Christmas 2012

Dec. 2012

Our first year with elf on a shelf. Kids named her Izzy Jewel. I guess she would have 3 names if Kylie could talk, ha.  I decided to use the elf and teach about grace and Jesus. My kids know Santa is not real, but they choose to believe, and we are fine with that.  We had a good time with Izzy and the kids really enjoyed it. Even the hubby got into it, giving me ideas to try.  Keira would leave her letters and Izzy would respond and sometimes she left letters talking about how Jesus gives us grace even though we mess up all the time. 

First of December we had a birthday party at church for Jesus. I had done this at my house a couple years ago, but decided it was too much distraction with toys and such, so we had it at church. Our church family collected supplies to ship to 3 military guys who are overseas.  We try and have the kids do a service project and teach them about giving, rather than always receiving. I think all the kids had a good time!

Yes, this little monkey loved the tree and hitting the ornaments. Thankfully, we have non-breakable ones.

December 16 we celebrated Christmas with my mom and stepdad and my brother and his family. Kylie and I stayed home from church, as she had a cold. By that evening, Brandon and I took her to the ER. Her eyes kept getting worse as the day went on, and sure enough, pink eye. We started her meds and her eyes cleared up in a couple days.  We had a rough week before Christmas. Kylie sick and then by Tuesday evening, the hubby began feeling bad and wed morning he was sick. But, he had to take another family member to ER for something else early wed morning. .  He finally was able to go to bed by the afternoon. 

Thursday he went to clinic and it was something viral.  Thursday afternoon, I missed Brock's little program at preschool due to Kylie still battling a cold and me not feeling great. Friday morning, I made it to Keira's class party and then by that evening, I was running a fever. So, my sickness began.  I missed Christmas with my family Sunday and Christmas Eve, I went to dr as I noticed I know had pink eye. So, I missed going to my dad and step-moms house that morning and then we all stayed home the rest of Christmas.  The past 3 years at Christmas have been somewhat rough. In 2012, Keira went to hospital on Christmas Day and ended up with a 3 night stay. 2011 we all were grieving over the passing of my father in law on Dec. 1 and then sickness this year. I think we jokingly mentioned next year, just leaving town and go somewhere warm :)

November 2012

What can I say about November? Well, it came and went quickly. School, basketball practice, and everything in between kept us busy.  We started going to my cousins high school games when we can. I love watching her play!  I actually went one saturday morning, all 3 kids in tow and scrimmaged against  her team. I loved it and realized how much I do miss being involved in ball.  The kids kept the score clock, which Keira loved.  

By Thanksgiving, Kylie was under the weather, so we missed our family get together. We stayed home all weekend. 

Kylie turned 8 months old and this girl loves her bath time. She has 4 teeth coming in and is scooting, rather than crawling. Keira and Brock are excited about Christmas coming up and we are looking forward to being with family. 

Visit to Georgia

Keira was on fall break and since daddy was finishing up the Oct. 15 tax deadline, we decided to go spend 4 nights near Atlanta at Grammie and Gary's house.  We left Friday after school and Kylie survived her first long car ride.  Saturday, we went to the aquarium and the kids had a great time. We spent all afternoon and stayed till it closed. Of course, they come out with souvenirs as we left the gist shop.  Sunday after church, Grammie and I took the kids to a nearby farm.  Grammie and Gary's sunday school teacher and his wife own the farm and have a maze and all the activities to go along with it. It was a blast!!!  I really like that they charge one admission price and you get to do everything. Here at home, we have paid admission price and then bought tickets to do other things. The farm was so nice and clean!!  I loved it!  We spent 5 hours playing! Monday we did some shopping. Kids loved their neighborhood and especially riding the golf cart around. They are ready to go back!! 

Color Me Rad 5K

On October 6, I ran my first first 5K in 2 yrs. I had not gotten to run as often as I would like, but with baby, time is short, especially since she wakes up often through the night and early mornings. I would love to get up at 5 or 6 and go run while the family is asleep, but, that is just not happening right now. So, I run during morning nap, which is a power nap, and I run up and down our driveway, which is inclined. Every now and then, the hubby will watch the kids so I can go to the trail and run. Did I mention every now and then? HA  My friend, Renea and I went to the color run. Proceeds went to Children's Hospital. This was the best race to do, no timing, no pressure run, just fun for all ages, runners and walkers. But, Renea and I ran the entire way, we can't help it, it is just in us to do that.  We only stopped at the color stations and that was well worth it!  If this race comes back next year, I promised the kids they could do this. 

I have another 5K Nov 3, and let's just say I am way behind in the running department. But, if I can run at least 2 miles a few times, I will make it. That is what I did in the color run. May not be a personal record with time, but, at least I am trying. 

Kylie 6 months

Kylie turned 6 months old - what?  Half a year, already? She is our little joy and so sweet. She rarely is fussy, unless mommy leaves her, which isn't often.  Yes, she is spoiled! I have not put her in the bed with me,  and will hold off as long as possible on that. I didn't do it with Brock, and have not made that same mistake twice. Wish I had never done it the first time around, 7 yrs later, and Keira is still afraid to sleep by herself. Oh, well. Could be worse things going on.  Kylie is sitting and into whatever her little hands can get into. She loves her brother and sister and will laugh at them.  She eats well and is a healthy little baby. I love this little thing and she just completes our family.  We take her shopping or anywhere, and she just goes with the flow.   Bath time is so fun now, as she is sitting in the tub and loves the water. I think she would stay as long as I would allow her. Tummy time is still the only thing she doesn't like, doesn't last but a couple minutes. I am beginning to think she will not crawl.  The dr said his daughter did not like it either and skipped crawling. Kylie may do the same. She is just content sitting and watching everything.  Following suit of her siblings, she is in my hair all the time. But, she will grab someone else's hair, unlike the other 2.  Funny how all 3 have done that. 

Meet Goldie

Brock had been asking for a dog for awhile and we kept putting it off, since we had been trying to have another baby. After the 2 miscarriages in 2011, we did not think we would have another child.  Back in the summer of 2011, the hubby was toying with getting a dog, and we both began researching breeds and looking around.  You have to understand and keep in my mind that my hubby is NOT an animal person. Especially, in the house. I think having our st. bernard in the house really turned him against that part of an animal. That was my fault!  He only tolerates my 13 yr old cat because he loves me.  Anyways, back to my story........we had been looking, but never really found anything or fully decided on a dog. Then, at the end of July, the dog shopping got put on hold. I found out I was pregnant! Big surprise!!  Now, fast forward to July of 2012. Kylie was born in March and going on 4 months old. We went out for our anniversary and we had not even discussed a dog in a year.  The hubby mentions that he has been thinking about a dog for Brock. I nearly fell out of my chair. HA! Totally caught off guard. He had his conditions - promise not to let it in house, no barking, promise I could handle a dog and 3 kids,  no this, no that. Conditions I could not promise.  Well, the search began anyway.  A few weeks later and after pretty much wearing him down about it, he caved!  We went to an animal shelter and found a golden retriever mix, 2 yrs old! She was on hold for someone else and we had to wait till the next day to find out if they got her. Sunday afternoon I call and she is still available. With reservations, he gave in and we loaded up and brought Goldie home. Brock was thrilled!  Goldie is the best dog and I am so glad we skipped the puppy stage. She was already housebroken and yes, she ended up staying inside.  She never barks, unless someone comes up to the fence that she doesn't know. We think she was abused somewhat, just by her reaction to things.  She is not wild in the house and we have had actually had to coax her to come into the living room. Now, she does on her own, but she still prefers to stay in the laundry room or under the table. The cat comes around and the dog does nothing - can you believe that?  I mean nothing!  Brock wants her to sleep in his bed at night so bad, but she refuses to do so.  She does not like to go into any of the bedrooms. Something must have happened for this to occur.  We literally have to take her by the collar and drag her to the bedrooms. Maybe in time she will feel comfortable and sleep with Brock.  Goldie is playful outside and loves to run after her ball or rope thing. Most days we take her on a walk in the neighborhood. She really enjoys this and every evening she waits for this and looks at us just begging to go. She has been such a good dog, that the hubby has no issues with her being inside and he even lets her in when we are not home. That says alot!
She truly is the best dog I have ever been around! So glad we found her!!

August 2012

Brock began his last year of preschool

Look out 2nd grade! 

Last swim lessons of the summer

August marked the end/beginning of new things.  Keira began 2nd grade! She wasn't excited about going to school as the past 2 yrs. I think she just enjoyed staying up late and not having to get up early. She got to be a kid this summer and just play and have fun. The last week of July she attended a musical theater camp at a local church and they performed the story of Jonah, western style.  She loved it! 

2nd grade is a bit different than 1st as she has homework every night. Spelling tests are longer and words are becoming more difficult, but up to this point in mid-september she has aced each test. We really like her teacher and she seemed excited at orientation about the school year. Her class will also have a student teacher with them most of the year, so that is an added bonus. This is the first year that she has to go to the gym in the morning and wait on teacher to come get class. K and 1st grade, they go down to the rooms upon arrival.  We just found she will be doing the covenant kids run, they meet after school for an hr each week, and in April, she will get to participate in Knoxville in the kid run. Happens day before knoxville marathon. She may end up not liking running, but, I hope she takes it up, something she can do through adulthood. 

Keira decided she was over dance classes, so we did not sign-up this fall. So, that means no nutcracker, no spring recital, no weekly classes. Yea for momma! As much I loved seeing her on stage performing, which she loved, she got bored with ballet, which I agree with her, I am glad for the break. 

Brock began his last year of preschool. We love his little school and we have had a kid going there the last 5 yrs. Going to miss the teachers, but, once Kylie is 3, she will start. So, they get a break from Leffew kids for a few yrs. He has finally come around to writing and learning things. I was wondering if he ever would! Glad we decided not to send him to Kindergarten this year. He will be more than ready next year. He does still ask me to homeschool. Flag football was cancelled and Brock was one unhappy little boy. So, we are sport free till basketball begins. No complaints here, especially with a little one now. She does not have to be dragged all over the place. 

Kylie is 5 1/2 months old! Rolling, eating solids, and just growing. She is a joy and for the most part a happy baby. Still fights sleep, especially naps. Sleeps good at night, so no complaining. Recently she has begun crying if most people hold her, other than me or mamaw. Daddy can hold for a few minutes, then she wants me back. This morning at church was a big first for her. She stayed in the nursery without me. Some tears were shed, but, she survived. 

In August, the kids finished swimming lessons with aunt Teresa. Brock can now swim and is all over the place.

August 28th, my niece, Abby turned one. She is a sweetheart!  Somehow, even without sports, we have managed to stay busy.  We have enjoyed play days with friends and family times. Brock is excited about football games and going to them with his daddy. That boy loves his time with daddy.

Keira is 7

Pool party with family and friends

Morning of July 27

Celebrate with grandparents

On July 27th, 2005, we welcomed our first blessing, Keira!  My, how our lives changed as we became parents for the first time.  It has been a journey the past 7 yrs as we have tried our best to be the parents God calls us to be. Not only trying to talk, but to walk the walk in front of her. Kids are like sponges, absorbing EVERYTHING, even when we think they are not, they are. Time and time again, I am reminded of this.  Keira is a very intelligent, unique, little girl. She is a natural at many things - loves to sing and dance, loves to perform, loves to play sports, and loves to be a boss, ha ha.  Oh, my first born! She wants to be in charge and thinks she is much older than she is.  She is quiet and shy at first around new people. She has her own style when it comes to fashion, and I have stopped harping about it so much, unless it is necessary for me to intervene.  Keira is very strong-willed and stubborn, not sure who she acquires that trait from.........yes, if, you guessed me, then you are right. I have only learned to handle mine better with the Lord's help and guidance. So, we have many, many battles with this child.  I pray that the Lord will mold her personality for His use. I also pray for wisdom when it comes to training her up. It would be so easy to just throw our hands up and give in to her, but, we know that is not the best choice. As hard as it is, we must be consistent and keep on keeping on. We may not see fruits of our parenting in the present, but we pray we are on the right path and that her future will be bright.  I love this girl of mine and wouldn't trade her for anything in this world.  On the other hand, she can be the sweetest thing and is a great helper. She is a perfectionist and I can't tell you how many times in her school work she erases things because it wasn't perfect in her eyes. Her teacher has told me she went through several erasers. She likes to organize and loves to do lists and loves to check things off her lists.  It has been a great journey watching her the past 7 yrs watching her grow and change. We look forward to continuing this adventure. What a blessing she is!!

July 4th

We spent the 4th at the lake with family.  The hubby and kids went over early and I stayed home with Kylie until later in the afternoon. The kids had a blast swimming, riding jet ski, tubing, and even tried to ski. Neither  child was successful, but, at least they attempted.  I came home with the baby, it was too hot for her.  After naps and once evening came, we all went back over and let kids do some fireworks. 

June fun

June was a very, very hot month. Kylie could not be out in the heat, but that did not stop the fun. We enjoyed family time with the grandparents, celebrated Father's Day, still playing softball, and had friends over  to play. Brock went to a preschool camp. Celebrated friends and family birthdays! My kids love going to birthday parties and just don't understand why adults don't have them.  Had some lake fun and began swimming lessons with Aunt Teresa.

Kylie turned 3 months and the fun is just beginning.  Brock and Keira have had to learn to play together this summer at home, since we just cant be on the go with a little one as much. Some days are good, some are bad. They love each other, but they like to fuss quite a bit. We survived!