Summer 2010

So much for blogging over the summer. That sure didn't happen. We had an eventful summer which is why I didn't have time to blog. Much time was spent trying to entertain two boys who seem to think entertainment consists of irritating the other until they explode. And of course, Tanner was still playing baseball throughout the summer. It seems having the cast actually helped his batting as it caused him to pull in tighter and not be so wide. He played outfield with his cast and still batted as well. He did amazingly well. I am so proud of him....this kid has so much heart.

In June the boys went to Seattle for Steve's niece's graduation from high school. They had a great time and even went to a Mariners game. I stayed home and did lesson plans in preparation for our trip to Cooperstown in August. Our week in Cooperstown just happened to fall during the first week of school for both the boys and myself.

In July we went to Iowa for my sweet Grandpa's 80th birthday. Little did he know we had planned a surprise birthday party for him. On the actual day of his birthday we went to dinner as a family and had cake and ice cream at home. Pretty low key. The next day the guys (my dad, Tanner, Robb and Steve) took my grandpa golfing. While they were gone, the girls and little kids set up the clubhouse at the golf course for a party. We managed to pull one over on the old man...had no clue! It was a great time! While there I scoured the country side looking for new houses for us and found a lovely plot of land with an equally lovely house upon it. Now I just have to talk Tanner and Steve into moving. They are the only hold-outs on my relocation plan. The end of July was spent in Cedar City for a baseball tournament. The boys did really well, 3-1, but not well enough to get them into the championship. So proud of them though....they played some tough teams from Cedar, St. George, and Vegas. Unfortunately, Tanner managed to break his arm again in this tournament. He refused to go to the dr. for 2 days. I think deep down he knew it was broken. Took him to InstaCare and they confirmed it was indeed broken...followed the same path as the previous break. Mind you...we have less than one week until we are supposed to leave for Cooperstown for a week of baseball at this point. Needless to say, we spent a few days scrambling trying to find a solution that would allow him to play. I have to say TOSH is a lifesaver! They made a brace for him to wear to NY so he could play.


In August we packed up and flew to Philly. We spent one day in Philly before we headed to Cooperstown for Tanner's week long stay at the Dreams Park. In Philly we only had time for one event and chose to go to Valley Forge. What an amazing place! I was in heaven!! So much history. We walked in the house where George Washington lived during their stay at Valley Forge. The floors are still the original so I walked where Washington walked. Blows my mind!






We then drove the 4 1/2 hours to Cooperstown. The drive took us through some very pretty country. Funny...when I think of NY I think of big cities but a lot of it is actually rural. We had quite an eventful first night. When we arrived at the cottage where we were staying the people that owned it were in their home (a mere 20 yards away) having a knock-down, drag-out fight. The swear words were a-flyin! Such an uncomfortable situation since they knew we were there and chose to still fight. After many panicked phone calls we finally smoothed things over and ended up staying there. The next day we went for a drive around the lake in Cooperstown and saw a man on a golf course (we took a wrong turn and ended up on a golf path) chasing a seagull with his golf club, then proceeded to club it to death when he caught up with it. I tried to roll down the window to ask what that guy could possibly be thinking but Steve yelled at me to roll it up and peeled on out of there. I tell you....some NYers are very crazy!! The baseball aspect of the trip was perfect though! Really, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Tanner played fabulous. He had a couple of one-handed line drives that actually caused the other team to cheer for him. During some downtime we went to the Baseball Museum Hall of Fame. What a place! It was a wonderful trip and I'm glad to have these memories forever of this trip with my family (my boss wasn't too happy I was missing the first week and I had actually pondered not going to NY).

Now it's back to school and back to spending my free time grading papers. I am also having to adjust to having a 7th grader. Oh my, I really don't feel that old! And my baby is in 4th grade. How did that happen? They both love school so far this year...let's hope I can still say that in May!

Another photo slideshow by Smilebox

Our First Broken Bone

The Kearns house has experienced its first broken bone. Tanner was sliding into home in yesterday's game when he was stepped on by the catcher. He has broken his radius for sure, and the doctor thinks the ulna is broken as well. Right now he's in a splint and has an appointment to get his cast on next Tuesday. He's in a moderate amount of pain when the meds wear off. As his momma, I wish I could take all the pain away but as much as I love the bugger, I would not wear his cast for him! I have a hard time looking at the splint without having a major panic attack. Kicks my claustrophobia into high gear!

Tanner is out of baseball for the rest of the regular season. He will be in the cast for 4-6 weeks. Major bummer as that cuts into pool time during the summer as well. Guess we'll wait on those Cowabunga season passes!

I will post pictures on Tuesday when the cast is on. Right now I'm preoccupying him by having him think of colors for his cast!

Three more weeks until school is out and then I will become a more regular blogger....maybe!

10 Good Things

I feel like I have been overly negative, or maybe justifiably negative, about my boys this summer. I don't know if it's the age, if it's because they're both boys, or what, but all they do is fight and it is driving me crazy. So, to change my frame of mind regarding my boys I am going to list ten positive things about each of them.

My Tanner


1. Is a love-bug. Loves to cuddle and be a Mommy's boy.
2. Gives whatever he is doing 100%.
3. Is the first to help out in the yard or house when asked.
4. Will still tell me he loves me in front of his friends.
5. Is a good student.
6. Has the biggest heart. His teacher gave him award for that. He is a friend to everyone.
7. Is making huge strides in overcoming his anxiety disorder.
8. Is an amazing athlete....any sport, but particularly baseball.
9. Loves to dance even though he cannot, and possibly shouldn't!
10. An amazing personality when he lets it shine through. Quick witted and sarcastic!


My Landon


1. Is such a goofball. The life of any party.
2. Loves all creatures (some to my great disliking!).
3. Loves to read and is such a sponge when it comes to soaking up information.
4. Can spell anything! Left 2nd grade reading and spelling on a 6th grade level.
5. Makes friends anywhere and everywhere.
6. Is a devoted brother....will travel in good spirits to numerous sporting events for Tanner.
7. Gives the sweetest kisses and hugs and knows just when to say "I love you, Mom".
8. Started a club at school to pick up trash to keep his school clean. Tried to sell seashells from a stand in the front yard. Has such an entrepreneurial spirit!
9. Lives in la-la land but will gladly invite you to visit. He says it's pretty.
10. Is not ashamed or embarrassed to be himself, which is a goofball with an amazing, funny, crazy personality who at one time claimed Barbie and Pretty Ponies as his favorite toys!

Instead of harping on the negative all the time, I am hoping to be able to find the good in any situation regarding my children. Like when they're throwing coasters at one another I can focus on the amazing arms and aim that both my children possess instead of the fact that they are trying to beat one another!! Not sure if I can be that positive, but I'm going to give it one heck of a shot!

Summer Time

Our summer has been busy, but fun...so far. There are days I wonder if the kids, or I, will make it out of this alive, but so far we're all still breathing. I don't know how stay-at-home moms do it. I always thought that that was what I wanted but now that I've been home all summer with my boys, I'm not so sure! Landon set up a stand to sell seashells one day and I got a picture of him and T out the window looking bored as business was non-existent. Guess there's not a big market for seashells! My little Landon is FINALLY growing taller and putting on a few pounds, while his brother has passed me in the tallness (or shortness) department. I now officially look up to my 11 year old.


Baseball has come to a conclusion for the year. Tanner had a great year despite some setbacks. He strained his MCL which required him to take some time off of baseball. Try telling an 11 year old boy that he needs to stay off his leg for 4-6 weeks. Didn't go over too well. He took a few weeks off and then went back to baseball as usual. He ended up the season with a .400 batting average, which is great considering this team kept stats like they do in the pros. He did an awesome job at first base with some great digs. Couldn't be prouder! He's been off for 5 days now and is already going stir crazy but he needs to give his leg some time to heal so no fall baseball for him this year. He played with some amazing kids and we met some amazing parents this season. All in all, it was a good experience for us.

Landon has quite the grasshopper collection living in our dearly departed frog's tank. He also has two fish...started out with three but we've already had to bury one! I was so proud because he had named the two fish Barack and Michelle. I am doing something right with that boy!! He continues to read and checks books out from the library on the most random stuff. Last week it was planets and geometry. I'm convinced he is some kind of genius in the making!




I was offered a job teaching this fall at a brand new charter school named Hawthorn Academy. I will be teaching 7th grade Utah History and 8th grade U.S. History. I am the only history teacher there so I'm going into a new job as a new teacher in a new school as the department chair. Scary!!! I'm also teaching art history which is frightening seeing as how I'm not so artsy myself. Art history is going to be completely new to me but I'm excited to learn right along with my students. The job market was looking bleak so I feel very blessed to have this job, especially since they had over 200 applicants for my position! Both boys will be able to be students at the school and next year I will have Tanner in class. That is something to look forward to!!




My aunt came to visit from Iowa and we took a trip to Moab with her, my sister and her family, and my parents. It was perfect weather and a good time. I got my butt kicked by the hike to Delicate Arch, but I made it! Looks just like the license plate! Don't know if I'll do it again, but I can say I did it once!

I was hoping to make a trip back to the midwest this summer but with school meetings and everything it's not looking too hopeful. I miss my home! Guess I will have to settle for a summer vacation to Moab this year. Speaking of home, our new house is great! The boys are finally making friends in the neighborhood and have had some friends over from the old neighborhood and the baseball team. I still get a kick out of yard work, because it's MY yard that I'm working in. I'm sure that feeling will fade faster than Steve would like!


Off to do some lesson plans. I'm quickly learning that teachers really don't have their summers off. It's all an illusion so that they can catch crap from their husbands for having a "part-time job"!

Let the insanity begin....

Baseball season has now officially started for the Kearns household. March Madness was held last weekend in St. George. Tanner's team did very well. Especially for a new team that has never played together. They went 3-1 for the tournament and apparently made quite a name for themselves with the other teams in their bracket. But I cannot say for sure as I was not able to be there. I left Friday at 2:10 sharp. I was out the door with my students and on the road after a short stop at the 7-11 for a Pepsi and a snack to keep Landon's mouth occupied so he would not chitty-chat me to death on the way there. I made it in 3 hours and 45 minutes, not too shabby of a time, but still not in time to see any of the games. Of course, with two games a week and doubleheaders every Saturday there is plenty of baseball yet for me to see. But this teaching thing has really gotten in the way of my being an involved parent! On the upside, as of today I only have six days left until I am finished. Then I just have to wrap up my portfolio and I will be a graduate. Can you believe it??? I can't either. This has been a long time coming and I cannot wait for someone to just give me that piece of paper already!!

But I digress....according to Steve Tanner did really well in the tournament. His coach compares him to Charlie Brown with the way he continually hits line drives up the middle. I'd love to see one get over the fence one day so he can take a leisurely stroll around the bases and his momma wouldn't have to worry so much. His batting average is the tops for the team right now at .500. He's got a mean glove at first and he's the best first baseman I've seen. Of course I'm not at all biased either!

We did get to spend some time in St. George with some of the teammates and parents from last years team. It was so nice to see them and hang out for a little while. I sure do miss the old team. It's hard to go from starting to feel like you finally fit in and are part of the "family" to starting all over again. Tanner's coaches this year are great and we really like all the kids, it's just the starting over part that none of us like much. Such is life. I'm sure it won't be the last time that we will have to do this during Tanner's baseball playing years.

Landon has decided he wants to do martial arts and gymnastics. Not sure how I feel about my son wanting to take gymnastics but we will see. I'm pulling for golf and tennis but so far it's a no go as far as he is concerned. I'll be sure to keep you updated on his sport of choice.

Where has the time gone?

Who knew this blogging thing was going to be so hard to keep up with? So much has happened since my last blog. We've moved into our house, which is WONDERFUL! I love having my own place to call home again! We were able to spend Christmas here as a family, still in boxes, but it was great! The boys each have their own rooms which is good for them, and me. They each have their own "space" and get to have some time apart from each other. And when they're naughty, they each have their own place I can send them to which is even better! The boys got a Wii this year for Christmas and I have to admit I like it just as much, if not more, than they do. I can say that I am not smarter than a 5th grader but I am a mean bowler and tennis player. Now if only I was in real life.

I've been doing my student teaching since January 5th and am LOVING it. High schoolers leave something to be desired some days but for the most part I enjoy them and love when I see a concept stick. The only thing I can think to compare it to is watching your own children succeed. The sense of pride you feel....it's amazing. I have about a month left and am already feeling a little sad about it. My host teacher says I'm doing great, which is always nice to hear. Guess being an educator runs in the family! I was able to quit my data entry job about a week ago which has been a huge blessing. I was feeling so overwhelmed with everything that was on my plate that I felt like I was drowning. My lovely husband realized this and told me to quit and concentrate on getting my degree done and out of the way. What a relief!

Steve and I are happier than ever! He truly is my best friend and the one I can count on for anything and everything. I'm a lucky girl to not have only married him once....but twice! He has had to pick up some of the slack since I've started my student teaching and I'm so appreciative. There's no way I could have made it through this without him or my parents who take the boys in the morning and get them off to school. I have the very BEST family!

The boys are adjusting to the new house, one better than the other. Tanner is struggling with making new friends. He misses his friends from the old neighborhood. He's just so shy that he struggles in approaching kids to play. There's plenty of them in this neighborhood, many his age. I'm hoping that when the weather is warmer more kids will be out and it won't be such a big deal for him anymore. Landon has a couple of friends....two little girls to be exact. I don't know what it is about him and the girls, but they sure seem to like him and vice versa.

Baseball is in full swing. We've had a tournament in Vegas, one in St. George and another one in St. George coming up in two weeks. The bad part about doing my student teaching is that I've had to miss some of the games. I missed the whole first tournament in St. George thanks to school and my first ever (and hopefully last) kidney stone. I've never felt so much pain. Not even when delivering Tanner's big old noggin. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Thank goodness for Lortab! Tanner's having a great season so far with a batting average of .528, second highest on his team. He's such an amazing player and a complete joy to watch! I am a very proud mom! And Landon...what a trooper that kid is. He spent his birthday in Vegas watching six baseball games of his brothers....with minimal complaint! Such a good kid and his brother's biggest fan!

I was hoping that I had pictures to post of the house but I apparently haven't taken any yet! I will get on that in the next few days....or weeks. You all know how I work!! The only thing I ask is that you not laugh at my lack of decorations. Turns out the stuff I've had in storage for five years now is HORRIBLE! I will not ruin my new house with early 90's decorations! I am open to any suggestions or any interior decorators out there that may want to help!

Wedded Bliss

Exciting news....I'm a wife....again! Steve and I got married on November 26 at the Salt Lake County courthouse. Not the most romantic of locations but due to time constraints with the house, had to make do! We are planning a much more exciting trip to Las Vegas in May where we can have some family time and celebrate. My friend Melanie came to the ceremony and I am so glad that she did! It's strange to have someone go from being a complete stranger a year ago to someone you consider one of your best friends. Love ya Mel! We spent the day with the kids and then went to dinner that night with my sister and her husband, Robb, to Lugano's. It was really good food and good to spend some one on one time with my sis without a gaggle of children around! We then went to Liquid Joe's for our version of a "reception". No need for a traditional reception when you're marrying the same man for the second time! It was fun to hang out with my
good friends and just enjoy the company and the band! Nothing says love and romance like a good ole fake hair band doing cover songs from the 80's! Good times! We are going to dinner with both families tonight for further celebration. Can't wait for some good food and to spend time with both families!


Thanksgiving was great for us this year. I have so much to be grateful for this year. My boys are awesome. They are healthy and happy and provide me with infinite joy. I have a great husband who loves me and whom I love. I am excited to start our lives together again! I have great parents who have let me stay with them while I worked on my degree. I could not have done it without their help. I live in a great country that proved how great it is with the election of Obama. I feel like the United States nows lives up to the statement that it is the land of opportunity. I am thankful for all the members of the service who protect us and keep us safe. God bless them and their families who sacrifice so much.



School is going okay. I have a MAJOR deadline coming up December 15th and then I have the next two weeks off before I start my student teaching in January at Cottonwood High School. Between the wedding, school work, and moving into a new house my life has been very busy but I wouldn't have it any other way! I love where my life is heading and am looking forward to a very exciting future! I'm also wondering how many times I can use the word exciting in one post!



Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

Finally.....

Finally....some good news on the house shopping front! Someone was kind enough to accept our offer on a house in South Jordan. Some kind person must have sensed my frustration somehow and thought "I'll throw this girl a bone." And then.....the bank did the same! Wonders never cease! Just when I was ready to throw in the towel and start crying myself to sleep at night. We are supposed to close December 2 so we should be in and maybe not living out of boxes just in time for Christmas. Tanner is struggling with the move which is breaking my little heart. And Landon, true to Landon form, is excited for a new adventure. Due to some financing issues dealing with child support Steve and I may have to do a quickie marriage at the courthouse. Nothing says romance like getting married by a complete stranger at the county courthouse! And since I'm demanding a new ring we will not have it by our drive by wedding date! But love is love and I don't need a fancy wedding (again) or a ring on my hand to prove that Steve is my one and only.



Here's a picture of the new house that I lifted from the MLS website....shhhh....don't tell. I'm sure there's something illegal about that.

I will post some more when I actually get to move into this beaut!

We recently had pictures taken of the cousins (Tanner, Landon, Lanee, & Zach). Quite an experience with a two year old. Makes me so grateful my kids are of the age where they can be cooperative for this yearly experience. And by experience, I mean EXPERIENCE. Trying to coordinate outfits for three boys and one girl is more difficult than it sounds! Here's some pictures of my little heartbreakers.....

My lil angels

I am sitting here thinking about my boys and want to share a couple of my favorite things about each of them: some funny and some serious.


Tanner is my oh-so-serious child on the outside but is such a goofball once you get to know him. He suffers from such severe anxiety that only those closest to him get to see the REAL Tanner. He has an amazing sense of humor and loves to joke around. He is such an angel to his brother when he doesn't think I'm watching because heaven forbid he get caught being nice to him! My favorite funny thing about Tanner is that he is afraid of the tooth fairy. Who is afraid of a little winged creature who leaves money under your pillow? I know I wouldn't be! He thinks she has a big, bad boyfriend who is going to yank him out of bed and drag him off. So, everytime he loses a tooth he has to sleep with me so that I can protect him. I love that my big kid is afraid of something so small.

My little Landon is my goofball on the inside and out. He is the life of our family. He has so much personality stuffed into such a tiny package. Landon is very generous and loves to give, give, give. He has given away many of his toys, stuffed animals, etc. Anytime he has money he will spend it on something for his brother or his cousins, never on himself. My favorite funny story about Landon is that while riding bikes with his brother through their dad's neighborhood they rode into a circle. Landon was lagging behind and didn't see Tanner exit the circle. My son, God bless him, got lost in a circle. He sat there on his bike and cried until Tanner came back and showed him the way out. He couldn't figure out to just stay on the sidewalk and it would take him out the same way he came in. Oh...I think that kid would get lost trying to find his way out of a paper bag. I sure hope his sense of direction improves with time!

Both of my boys are cuddlers, which I love. We have movie night once a week where we all pile into my bed and watch a movie together. I love this time with my sons to just hang out with them and talk. I have learned so much about my sons during these times. I feel that by being a single mom to them and having to rely on each other more, we are more than just a mom and sons. We are also friends and I wouldn't change that for the world. My boys are also each others protectors. When the neighborhood bully was picking on Tanner, Landon stood up to him and got in his face. Those of you that have seen my little one know that he's about as big as a flea and probably as easy to flick off as one but that didn't stop him from acting like a pit bull and sticking up for his brother. That gave Tanner the courage he needed to stand up for himself.

My favorite story of late is that when their Dad and I told them that we were talking about getting remarried they asked if they could both walk me down the aisle. That warms my heart and makes me smile more than anything else. I love my boys so much and know they love me. I am a very lucky mom indeed.

Tagged by Lindy!

Here's my first tag...ever. So....here goes.

8 TV Shows I Like

1. Grey's Anatomy
2. Eli Stone
3. Any football game
4. Life on Mars
5. The View
6. Desperate Housewives
7. The Hills
8. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition


8 Things I Did Yesterday

1. Worked
2. Went to Old Navy
3. Took Landon to McD's
4. Went out with Melanie to my friend Stephen's house
5. Had a GREAT time with my friends
6. Worked some more
7. Got a Pepsi from P66
8. Tried to be spontaneous and go to Vegas for Madonna concert with my friend who I haven't talked to in 15 years but found thanks to Facebook


8 Favorite Places to Eat

1. La Frontera
2. Chili's
3. Italian Village
4. Cafe Rio
5. Barbacoa
6. Noodles & Co.
7. La Puente
8. The Pie


8 Things on My Wish List

1. See my boys grow up to be happy, healthy, well-adjusted men
2. Find a house
3. Adopt a baby girl
4. Finish school
5. Visit all 50 states, do a history tour
6. Do an internship for Pacific Whale Foundation
7. Meet Kenny Chesney
8. See a MLB game & Indianapolis Colts home game


8 Favorite Songs

1. "Strong Enough" by Sheryl Crow
2. "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zepplin
3. "Don't Blink" by Kenny Chesney
4. "Read Em and Weep" by Barry Manilow
5. "Stay" by Sugarland
6. "Stupid Boy" by Keith Urban
7. "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen
8. "Baba OReilly" by The Who


8 Things I Miss about Childhood

1. Thinking bubbles were fascinating
2. No stress
3. No gray hair or wrinkles
4. Knowing the whole world was mine to conquer
5. Playing softball
6. Sleepovers
7. Unconditional friendships
8. Toilet papering



Now, if you read this, you must do it and add your own category of 8 at the bottom!

Halloweenies

Although I'd like to take full credit for the originality of the boys' costumes this year, I cannot. They came up with this idea all on their own. I did, however, make the Hot Dog Stand box. I'm thinking of giving Martha Stewart a run for her money. Those of you that know me well know that couldn't be further from the truth! I don't have a creative bone in my body. I find this very disturbing because I see images in my head that I can never bring to fruition due to this little problem of mine. The boys decided to go, obviously, as a hot dog stand and a hot dog. Or as I call him, my little weenie. In my very humble opinion, they had the best costumes around!

October has come and gone, and still no house. We have an offer in on one right now in South Jordan that I'm really hoping will happen. Both Steve and I like this house, which is rare! I am finding this whole process to be disheartening. It makes me wonder why oh why we cannot find a house that someone will agree to sell to us. I shouldn't complain though. All in all, we are lucky. We have each other and we have two great kids. I need to remember to be humble and grateful for what I do have. But darnit, it's so hard sometimes. And as you know, patience is NOT one of my virtues.

The boys are doing great. Both are doing really well in school and both like their teachers which makes getting them up and ready to go in the mornings so much easier. Getting ready to get back to the grind for baseball for Tanner. Last season they started practicing in November but I think they're going to push it back some this year. Starting in November makes for a very long season. Landon has decided that he wants to stick with soccer. I have to admit I'm a little disappointed, but only because I don't understand the rules. Guess that will come in time! I'm already trying to figure out how I'm going to juggle student teaching, Tanner's baseball practice three to four times a week and Landon's soccer come spring time. It's stressing me out and we're not even through Christmas yet! I can totally sympathize with those Calgon commercials from my childhood. Calgon....take me away....

House Hunting Woes

So...as you all know, we've been searching high and low for a home. We've concentrated mostly in the Herriman and Riverton areas for two reasons. One, we like it out there. And two, Tanner's baseball team is based out of Riverton so it will make those 3 or 4 times a week practices not quite such a chore to get to. We've put in an offer on a short sale home. It was such a high on Thursday to find out that the sellers had accepted our offer and it was now on it's way to the bank for the final approval. THEN we got the call on Friday that said that someone had upped our offer. And, my high was gone as quick as it came. For those of you that don't know how short sales work, let me explain what I know. A short sale is a house that is very near foreclosure and the bank has stepped in and said you have to sell. I compare this process to buying on ebay. For example, we make an offer. It has to be accepted by the sellers first, then onto the bank for approval, which can take weeks, months, who knows. We can be outbid at ANY time by another buyer up until the signing of the papers. We could be in our car, on the way to closing, and they could get a higher offer and we'd be ousted for the higher bid. Such a headache. I love, love, love the house we put the offer in on but it STINKS!!! It definitely needs new carpet and paint. We're grappling with the issue now of whether we up our offer, knowing that we need to sink about $5000 into this house right out of the gate to make it liveable or move on and hopefully find something that doesn't need improvements right away. Can I just say that I hate not having disposable income to spend at my leisure?!

I am blessed

I heard this morning that one of my sister's best friends little boy passed away last night. I don't know them well, I've hung out with them a couple of times at my sisters, but my heart aches for them. He was only five years old. He was diagnosed in June with cancer with a good chance of remission. He received his first bout of chemo which shrunk the tumor so quickly and so much that it perforated his bowel and he got sepsis. He never recovered from that and he continued to spiral downward, just one thing after another. It causes me to reflect on my children and how incrediby blessed I am to have overall healthy children. It makes me put into perspective the day to day things with my kids that I think are so horrible. They may drive me crazy some days, but they're here. I can hug them and kiss them whenever I want. I can yell at them when they're being naughty. But still, they're here for me to yell at. I can't imagine having to take your five year old off of life support and hold him while his heart stops beating and I pray to God that I will never have to know. I know that I am going to hug and appreciate my children a little more today, and everyday. I guess sometimes it takes a tragedy to make one appreciate and put into perspective their lives. Life is not about having money, or the best house on the block, or the nicest car. Life is about family and memories and love.

I'm a sucker

So...I've been suckered into starting a blog! Let's start with the basics. I'm a single mom to two great little boys. Tanner is now 10 and Landon is 7. And nooo....I'm not old enough to have a ten year old. Tanner is my sports/four-wheeling/fishing loving kid. Landon is my tenderheart. He loves animals of any shape or size, much to my disliking. Landon currently has (and by Landon I mean me, because I'm left to take care of them!) a cat named Dexter, a frog named Sizzle and a fish named Bella. We are a zoo in the making! I'm blessed to have two smart kids. They both do very well in school and make me a proud parent. Landon was the first grade spelling bee champ last year and loves learning to spell new words. Tanner plays on a super league baseball team which took us to Colorado, Arizona and Nevada last year for tournaments. He usually plays first base but also plays some outfield and has one mean bat on him! I will be doing my student teaching in January at Cottonwood. I've been back to meet with the teacher and it's surreal being back in the halls of CHS. I am currently dating my ex-husband and we are shopping for a home. It's a task I love and hate all at the same time! Steve and I are doing amazingly well. I think it took both of losing what we had to make us realize how much we do indeed love each other. Now that you're all up to date, I will try and keep regular blogs so that my friends can stay in touch with me and vice versa!