I just am not quite sure what I am going to do about this little blog of mine. I have been writing on it for over 6 years! That is crazy to me. I am not quite ready to give it up, but it is so overwhelming for me to think of catching it up. I have an idea, but my OCD side wants everything to be in perfect, chronological order, so I'm struggling a bit. As I go through photos from the past 5 months, since M's diagnosis, it is completely and utterly overwhelming. I have caught up on 5-6 months in the past, but that was when I didn't have a job + school. And sleep is a necessary evil, so I can't give that up. I've also let my health take a backseat since last summer, so that needs to be addressed as well. I am currently training for a half marathon as well as Ragnar this summer, so I have to run at least 4 times a week. Whew! Life, huh? What a trip.
Anyway, I am thinking that I may just photo dump each month into a post and make sure big events have their own post as well. The only thing I won't include in monthly posts is Magnus' stuff. I still have high hopes that I can do separate posts for him and his progress. I have so many hospital photos I still haven't shared on here, as well as therapy sessions and info that I want to have a record of. And then there is his cancer treatments that I have literally written nothing about. I am pretty much relying on Heavenly Father to bless me for trying to keep a family history and for Him to help me remember specifics. I don't think it will be too hard. I just need to find the time to do it!
In the meantime, I wanted to post these lovely family photos that my dear friend Julia did for us. I love them. I also want to give just a quick update on our family happenings.
Soooo, The Collette's! Here's where we are...
Andy quite his job at UPS right before Halloween. He has been needing to start a job in the medical field so he can start getting medical hours to apply for the Master's Program that he wants to do. It requires 2,000-4,000 hours experience in the medical field, depending on the school he applies to. After our experience at Primary Children's, he decided he was going to apply there. Andy has always loved kids and they love him. He is the perfect kind of "goofy" and he can totally relate to them. I don't know how he does it. He's amazing. He absolutely loves his new job. He even works in the unit where Magnus stayed, the NTU (NeuroScience Trauma Unit). He also received his EMT certification! His hard work has paid off over the last few months. He has a meeting with a nursing school tomorrow to see if he can start an accelerated nursing program that would have him graduate with his Bachelor's degree in just 15 months, and then he can move onto his Master's program. It is all very exciting and I am just such a proud wife.
Then, there's me. I am taking 11 credit hours this semester and working 2 jobs. Eek! It's a lot. However, I only work my stylist job one day a week. It's pretty much an outlet and I love going there. It is such a fun job, and I adore my clients. I am also working as a CNA to gain medical experience. I work 2 days a week (always weekends) and it is not too shabby. It's not as bad as I feared it to be. However, I will be glad when my CNA life is behind me :) I will be applying for nursing school at the end of the year. I was rushing so fast a year ago so I could apply last December, but it became overwhelming and I realized that I was doing this because I wanted to and not because I had to. So I have slowed down a bit and I am just taking my time. I am also busy with running like I mentioned, and of course--kids! I love my kids. The schedule I have now allows me to spend A LOT more time with them than I was previously. We have made much more time for family outings and general togetherness. We are definitely busy, but we keep the important stuff first.
Laylah is loving dance SO much. She is excelling in school and gets straight A's. She will be 12 soon (seriously?! seriously.) and be going into Young Women's. She has started babysitting for about 4 families in our neighborhood and has lots of money to show for it. I can hardly believe she is starting Jr. High in a short 6 months!! It's all just flown by too quickly.
Jonah is so much fun. He is the funniest kid ever and always has me laughing. He continues to be a rock star on the soccer field. He took a break from soccer this winter and started basketball. He is improving, but it is harder for him. He made a couple baskets at his last game, and his face lit up like a light bulb. He earned 3 pins at his last pack meeting and enjoys scouts a lot. He also does well in school and enjoys his friends so much.
Daphne... this girl marches to the beat of her own drum and I love it. She is such a great example to me. She continues to LOVE soccer as well and she has two teams that have asked her to guest play for them at games and in tournaments. She is an amazing defender and has gotten so aggressive. She loves school and loves, LOVES her friends. She does so well and is so good at managing her time.
Baron has grown up a lot this past year. He is a crack up. He continues to be quiet and mature, but he makes us laugh like nobody's business. He does awesome in school, and his teacher even went as far as to say that he was at the very top of his class. He is an old soul and very logical about everything. He decided he hates soccer, but prefers basketball. He has been playing this winter and loves it. His coordination is off, but I have to keep reminding myself that even though he looks 10, he is only 6. I love my Bear and every snuggle he begrudgingly gives me.
And, Magnus. How this kid has improved with all of the challenges he faced a few months ago is nothing short of a miracle. He is so much fun and has a zest for life. He is up for anything and my little partner in crime. he absolutely LOVES his cousin Liam like nobody else. They are inseparable. He loves to play quietly with his toys and watch movies. He has such a wonderful imagination and I love to hear him playing by himself. He also loves to read and will bring me stack after stack of books. I love it.
Sadie.... continues to be a pill. I love our little dog to pieces, but most of the time she drives me nuts. Good thing she's cute :)
And there's a long, old update on our fam. New Year.... lots happening.... happy, blessed life.... what more can a gal ask for?
Nothing. Nothing at all.
