over. Hadley starts school next week (more on that later), and Eric goes back the following week. Where did the summer go???

We spent some time swimming this summer, in our backyard "redneck" pool (until the rain, leaves, etc. turned it into a swamp - yuck!!). And we went to the city pool / water park a couple times as well. Hadley likes the water even more this summer than he has in years past, so he has a lot of fun playing. In addition to pool time, and because it has been so stinkin' hot, some nights we just play in the water sprinkler to cool off.

Hadley did go to school this summer at TCS (Texoma Christian School) for the first time. Prior to that we were lucky enough to know Regina (GiGi) who had kept him in her home. However, she took the position as Preschool Administration at TCS, so we simply followed her there. So for June and July, Hadley went to school every day, and seemed to really like it. Eric and I both noticed immediately how much he seemed to be learning, and continue to be completely amazed at how his mind just absorbs (and then remembers) everything! I am excited (and a little sad too!) about him starting his first actual "school year" next week. We bought school supplies a couple weeks ago (*love*), and we have his lunch box, school bag, and nap mat ready. My little boy is growing up!

Eric is getting ready to start his second (and final) year of the Radiology Tech program at GCC. He will, most likely, be pretty busy this next year with clinicals (3 and then 4) days a week plus studying for his other classes. We are hopeful that one (or more) of his clinical experiences may lead to a job.

As for me, I am just staying super busy at work. The past six months have been, well, challenging, to say the least with everything I have been given to do. But, I do like that I am constantly busy, and I feel an enormous amount of job security.

So there is a summary of the goings-on lately. I wish we could have made to around to see all of my family this summer, and maybe even had a little vacation, but I am hopeful for that next summer.

Honesty

I'm not gonna' lie...I am nothing but a huge wad of stress, frustration, nerves, worry, jealousy, fear, and anxiety these days. I am extremely blessed to have been married to my best friend for six years and have the most amazing son. And I don't ever want to take those things for granted (or even sound like I am not grateful). But I titled this post "honesty" for a reason...because I am venting (more for myself than anything) my honest feelings and thoughts right now.

Let's be real...I am 35 years old, and shouldn't a 35 year old feel more settled and stable?? I feel neither of those things. And I never have. Is that ever going to happen? There comes the jealousy feeling, as I look around at people my age (and much younger) who own homes, have multiple kids, one or both have a stable career, and are settled into the place they will raise their families. I don't think it is wrong of me to want those same things. Jealousy. Frustration.

And then there is the stress, worry, anxiety...all about money. Will finances ever not be a cause of stress, worry, and anxiety?? Will there ever be a time when the thought of how we will pay for everything not consume me? Seriously, every single thing I do somehow brings my mind back to those thoughts. Sometimes I feel like I can't even enjoy life because I am too busy worrying and stressing about finances. Right now, for example, (even as I write this) I am anxious and scared about how we will afford the $200 increase in Hadley's school/daycare starting next month, the substantial increase in my student loan payments that went into effect this month, the ridiculous medical bills that keep coming in the mail for the surgery I had in May (seriously...3 times more expensive than having a baby???), and everything else that comes dues everything month, all with the increase in our health insurance premiums about to go into effect (therefore reducing my actual paycheck). Seriously?? Stress. Frustration. Worry. Anxiety.

I just want to be able to enjoy life...enjoy being married to be best friend...enjoy watching Hadley learn new things...enjoy the little things in life. I don't think that is asking too much. I just wish I could do it.

Potty

Maybe this potty training thing is actually going to happen this time. For the past two nights, Hadley has used the potty and actually seems excited about it. Today, we took a new little potty to GiGi's (a Lightening McQueen potty no less!) so maybe we will have success there. Maybe before he turns four he will figure this stuff out!

Really, Mandi?!? Do you still have a blog??

Not that anyone even looks at this blog anymore, but just so I can say I actually did something on here...the rest of 2011 in pictures.

6 months later...

This might be a record...(for the longest between posts!).

Quick recap:

January: snow
February: more snow and lots of ice; sad time when Mema passed away but nice time spent with family; Eric's birthday
March: warmer weather; Karah's birthday in Quanah
April: playing outside; Easter egg hunt
May: hot; Hadley plants a garden; Mandi forgets how to walk and hurts her foot; wedding dress shopping with Karah
June: even hotter; playing in the water to keep cool; quick trip to the ranch

That about does it.

Oh, and here are some pictures. (The real reason some of you want me to update this!) :-)

Snow!

We have had fun playing in the snow the past two days!

2010 In Review

JANUARY






FEBRUARY





MARCH





APRIL






MAY




JUNE






JULY






AUGUST




SEPTEMBER
(Apparently I didn't take any pictures in September. ??)


OCTOBER




NOVEMBER






DECEMBER